House of miracles in stone town. Stone town of Zanzibar: photos, attractions, impressions. Peace Memorial Museum
As we enter Stone Town, I think it's time to talk a little about the history of Zanzibar. It is believed that the first inhabitants of Zanzibar were the Bantu peoples, who crossed the strait from the continent here 2 thousand years ago.
Zanzibar has always lived by trade. The island is one of the oldest trading centers in the world, known back to the times of the Sumerians and Assyrians. Slaves, gold, ivory and wood were supplied from here to India and Asia. Spices, glass and textiles were brought from Asia. Spices, by the way, have taken root here. True, already at the beginning of the 19th century. Cloves were brought here - and within a couple of years Zanzibar received the name “spice island”...
However, let's go back to earlier times.
Of course, Zanzibar was a Portuguese colony, like many other regions in Africa and Asia, but Portuguese rule did not last long, about 100 years. After the Portuguese, the island was ruled by the Ottomans, who brought their culture and Islam here.
The 19th century, under the rule of the Ottomans, was perhaps the “golden” age for the island - it was fabulously rich! So rich that the Sultan of Oman moved his residence here from Persian Gulf! The main income came from the sale of ivory and black slaves and the already mentioned cloves. It's funny that Indonesia only competed with Zanzibar in the clove trade in... 1985!
| In Stone Town |
And the biggest tragedy of Zanzibar, besides the slave trade, of course, occurred in 1964. Until this year, Arabs and blacks lived on the same island, but separated. But in 1964, an African equivalent of St. Bartholomew’s Night took place on the island. Blacks slaughtered Arabs... It began with the fact that the British left Zanzibar and the state gained independence. Massacres and riots, even cannibalism, immediately began in the cities; Europeans, Arabs and Indians had to flee. According to various estimates, from 2 to 20 thousand people were killed! I don’t know if this is a legend or not, but I read that the massacre ended when black guys started marrying Arab girls. I'm not sure that the girls agreed to the marriage with pleasure, but alternative They didn’t have anything. Therefore, now Negro-Arab mulattoes live on the island; by the way, they have very beautiful figures and faces.
However, let us return to the end of Ottoman rule on the island and the role of the British in the history of the island. An English protectorate was established in Zanzibar. 1890 And when one of the sultans died in 1896, Britain did not approve of his successor, fought the shortest war in the world, only 38 minutes, and then ruled independently. The fight against the slave trade, by the way, was also carried out with the direct participation of the British. The slave trade was defeated earlier, right at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, in 1876, even under the Ottomans. Since the time of English rule, the people of Zanzibar have called their archipelago "Muslim country with the English order." I will say that they flatter themselves incredibly! What Zanzibar is now is a sad sight. An island of lost opportunities...
| Somewhere in the center of Stone Town |
| Well, it's beautiful! |
Local residents call the capital differently: Shangaani, the name of the Bantu tribe from Mozambique, which first settled in these places, Stone Town and simply the city of Zanzibar. In Stone Town, stone houses were built without any construction plan, so now the city is a labyrinth of winding narrow streets. Interesting places there are many in the city - in Stone Town there are more than 50 mosques, 6 Hindu temples, 2 Catholic churches. But we walked around it somehow crumpled. The market area is very interesting. By the way, it has been located here for centuries.
| Stone Town. Market |
Nearby, on the site of a former slave market, an Anglican Cathedral was built. Stone Town was at one time a base for explorers, Africa from Europe. It was here that the famous David Livingston prepared for his last expedition. Still, the Ottomans were a civilization (and a rich civilization) compared to wild Africa.
The ancient port has a very interesting energy – a feeling of eternity, like in the mountains or in the desert.
| At the port of Stone Town |
| Stone Town. Somewhere near the port |
| Stone Town. Fort |
It's right there famous Palace Wonderful - Beit el-Ajaib, built by a naval engineer from Scotland in the early 19th century for Sultan Said Barghash. Imagine the degree of wealth of the island, if already in 1883 there was the first (and I'm afraid the last:)) elevator in Zanzibar, running water, and electricity, which, by the way, is now regularly turned off on the island.
| Stoke Town. Palace of Miracles |
We went shopping and bought gifts. The legend that souvenirs are cheaper in Stone Town has not been confirmed. I would even say that it is more expensive than on our beach. It is worth buying summer cotton clothes (pants, sundresses, pareos), paintings and wood products. Yes, and spices! But what I was looking for and didn’t find was tea with spices. It was probably worth buying masala... I drank tea with spices on the island - it was super! It’s a pity I couldn’t bring it home as a gift to my loved ones.
| We're shopping |
Stone Town is also known as the birthplace of one of the most unique modern performers - Freddie Mercury. Of course, I couldn't pass by! Queen has been one of my musical passions throughout my entire adult life.
| Entrance to Freddie's house-museum |
| Stone Town. Slum |
And in the center there are very soulful buildings on the seashore.
| Stone Town. Embankment |
| Stone Town. Rich houses |
| Minaret. Some kind of non-standard |
| I like this. And you? |
| Non-standard transport is a sign of exotic cities |
And the residents are so interesting that it’s impossible to resist taking photo sessions. It’s good that in Zanzibar people are more relaxed about tourists’ desire to photograph them. Well, how can you not capture chicks with suitcases on their heads?
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| The kids are good |
What I couldn’t photograph was the biggest impression of the island entertainment. In the evening, in villages, televisions are taken out onto the street, around which all the residents gather and watch television programs! I see it for the first time in my life. It's very touching. Although my husband says that back in the 70s such scenes could be seen in Ukraine.
A couple more days of rest, then almost a day on the road (8 hours on the plane) with a visit to Istanbul - and we are home. But more on that later.
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Geography:
Stone Town is not just the heart of Zanzibar, but also a historical architectural monument of the island. This is the oldest city on the island, reminiscent of an endless labyrinth of intertwining narrow streets, ancient stone dwellings, Arabic arches, massive carved doors, towers and low windows, quaint balconies and an impressive number of bazaars, shops, galleries and spice aisles. Today Stone Town is the only functioning ancient city East Africa, which has preserved its 200-year-old pristine state.
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The name of one of the largest buildings in Stonetown, built in a tropical Victorian style, is Beit el-Ajaib, or the House of Wonders. It was built according to the design of a certain Scottish naval engineer, commissioned by Sultan Barghash in 1883. For some time the house served as the residence of the Sultan. But in 1896, the three-story building became the target of British bombing: the British did not want Sultan Khalid bin Barghash to take the throne after the death of Sultan Hamad (1893 - 1896).
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Animal world:
White colobus (Jozani forest), dolphins, tropical fish, duikers, antelopes, monkeys. On the island you can also meet agile mongooses. In Zanzibar, the world of tropical birds and butterflies is unusually colorful, which you are likely to encounter in village settlements.
Things to do:
Attractions in the vicinity of Stone Town
- The Livingstone House
- Hamamni Springs / The Hamamni Baths
- The National Museum of Zanzibar
- The Chukwani Palace
- The Jozani Forest: Red Colobus Sanctuary / The Jozani Forest
- The Mtoni Palace ruins
- The Maruhubi Palace ruins
- Persian “baths” / The Persian Baths of Kidichi
- The Mangapwani slave caves
Ethnics of Zanzibar
In Zanzibar, you have the opportunity to get acquainted with the traditions and culture of the Swahili, who cannot be called a tribe - rather, they are a people born over centuries, a harmonious fusion of Arab, Portuguese, Persian and Omani cultures. Initially, Arab traders of the Persian Gulf chose these places and married the local Bantu-speaking inhabitants of the island. Many centuries later, the golden culture of the Swahili was born, the islands were decorated with picturesque architecture and they turned into a real historical heritage.
Diving
The eastern part of the island has the most luxurious beaches and a coral reef stretching along them, an excellent place for scuba diving. Due to the location of the island, the coastal waters of the ocean are calm and have an average temperature of 27C. Coral reefs inhabited by colorful fish can be explored on underwater expeditions, accessible to novice professionals. Encounters with dolphins and turtles add to the appeal of this underwater world.
Dolphin watching
One of the most exciting sights is watching dolphins. While sailing on a small boat, curious dolphins will surround you from all sides. If you're lucky, you might even swim side by side with them. Adult dolphins reach more than three meters in size and up to 350 kg in weight.
Spice Tour
Spice Tour - a four-hour excursion with a visit to exotic gardens in which all kinds of traditional fruits and spices grow. Many of them have useful unique properties and are used to this day both in medicine and other fields. During the excursion, everyone can independently appreciate the taste of fruits and spices. The tour also takes you outside of Stone Town, where the ruins of Maruhubi Castle, built in 1880-82 and destroyed by fire in 1889, are located.
How to get there:
The most convenient way to get to the island is by domestic plane or international flight. They fly here regular flights from Nairobi, Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Kilimanjaro: flights are as follows Air airlines Tanzania, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Air Zimbabwe, Egypt Air, Air India, Air Malawi, South African Airways, Royal Swazi Airlines, etc. From Europe you can reach airlines such as Gulf Air, Ethiopian Airlines, KLM (together with Kenya Airways) or fly to Dar es Salaam with British Airways, Emirates Airlines, Swiss, and then travel by domestic flight or ferry. You can also get to the island from Dar es Salaam by ferry with Azam Marine.
Seasons:
Zanzibar has a typically equatorial climate. From December to March it is relatively dry and hot, from June to October it is cool and this is the driest season, from March to the end of May long-term rains are possible, and in November short-term rains are possible.
The house of miracles is the main one architectural ensemble the city of Stone Town, located on the island of Zanzibar. For a long time, the House of Miracles was the residence of local sultans, this continued until 1964, until the unification of Zanzibar and Tanganyika took place.
The name of the palace is explained very simply: it was the first building in Zanzibar where electricity and centralized water supply appeared. Local residents were surprised for a long time that water flowed through the pipes directly into the washbasin.
Today, the palace has lost its former grandeur, top officials of states no longer stay here, and the elevator, which served as a means of transportation inside the building, has not been working for a long time. However, in several rooms of the palace there is a museum that tells about local crafts and customs. And, of course, tourists are drawn here by the magnificent view of Stone Town, which opens from the palace terrace.
Slave Trade Square in Stone Town
A large slave market appeared in Zanzibar at the beginning of the 19th century. From 1830 to 1873, more than 600 thousand people were sold at the slave trading area in Stone Town; on average, 10 to 30 thousand people were sold annually in Zanzibar.
The slave trade was banned in 1873, and a year later construction of the Anglican Cathedral began on the square. It still stands there now.
Tourists are shown not only the square itself, but also the rooms in which slaves were kept before being sold, as well as the cellars where the slave trade continued after the official ban until the 1890s.
What attractions of Stone Town did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.
Sultan's Palace in Stone Town
The Sultan's Palace, or House of Miracles, is one of the largest buildings in Stone Town, built in a tropical Victorian style.
The palace was built according to the design of an unknown Scottish naval engineer, commissioned by Sultan Barghash in 1883. For some time the building served as the residence of the Sultan. But in 1896, the three-story building became the target of British bombing. Subsequently, the palace was renovated.
The palace was not only the largest building in all of Zanzibar, but also the first building to have electricity, running water and even an elevator. Since the Zanzibar government began holding its meetings elsewhere, the palace has occasionally hosted exhibitions and parties, and recently opened a luxurious restaurant.
On memorial plaque in front of the entrance it is written that someday a museum of the history of Zanzibar and the Swahili civilization will be built in this house.
The English fort on the island of Zanzibar has existed since the times when Tanzania was a British colony, that is, from the late 18th to early 19th centuries. The majestic fort is located next to the Sultan's Palace, in the center of Stone Town.
In the 19th century, the fort’s dungeons were used as prison casemates and places for torture; a century later, a railway station was built here, and now the fort is a large cultural center where festivals, music and dance performances, and African drum shows are regularly held.
The most important holidays under open air, traditionally held in the fortress and attracting thousands of people from all over the world, are the Zanzibar International Film Festival ZIFF and the Swahili Music Festival Sauti za Busara.
Spice and fruit market in Zanzibar
The largest fruit and spice market in Zanzibar is located in the historical part of the island, in the city of Stone Town. This market was founded in 1904. Today on the market you can see huge rows of fruit, numerous trading stalls with exotic fruits and spices. Zanzibar is often called the “spice island”, and the choice of seasonings here is truly enormous.
The market gives tourists the opportunity to feel the pulse of this African-Muslim island and hear a variety of dialects of local languages. The market is aimed not only at tourists, but also at local residents. Therefore, here you can see how Zanzibaris dress, what fruits and spices they choose for themselves.
Hotel "House of Africa"
The House of Africa is a magnificent hotel housed in a luxurious historic building late XIX century. More than a century ago, the hotel building served as the English royal residence, and therefore the hotel is one of the most luxurious on the island, offering truly royal service.
The small hotel is located in an original low-rise snow-white building in a colonial architectural style. The hotel's interior is tastefully decorated with luxurious Persian carpets, antiques, and works of art by local artists, and therefore the hotel has an indescribable special atmosphere of royal luxury.
Forodhani Gardens
Forodhani Gardens is an open area located in front of the central promenade of Stone Town, which is located on the island of Zanzibar in Tanzania. This place is one of the most popular among tourists; travelers are especially attracted by the local market, which opens in the evenings.
Translated from Swahili, the word "Forodhani" means "place of unloading of ships." This name is no coincidence: many centuries ago, trading ships were unloaded here with slaves, who were then sent to sell the goods on the local market. Later, a customs office was located here.
Today, Forodhani Gardens is a center of attraction for tourists, famous primarily for its market. The market is open daily in the evening. Here you can buy a wide variety of products, including those cooked in front of your eyes on huge roasting pans. Flatbreads with fish filling are especially popular.
Stone Town
Stone Town is the oldest city and the capital of the Zanzibar peninsula. Its narrow, romantic streets stretch between mosques, colorful bazaars and ancient Arab houses. They are great for walking, since cars will not fit to drive between the buildings of the old city.
The architecture here is represented by an amazing combination of Persian, Arabic, European, Indian and African styles. The Arab influence is especially pronounced in the impressive size of the hanging balconies and carved doors. Construction took several centuries, although buildings made of stone began to be erected only at the beginning of the 19th century.
The main attractions of Stone Town are two buildings: an Arab fort, built in place of an 18th-century Portuguese fortification, and the palace of Sultan Said Barghash, also known as the “House of Miracles”. On the East African coast, before colonization, this city was a center of trade. In the middle XIX century its main income came from the export of various spices - mainly cloves, and slaves who were exported to the New World.
The most popular attractions in Stone Town with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Stone Town on our website.
Stone Town is the most Big city in Zanzibar and its capital. Stone City, located in the center west coast, was named after the coral stone buildings that were built here mainly in the 19th century, on the site of a very old fishing village. The area, which is commonly called Stone Town in Zanzibar, is home to about 16,000 people and has approximately 1,700 buildings that form a labyrinth of narrow streets. These streets are too narrow not only for cars, but also, unfortunately, for bicycles and motorcycles. Therefore, you can only move around the Stone Town on foot.
Stone Town in Zanzibar is amazing place with a unique atmosphere. Here you can hear the muezzin's calls to prayer 5 times a day. The architecture of the area is predominantly Arabic, which means that the walls of the houses are very thick and the houses themselves are tall and have square and simple facades. Many of the buildings have a central courtyard that runs upward through all floors and serves as natural ventilation. As a rule, Indian craftsmen were engaged in decorating houses, so elements such as wooden balconies and carved doors and stairs appeared on houses. Some of the doors have copper pins, which also came from India, where they were used to protect buildings from elephants. The oldest, simplest traditional doors have the horizontal lintels characteristic of Oman and Arabia in general, but later doors have rounded tops, and this style shows the influence Indian architecture(many builders and craftsmen came to Zanzibar from the Indian subcontinent).
Surprising, but relatively small town Stone Town in Zanzibar has 51 mosques, whose muezzins constantly compete with each other during prayer, as well as 6 Hindu temples, Catholic churches and an Anglican cathedral. Stone Town in Zanzibar has many burial sites around the outskirts with interesting headstones and graves, as well as some important graves in the town itself. As a rule, these are the graves of religious figures of the past.
The old tree on the waterfront, near the old dispensary, is the most famous tree in Zanzibar and can often be seen in many old photographs of the city.
History of Stone Town
The Stone City is as old as the first stories about it. The first Arab sea traders mentioned the "Coast of the Black People" in their letters. The strategic location of the island is near east coast Africa allowed it to develop into a cosmopolitan center where Arab, Indian, European and African traditions and cultures met. The first settlement and the oldest known city on Zanzibar today, Stone Town or Stone Town, was a Portuguese fort. Its foundations were laid in the early 18th century, but the city was probably never completed until 1780, when the Omani rulers arrived. Therefore, it is more correct to consider Stone Town an Omani fort. A significant part of the stone city consists of Arab houses. These buildings, often square and with a spacious courtyard to allow light and air to circulate throughout the house, were built close together and did not have any enclosures or garden plots near them. Arab families tried to live as close to each other as possible, and many buildings were connected by pedestrian paths, which are still visible on the ground floors. This allowed women to visit relatives and friends without having to go outside.
Stone Town became a thriving center of commerce in the 19th century. It was a center for the spice and slave trade. The ruling sultanate had close relations with the British, and in 1890 Zanzibar became a British protectorate. But the Omanis in Zanzibar soon rebelled against British rule in 1896, and this rebellion escalated into what is known as the shortest war in history, lasting only 45 minutes of naval bombardment by the British Royal Navy, after which the Sultan was forced to surrender.
At the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century, Stone Town was clearly divided. It had Arab, Indian and European quarters. Very few Africans lived in Stone Town - they mostly came to the town only to work and lived in a nearby area called Ngambo.
In 1964, Stone Town was the central point of the revolution in Zanzibar that marked the beginning of the socialist government and the fall of the sultanate. After the revolution, most non-Africans left Zanzibar, leaving behind their homes and buildings. The government confiscated abandoned buildings and established government agencies, schools and other public institutions. Some buildings were rented out to tenants for a symbolic monthly rent. rent, and the spacious houses could easily accommodate many poor families.
The new ruling party decided to annex Zanzibar to the Tanganyika mainland to form new country, Tanzania. Today, Zanzibar remains a semi-autonomous region within Tanzania, and Stone Town is the capital and center of political and social life on the island.
In 2000, Stone Town was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List due to its globally significant heritage and built environment.
Sights of Stone Town
There are currently 26 landmark buildings in Stone Town, assessed as Grade I buildings. A Grade I building is a building of outstanding architectural, historical or cultural significance. We will present only some of the attractions of the Stone Town in Zanzibar, but you can be sure that there are many more interesting buildings here.
Old fortress
The foundations of the old fort were laid by the Portuguese in early 1710, but construction was completed by the Omanis in 1780. The fort was later used as a prison for British officials until 1950, and also as railway workshops in the 1920s when it was built Railway from Bububu to Stone Town. Now the old fort is used as the cultural center of the Stone Town.
House of Miracles
Built in 1883 by Sultan Seyyid Barghash for ceremonial purposes, the House of Miracles also served as the residence of one of his heirs. After the revolution, the building was used by the ruling party, and in 2001 it became the Zanzibar Museum.
Persian bath
The bathhouse was built for the public by Sultan Seyyid Barghash (1870-1888) and designed by a Persian architect.
Forodani People's Palace
The first Sultan Said Said settled in Zanzibar in 1832 and chose a place on the waterfront for his residence. The palace had many forms and went through many changes. In the aftermath of the bombing in 1896, the palace was heavily damaged. It was later restored, but on a much smaller scale. Despite its smaller size, the architectural grandeur of the palace is still undeniable.
Royal Tombs
There are a few royal tombs, scattered around the Forodani area. According to old customs, burial plots were located near the house. The Sultan's family is mostly buried in close proximity to the palace.
Construction market
The original name of this market is Sayidieh. The market opened in 1904 and was designed by British architect Sinclair. It was built on the first reclaimed land on what is today Creek Road.
Peace Memorial Museum
The Anglican Cathedral in Stone Town became a symbol of the end of the slave trade. The foundation stone for this building was laid in 1873, and in the same year the slave trade was officially abolished. The Anglican Cathedral was built primarily with cement rather than mortar, and in the construction of this cathedral the builders attempted to incorporate some Arabic features into the Gothic building. It is said that Sultan Barghash donated a clock for the cathedral tower on the condition that the tower should not exceed the tower at Beit el-Ajaib.
Hospital
The first part of the hospital was built in 1896 and had 6 Asian and 9 African wards. In 1924, an additional wing for Europeans was built. After the revolution, the hospital was named after Lenin.
Hindu temple
Kiponda Temple is located just behind the People's Palace, in a residential area. The temple is believed to have been built in the 1870s.
Former British Consulate building
The British Consulate was opened in 1841 and was located in shopping districts, but quite close to the coast. The building was reportedly home to famous explorers such as Spake, Barton, and Dr. Livingston.
Stone Town, or Stone Town, in (Zanzibar) is oldest city on the archipelago. The area was inhabited back in the 16th century, and in the 17th century the first stone buildings began to appear here. From 1840 to 1856 Stone Town was the capital Ottoman Empire. Now Stone Town is the most visited in Africa. Stone Town has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.
General information about Stone Town in Zanzibar
Weather in Stone Town
The average annual air temperature is +30⁰С, the water temperature on the beach is almost always +26⁰С. You can come all year round, but in May-April and November the rainy season, so some close or reduce the cost of living. From June to October there is practically no rain here and the air temperature is quite comfortable for tourists.
Currency exchange
The national currency in Zanzibar is the Tanzanian shilling, the coins are called cents. Banknotes in use are 200, 500, 1000, 5000 and 10,000 shillings, but coins are practically not used on the island. You can import any currency - both dollars and euros are accepted here, but it is prohibited to export shillings from the country. Exchange currency at hotels, banks and licensed currency exchange offices. Exchanging currency on the street is illegal and risks deportation from the island. Banks in Stone Town are open from 8:30 to 16:00 on weekdays and until 13:00 on Saturdays. Exchange offices in the city they work until 20-00.
Credit cards are practically not accepted here, even in large hotels and expensive restaurants. Therefore, you can leave them at home. There are no ATMs in the city, and it is impossible to cash out cards in banks.
Sights of Stone Town
In Stone Town, we recommend going on excursions to the Sultan's Palace, or (House of Wonders), Old Fort and Cultural Center, and Slave Trade Square. An equally important attraction of the Stone Town is Cathedral Saint Joseph (St. Joseph's Cathedral).
The most beautiful place here are the Forodani Gardens, which were recently restored at a cost of $3 million. Every evening after sunset, performances for tourists begin here, along with the sale of grilled seafood and sweets based on Zanzibar recipes. The main diving center is located in Stone Town. The maximum depth is 30 meters, there are beautiful corals, underwater mountains, various marine flora and fauna.
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Stone Town Hotels
Among the hotels in the city, the most popular among tourists are Doubletree By Hilton Zanzibar and Al-Minar - chic hotels that are decorated in warm colors in the traditional Zanzibar style. Carved furniture self made and African decorative items add a special coziness to the rooms. Forodhani Park Hotel features a rooftop outdoor pool and a café, located across the street from Forodhani Gardens. Price - from $100 per night.
For budget tourists, we offer Zanzibar Dormitory Lodge hostels within walking distance of the Old Fort and St. Monica's Lodge on the territory of the slave market. Breakfast is included in the price. Night stay - from $60.
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Restaurants in Stone Town
The best restaurant is considered to be the Terrace Restaurant at Maru Maru - an elegant establishment on the roof of the hotel where you can order a hookah and watch the sunset on the ocean. Tourists also have positive reviews of the Tea House Restaurant with vegetarian, Middle Eastern and Persian cuisine and the Zanzibar Coffee House Cafe with an authentic interior and delicious lunches. The best ice cream in the city can be tasted at Tamu Italian Ice Cream, a family-run budget cafe, 2,500 shillings per scoop of any flavor. You can try an excellent selection of smoothies, cocktails, fresh juices from selected fruits and shakes for 3,500 shillings at the Lazuli cafe.
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Shopping lovers will not really like it in Stone Town. There are only two here shopping center– “Memories” and “Curio Shop”. Prices for clothing and jewelry are low, but the choice is quite limited. The main purchases are various. The most popular are Tingatinga's paintings, which are sold only on. They depict fun African life on the island. The paintings are very popular not only among tourists, but also among residents of the mainland.
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- It is best to call home at the post office, because... Calls from the hotel are much more expensive. At night and on Sundays, the cost of long-distance calls is two times cheaper. Mobile phones practically do not connect to the network, and in order to make a call, you must have the GSM-900 communication standard and activate international roaming. The Internet can be used in special business centers at hotels.
- To visit Zanzibar you are no longer required to be vaccinated against yellow fever, although previously you would not have been allowed at the border without a certificate. On the island low level malaria, so the holiday is considered safe.
- In addition to the local police, which keep order, there is a special tourist police in the city. There have been practically no cases of theft; tourists are respected and helped as much as possible, because they bring the majority of the income to the state.
How to get to Stone Town?
9 kilometers from the city there is Kiswani Airport (Airport Zanzibar Kisauni), which receives regular flights from, and others major cities. From the airport to the center of Stone Town is half an hour away by car. A taxi costs about 10,000 shillings. You can also take a ferry from Dar es Salaam to Stone Town in 2.5 hours.
Transport
Stone Town has very narrow streets and the city itself is small, so transport system practically undeveloped. But on major streets you can see motorcycles that are used to transport people and goods. Public transport in the city it is called Daladala - these are taxis in the form of minibuses. The main station is located in Arajani Market. For travel between cities, mabasi are available – trucks, which the locals adapted for transporting people in the back and on the roof. The main station is located near the slave market.
Also in the city, unlike mainland Tanzania, you can freely rent a car. The roads in Zanzibar are excellent. Renting a car for locals costs half as much as for tourists, so if you want to save money, ask one of the locals to hire a car for you or arrange at a hotel.
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