Stone Town
Stone Town is the main city in Zanzibar and it is situated on a small promontory on the west coast of Unguja, facing the Zanzibar Channel. In the year 2000 Stone Town was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being an exceptional specimen of a Swahili coastal trading town. The city reflects a rich blending of African, Arab, Indian, Persian, and European traditions accumulated over a millennium. Stone Town is particularly famous for its more than 500 ornately carved wooden doors adorned with brass studs and symbolic motifs like fish or chain patterns.
How to get around
Stone Town covers roughly 2.5 square kilometers, making it compact enough to explore completely on foot. The streets form a tight, winding maze of alleys too narrow for cars, filled with bustling bazaars, shops, mosques, and courtyards. They almost seem like a labyrinth so it can be a good idea to hire a guide to show you around.
History
Originally Stone Town was a small fishing and trading village established by local Swahili communities. Portuguese explorers arrived in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, taking control of the coast for roughly two centuries. In the late 17th century, the Sultanate of Oman expelled the Portuguese and built defensive structures like the Old Fort. Hence Stone Town has a rich and varied cultural history and it shows in the many historical buildings.
From Omani Rule to Modern Zanzibar
In 1698, Zanzibar came under the control of the Sultanate of Oman. The islands developed a thriving economy based on trade and cash crops. Society was led by an Arab ruling elite, while the majority of the population was of Bantu origin, from mainland Tanzania.
British influence gradually increased, and in 1890 Zanzibar became a British Protectorate. The Zanzibar Archipelago gained independence from Britain in December 1963. One month later, the Zanzibar Revolution took place. During the uprising, thousands of Arabs and Indians were killed, while many others were expelled or lost their property. Today, Zanzibar remains a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania.
Photographing in Stone Town
Taking good pictures in Stone Town is both an easy and quite difficult task. Easy, because it’s a lively and colorful place with a lot going on and so one could basically just take place somewhere and wait for something interesting to happen or pass by. Yet, it can be difficult because the streets are very narrow, making it hard to get a proper distance to people and they are often moving around in the shadows. Also, it is a predominantly muslim religion, meaning not all – particularly women – wants their photo to be taken.
Probably the most obvious place to take pictures in Stone Town is the harbourfront which features a lively coastal promenade and historic landmarks overlooking the Indian Ocean. The most prominent are:
Forodhani Gardens: A popular seaside park that transforms into a bustling night food market serving local dishes like Zanzibar pizza and fresh seafood.
The Old Fort (Kongwe Castle): A massive 17th-century fortification right on the waterfront hosting local craft shops and an open-air amphitheater.
House of Wonders (Beit al-Ajaib): A landmark historic palace overlooking the port area.
Forodhani Waterfront Dining: Popular spots like the Archipelago Waterfront Cafe offer outdoor seating and seafood with sunset views over the ocean.
