Stone TownStone Town is the capital of Zanzibar and a fascinating small town on the coast, brimming with the hustle and bustle of local life. Stone Town is steeped in history and is a captivating living monument to the culture and histories of its curious mix of East African, Arab, Indian, Persian and European conquerors, traders and seafarers. To not see Stone Town is a real shame!
Stone Town is an extraordinary place to explore; the ancient maze of narrow streets is a hotchpotch of historic old stone buildings, built close together for some respite from the tropical island sun; shaded by elegantly carved balconies, loggias and verandas that cling precipitously overhead.
Stone Town gives a glimpse of the essence of Zanzibar; the sights, sounds and smells of the market, restaurants, harbour and mosques; albeit a very real and un-airbrushed view! However, it is increasingly becoming a dedicated tourist centre, with masses of tourist tat flooding the markets. All visitors should be prepared for noisy street vendors, dirty pedestrian streets and a sense of crumbling glory. A guided tour of Stone Town allows time to see the Sultan’s Palaces and experience the sights and sounds of this idiosyncratic centre. There are many fine buildings to see and some, such as the House of Wonders and the Arab Fort, have been restored to create areas for coffee and relaxation.
Generally the best way to explore Stone Town is to meander the streets, window shopping and absorbing the atmosphere. In the evenings a crowd gathers along the harbour front and in Forodhani Gardens, where smoke rises from barbecues at the assorted food stalls and the curio markets assemble by gaslight amid a hubbub of banter. It is a world apart, and well worth a visit.
Stone Town: Accommodation choices
Stone Town itself is best split into two parts, the sea front and the old town. The Old Town is a myriad of little streets where you can walk past hotels and not even know they exist. The first to mention is 236 Hurumzi (Emerson and Green as it used to be called) which is probably the town’s most famous hotel. However, years of full occupancy have seen this lodge become a shadow of its former glory, and even though there are a couple of fantastic rooms, the service is often poor and we nowadays prefer not to use it. Fairly close by is the Zanzibar Palace Hotel which offers similar styled accommodation, yet their rooms are much nicer and their management offer a much more attentive approach to service. Further away from the narrow streets is another similar styled hotel, Beyt al Chai which is located directly opposite the famous Serena Inn. Beyt is a great option for people who want to escape the vibrant tiny streets and has one of the best restaurants in town. Close by is the newcomer in town, the Seyyida - it is similar in style to the other three, although more modern. The Serena Inn is the final hotel to mention, and is by far the largest hotel. With a beautiful pool area and a couple of great restaurants that look directly out to sea and where the sunsets, this is the most luxurious option, and a great hotel to escape what is quite an intense little town!
Recommended lodges in this area:
Stone Town, Zanzibar
Located in Zanzibars Stone Town, it is a pretty house that was at one time a tea house belonging to a wealthy Zanzibarian merchant. Situated directly opposite the Serena Inn, personal service and an oasis of tranquility in the otherwise busy surrounds of Stone Town, this is a fantastic choice.
Stone Town, Zanzibar
One of the small luxury hotels of the world, the Serena Inn is not so in keeping with Stone Towns character but quite frankly, that is a good thing! It offers a great escape from what can be quite a hectic little town. The pool is the nicest in Stone Town with great views out to sea and a great place for sunset cocktails. Again, attention has to be paid to which room you book. The prime rooms are especially good value.
Stone Town, Zanzibar
236 Hurumzi in Zanzibar Stone Town, was home to possibly the richest man in the Swahili Empire during the 1870s. In later history it became a place the British used for the payment of slaves. Today it is a tradtional Stone Town Hotel.
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