Explore Zanzibar’s Stone Town: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
There will be hardly anyone unaware of Zanzibar Island. It is an exotic island in the Indian Ocean and is home to one of the world’s most captivating sites and locations, and among those is one of the most historically rich cities: Stone Town.
UNESCO declared Stone Town a World Heritage Site, and it is very popular among tourists as well as locals for exploring. You can call Stone Town a place where cultures, traditions, and histories mix and create a beautiful blend. In this blog, Yup Africano will take you on a journey through the narrow alleyways, bustling markets, and historical landmarks of Stone Town, helping you discover the beauty, culture, and history of this remarkable place. The insights in this blog will help you plan an amazing trip to this island. You can book Zanzibar tour packages from Dubai with Yup Africano and have great savings.
When you are planning a trip, ensure you make it memorable. Follow the tips shared in our blog to have a memorable trip.
History of Stone Town
Stone Town has a fascinating history that can be traced back centuries. One of the remarkable things that you will instantly notice about Stone Town is its architecture. The architecture is distinct and unlike any other, you would have seen to date. You will get to see the influences of various civilizations and cultures in the architecture. From Persian and Omani to Indian and European, the town has absorbed diverse cultures throughout its history. Walking through the town’s streets is like stepping into a living history book. If you are planning a mix of leisure and adventure journeys, then include a visit to Stone Town in your Tanzania holiday packages from Dubai.
Also, read our blogs to see 7 thrilling outdoor adventure activities to do in Tanzania.
Authenticity of Stone Town is what attracts Visitors
The town’s overall design has preserved much of its old architecture and scenery. The arrangement of the streets, the usage of the buildings, and the exchange of human values around the Indian Ocean coast are all still visible. The Swahili coastal region and the Zanzibar archipelago continue to make extensive use of the building supplies and techniques utilized in the town. The local craftspeople are capable of producing high-quality building materials, such as coral stone, lime, and laterite sand, as well as traditional building methods. Despite increased competition from contemporary materials, designs, and procedures, traditional materials and construction methods are still used to a great extent. This helps in retaining the authenticity of the entire Stone Town, making it unique and a must-visit place. So if you are traveling to Tanzania, don’t forget to include a visit to Stone Town in your Tanzania safari package from Dubai. Along with exploring the stone town, you can do many amazing things locally that will enrich your trip. Here is a list of 5 interesting local things to do in Zanzibar.
Layout of Stone Town
Having influences from Arab, Indian, and Persian cultures, the layout of Stone Town is unique. The entire town is built like a web of narrow, winding streets. The majority of the buildings are constructed from coral stone, and most of the buildings have ornate wooden doors that are famous for their intricate carvings. Many of these doors have a deep historical significance, often showcasing the family’s status and wealth. If you are into history and architecture, then a visit to Stone Town will be a highlight of your entire trip from Dubai to Tanzania.
Also, read our blog describing 5 amazing adventurous destinations in Africa. From Tanzania to Kenya, we have covered some of the best places in detail in the blog.
Visiting House of Wonders in Zanzibar
Planning Dubai customized tours is very easy with Yup Africano. All you have to do is list your requirements, and our experts will curate an amazing itinerary for you. You can visit the House of Wonders in Stone Town. This amazing building got its peculiar name because it was the first to have electricity and an elevator on the entire island. However, this isn’t all about the building. A former residence, now the House of Wonders, is converted into a museum that showcases the rich history of Zanzibar Island.
Zanzibar is also an amazing honeymoon destination; you can combine a trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar and spend it in a leisurely way. Or you can also arrange a customized group trip to Dubai to visit this magnificent place.
Visit The Old Fort
When you especially take a break and book a Zanzibar holiday from Dubai to explore history and architecture, you cannot miss visiting the Old Fort. The fort is known as NgomeKongwe in the local language, and it was built by the Portuguese in the 17th century. The Omani sultans further made changes to it and added an Arabic touch to it. The fort today stands as a cultural and arts center in Zanzibar, and many events and exhibitions are hosted in the place. If you happen to be around during the peak season, then there are high chances you can explore some amazing exhibitions at the old fort. You can inquire with Yup Africano and book your holiday accordingly if you want to visit and watch exhibitions at the Old Fort.
The Slave Market
Stone Town’s history isn’t without its dark moments. The town was once a hub of the East African slave trade. The site of the former slave market is now a memorial and museum. One might wonder what can be seen at a slave memorial. It’s a sad reminder of the inhuman practices of the past, which allows us to reflect on the importance of human rights.
