What to see

	Forodhani Gardens		The Palace Museum		St Joseph's Cathedral
	Peace Memorial Museum		Arab Fort		The Old Dispensary
	Kelele Square		Durajani Bazaar		Anglican Cathedral
	Malindi Mosque		House of Wonders		High Court
	Shakti Temple		Hamamni Persian Baths		Mbweni Ruins
	Spice Tour		Mruhubi Ruins		Jozani Forest
	Mtoni Ruins		Mangapwani		Kidichi Bath Ruins

Forodhani Gardens

If you are not scared of local food, then this place is definitely worth a visit. It is possibly the cheapest food you will find on the island, and value for money too. Ranging from crab claws, calamari steaks to plain old chips done in big woks. You are well advised to try the local sugar cane juice. The curio market can be found next to the food market. Here you will find all the gifts you may want to take back to friends and loved ones. DO NOT buy the first thing you see. First take a walk through the market, and you will see prices get progressively less. You must ALWAYS haggle and bargain with the vendors or try to set the prices off against each other. This is their way of doing business and it also ensures that you get the best price

Malindi mosque

This is one of the oldest Mosques in Zanzibar. It is unusual because it is conical in shape (there are only 3 conical mosques in East Africa). Have a look for the minaret. You may need a guide to see this. Across from the front door of the mosque is a mausoleum, one of the few left in Stone Town.

Shakti Temple

This temple had a huge congregation of Hindus before the revolution in 1964, whereafter many of them fled in fear of their lives. It is very difficult to find without a guide, so ask around and someone will show you where it is.

Palace museum

This fascinating look back into the lives of the Sultans, includes a room dedicated to the Princess Salme of Zanzibar, daughter of Sultan Said the Great. It contains various items of furniture and paintings. Although very run down and dusty it is well worth look. You will have to pay an entrance fee.

Arab Fort

Built in 1780 by the Omanis, it was used to protect people from attacks expected from the mainland. The fort was later used as a prison and barracks. During the period of Portuguese rule, it was later used as a church, and remnants can still be seen. Currently you will find a small restaurant and some shops inside the fort. Be careful when buying Tanzanite, as it is quite expensive here, and if you are planning a safari, it is a lot cheaper in Arusha.

Durajani Bazaar

You will find almost everything you may want in this market. Visitors get hustled though, so if you do not have patience, the perhaps give it a skip. Most goods are imported from China. If you are looking for locally manufactured woodcraft, best to take a walk through the labyrinth of streets in Stone Town. Outside the Bazaar, you will find the Zanzibar version of transport called Dala-dala's. These are pickup-type vehicles with a roof, and will take you to certain points along a certain route. Make sure you have a variety of coins if you plan on taking one, as no change is given.

House of Wonders

Built in 1883 on the site of Zanzibar Queen Fatuma's residence. This was the first building in Zanzibar to have electric lights and the first in East Africa to have an elevator. It was damaged in 1896 during the Shortest War in History (only lasting 40 minutes). It was later used by the British as their local offices until the revolution in 1964. It contains some of Pres. Karume's old cars, but not much has been done with it since 1977. Recent attempts have been made to have it renovated, and a craft market is housed on the veranda during the day.

Hanamni Persian Berths
The baths were for public use used by both men and women. Separate entrance times ensured that there was no peeping or funny stuff. Built by the son of Said the Great, Burgash bin Said. The old tubs can still be seen, although there is no water. The front rooms were used for changing and socialising. Look out for the warm room, which had underground hot water aqueducts. It was then frequented by the wealthy. The place is best to see without a guide, if you want.

ST Joseph's cathedral

The Cathedral was built around about 1895. The architect who designed the cathedral is the same as that of the cathedral in Marseilles, France.

Anglican Cathedral

This fascinating cathedral was built in 1873. The altar is presumed to be built on the exact spot where slave whipping and auctions took place. Locals will show you the underground slave holding cells, which are an eerie sight. Visitors pay an entrance fee, and if a guide is available, he will take you around and explain all the history.

Spice tour

The name speaks for itself. This tour takes you to various areas where spices are harvested. Also recommended by us, you will have the pleasure of seeing cinnamon trees, nutmeg trees, vanilla trees (believe it or not) and the likes. You will be asked to smell and taste various spices and guess what they are, as well as witness harvesters climbing huge trees with no harnesses or protection, to bring down coconuts for your delight. The rest we will leave you to discover, as it is not good to spoil the fun.

Mruhubi ruins

This was built in 1880 by Sultan Burghush as a retreat for himself and to house some of his many concubines. As the name says, they are ruins with the Persian Baths being the only part left with a roof.

Mbweni Ruins

Originally the St Mary's School for Freed Slave Girls, it was built in 1871 by the UMCA. Universities Mission to Central Africa (UMCA) was established by David Livingston and members from four other universities in England, in an attempt to educate freed slaves. Mbweni Ruins Hotel now runs the place.

The old dispensary

Laid in 1887, the building was only completed in 1894. Built by Tharia Thopen, one of Zanzibar's richest men to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria. It is now known as Stone Town Cultural Centre and has been renovated by the Aga Khan Foundation.

Jozani Forest

This is a protected forest housing the endangered Red Colobus monkey. This is definitely worth a visit, if only to see the monkeys. Nature walks are offered through the forest and is a great way to see the wildlife on the island. Be sure to dress comfortably, as there is very little shade on the walk.
 
Mtoni ruins
These are the only remains of Sultan Said the Great's main residence. It is in a state of disrepair, so expect ruins. This was one of his favourite places and spent most of his time here. His daughter Salme described it as Eden. In the back there are many hallways and rooms with built in alcoves.

Mangapwani

This is where you will find the Mangapwani Coral Caves and the Slave Chambers. The coral caves are not of particular interest, so seeing them is optional. The slave chambers are a little further along the road. They were used to house slaves after trading was banished in 1872. Traders used to hide the slaves in this underground structure, waiting for their ships to transport the slaves out of Zanzibar. This could be a bit claustrophobic for the sensitive visitor.

Kidichi Bath Ruins

These baths were built in 1850 by Sultan Said, for his wife Sherehezade. It is in conflict with Muslim faith with portrayals of birds and flowers on the walls. Muslims consider it sacrilege to create any images of any living thing. Persian craftsmen brought specially to Zanzibar built it. The baths were used by Sherehezade to refresh herself after a long journey, or day of hunting. A guide is present and a fee must be paid to gain entrance.