excursion overview
Zanzibar's old city, walked with a local guide.
Stone Town is the historic heart of Zanzibar and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its narrow alleys lined with carved wooden doors, coral-stone buildings and centuries of Swahili, Omani, Indian and European history layered on top of each other. This half-day tour walks you through the old city's landmarks with a knowledgeable local guide, then finishes at leisure so you can browse the markets or find a rooftop for lunch on your own. Pickup and drop-off from your hotel is included, so there's nothing to arrange beyond telling us where you're staying.
how the day unfolds
A guided morning through the old city.
Your guide leads the way through Stone Town's landmarks, with time along the way to stop, ask questions and take photos.
You'll be picked up from your hotel mid-morning and driven into Stone Town, where your guide takes over on foot. The route weaves through the old city's narrow lanes, taking in the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, and the Old Slave Market memorial — a sobering stop that explains the island's role in the 19th-century slave trade.
Along the way, your guide points out the carved Zanzibari doors the old town is known for, each style telling you something about the house and its original owners. The tour finishes near Forodhani Gardens on the waterfront, where you're free to browse the market stalls, get a coffee, or simply wander before your driver meets you for the return to your hotel.
what's included
Exactly what's covered — and what isn't.
- Hotel pickup & drop-off
- English-speaking local guide
- Guided walk through Stone Town's landmarks
- Entry to the Old Slave Market memorial
- All transport within Zanzibar for the tour
- Meals & drinks (cafes available throughout Stone Town)
- Hotel accommodation
- Flights to and from Zanzibar
- Travel & medical insurance (required)
- Souvenirs & personal expenses
- Tips for your guide & driver
Good to know before booking
- Stone Town is a conservative, historic town — modest dress covering shoulders and knees is appreciated, especially near mosques and religious sites.
- Wear comfortable, flat shoes — the old town's stone streets are uneven in places.
- This tour pairs well with a Spice Farm Tour or Prison Island Tour on the same or a following day — just ask when booking.
- A Tanzania e-Visa is required for most nationalities — apply at immigration.go.tz at least 3 weeks before travel.
pricing
What you'll pay — no hidden extras.
Placeholder price shown below — update to your actual rate before publishing.
| Option | Price per person | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stone Town Tour Half-day guided walking tour of Stone Town's old city | $150 | Per person, hotel pickup & drop-off included |
Ready to book your Stone Town tour?
Tell us where you're staying and your preferred date, and we'll confirm availability and send a full quote.
frequently asked questions
Questions we get asked most often.
Yes — this is a half-day excursion with hotel pickup and drop-off, not accommodation. Let us know where you're staying when you enquire.
The guided route covers roughly 2–3km of the old town at an easy pace, with regular stops. Comfortable flat shoes are recommended.
Yes, most guests pair Stone Town with a Spice Farm Tour or Prison Island Tour on the same day or the next — just mention it when booking and we'll quote a combined itinerary.
Stone Town is a conservative, historic town, so modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is appreciated, particularly near mosques.
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Jozani Forest Tour — Red Colobus Monkeys & Mangroves
Safari Blue Tour — Dhow Sailing & Sandbank Lunch
Prison Island Tour — Giant Tortoises & Snorkeling
Spice Farm Tour — Walk the Spice Island
Stone Town Tour — Zanzibar’s Historic Old City
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