Stone Town is an enchanting island capital known for its rich history and culture, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can admire the beautifully weathered mansions, crumbling limestone palaces, winding alleyways, and impressive mosques that capture the imagination. The ancient city offers many activities, even if you simply meander through its narrow, winding trails, providing a magical experience.
One must-try activity in Stone Town is a spice tour, where you can taste, see, and touch a variety of spices. Additionally, don’t miss the opportunity to sample delicious local food at Forodhani Gardens, where you can enjoy treats like samosas, seafood, coconut curries, and the unique Zanzibar pizza.
There are also intriguing museums that showcase the darker aspects of history, such as the slave trade, as well as exhibitions on traditional dhow buildings. Customize your trip to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of the past. As you stroll through the streets, you’ll find traders selling beautiful ancient art pieces, jewellery, and intricate wooden doors. The muezzin’s call to prayer resonates throughout the town, creating a delightful atmosphere. Stone Town is also an ideal destination for a romantic holiday.
Architecture and Structure of Stone Town
The buildings in Stone Town reflect the influence of various cultures along the Indian Ocean rim through their structure, construction materials, and techniques. The outstanding universal value of this property lies in the character of its clustered buildings, the layout of the town, and the relationship between these structures and the open spaces, streets, roads, and gardens. Additionally, the coastal edge, as viewed from the sea, and the access to the sea from the land are important aspects that remain intact. However, these buildings are vulnerable to deterioration, and the visual appeal from the sea is at risk due to inappropriate development.
The Malindi Port development project has posed significant threats, including the loss of two historic warehouses and the construction of new port facilities that are not appropriately scaled or designed. These actions were taken without prior approval, setting a concerning precedent for unintegrated development. The modern inspirations of Zanzibaris, if not well considered and articulated, could further compromise the integrity of the property.
The property boundary coincides with the Urban Conservation Area, which includes the northern port area, bordered by beaches to the northwest and southwest, open spaces to the east, and the older part of Darajani Street. The buffer zone encompasses the historic section of Ng’ambo, which includes some modernist buildings in Michenzani and the main road of Mlandege.
Permits and Visas
Zanzibar, while part of Tanzania, has its immigration service and requires a separate visa for travellers from the UK, Canada, the US, Australia, and New Zealand. However, citizens of other Commonwealth member states, as well as South Africans and Namibians, do not need a visa.
Tourist visas can be obtained either upon arrival or online. The visa costs $50 for a 3-month single-entry visa, although it is $100 for US passport holders (as of the current date). Payment can be made in cash or by card.
If you are travelling from countries experiencing Yellow Fever epidemics, you will need to provide proof of vaccination.
