Stone Town
Stone Town also known as Mji Mkongwe (Swahili for “old town”) is the old part of Zanzibar City and is located on the Western coast of Unguja, the main island of the Zanzibar Archipelago.
The Stone Town of Zanzibar is a fine example of the historical Swahili coastal trading towns with increasingly artistic importance in East Africa. Its architecture is dating back to the 16th century and is reflecting the diverse influences underlying the Swahili culture with a unique mixture of Arab, Persian, Indian, and European elements.
Stone Town is a fascinating maze of narrow streets and alleyways which pass numerous old houses, mosques and churches, ornate palaces, shops and bazaars. The culture and history of the place is all around you and you will be carried away by this wonderful Arabic-Swahili style. And get lost over and over again….
Highlights include Beit el Ajaib (House of Wonders), Forodhani Garden, Hamamni Persian Baths, Markets, Palace Museum, The Old Fort, St Joseph’s Catholic Cathedral and the Anglican Cathedral Church of Christ. A number of wonderful cafes and restaurants are also found in Stone Town.
Staying in Stone Town is worth every minute! Plus its easy to explore on foot, no vehicle is needed around town.
Spice Tour
A stay in Zanzibar is not complete without a trip to the far mlands just outside Stone Town to see aromatic plants and
herbs growing wild or cultivated in kitchen gar dens.
Guides take you on a walking tour out to the villages and plantations at Kizimbani or Kindichi, picking bunches of leaves,
fruit and twigs from bushes and inviting you to smell or taste them to guess what they are. Among the spices that you will
have a chance to smell or taste are cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, garlic, chillies, black pepper, nutmeg and vanilla. Tasting
some of the seasonal exotic fl avours of Zanzibar is a must on this tour.
The tour includes a light lunch, made with all the spices you saw growing. Enjoy!
Tours can be booked directly at the hotel, please ask Salma or email us at: info@kiponda.com
Beaches
Zanzibar has miles and miles of unspoilt beautiful white sand beaches with beautiful palm trees and crystal clear waters.
There is a variety of superb and fantastic options, and some are so peaceful and remote that the only noise breaking the silence is likely to be the ocean or coconut palm branches swaying in the ocean breeze.
At the northern tip of the island are the more developed touristy destinations of Kendwa and Nungwi, on the west coast of Zanzibar is Mangapwani beach. On the Eastern coastline is where you have the best chances of long stretches of beach on your own: Matemwe, Pwani Mchangani, Kiwengwa, Uroa, Bwejuu and Jambiani are among the spots to be checked out. All beaches have a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets.
Some facilities offer kite surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving or sailing on traditional wooden dhows. We are happy to advise you and help you with your bookings, just ask Salma.
Kilimanjaro climb & Safari
We are also specialized in organizing Kilimanjaro climbs through our local partner in Marangu and you can make all arrangements through us. Whether staying at huts on the traditional ‘Coca-Cola Route’ or more individually on one of the less frequently used routes in comfortable tents, we have done it all. Over and over again. Our teams are super and you will have an unforgettable experience on the roof of Africa!
You can combine your climb with a safari in three of the most amazing national Parks in Northern Tanzania (Tarangire, Lake Manyara and the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater). We are specialized on budget safaris with tents or local places for overnight, but we can book any hotel you like. We plan the trip with you individually, so that you have an unforgettable experience.
The Kili climb and Safari can easily be combined with your stay in Zanzibar which makes your trip a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience. The only thing you need to do is hop on a plane and we will take care of the rest. Promise!
