Stone Town, Zanzibar Guide

Zanzibar is situated about 40km (25 miles) off the coast of Tanzania, and is 97km (60 miles) long and 32km (20 miles) wide. Stone Town is the old city and cultural centre of Zanzibar, which rose to prominence in the 17th century. The town is made up of narrow streets and winding alleys, bazaars and mosques. It is also home to many grand Arab houses, which were built in the 19th century when Zanzibar was one of the most important trading centres in the Indian Ocean. Key attractions in Stone Town include the Old Dispensary, Livingstone’s House, the Peace Memorial Museum, the Palace Museum, the Arab Fort and the House of Wonders (which translates from its local name, Beit el Jaib). Zanzibar itself has many breathtaking beaches and is also famed for the rare Kirk’s Red Colobus monkey, which can be found in the Jozani Forest. As well as Zanzibar, Tanzania boasts many smaller islands which are just a short trip from Stone Town, including Prison (Changu Island), Chapwani, Chumbe and Bawe Islands.
Air: Zanzibar Airport. Water: Ferry: Ferries operate to Zanzibar (from Dar-es-Salaam). Road: Car: Stone Town is located on the Western side of Zanzibar and can be reached via the main road (from the airport).