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Zanzibar Island

Culture of Zanzibar Island. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Stone town coast, Zanzibar Even though most people come here to Zanzibar because of the great beach holidays, there is also quite a decent number of cultural sights. So, you definitely should see Anglican Cathedral. It’s located in Stone Town on the former slave market’s territory. The building is a symbol of the island’s freedom from slavery. There is a monument to slaves next to the cathedral. It was taken from the island in the years of slavery. The sculpture depicts seven slaves with chains on their necks. The cathedral is located in Mkunazini Road
You should go shopping in Zanzibar or Stone Town. It is recommended to visit the Zanzibar shopping gallery. You will find antiques and handicrafts from all over Africa here. You can buy … Open
The House of Wonders is a spectacular place for people of any age. It used to be a Barghash bin Said’s palace. It’s the building on the island where electricity and an elevator first appeared. The house changed its owners several times. Nowadays, it’s a snow-white house in Colonial style, a city’s cultural attraction. You’ll find an exhibition of East African history and culture, as well as a small open-air market, where you can buy some stuff by local craftsmen. It’s located in Mizingani Road.
You can gather your whole family and go to the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park. Several species of monkeys inhabit the park. Red colobuses are the most popular ones among tourists – they’re pretty creatures and can come to people, so you have a real chance to take a close look at them. The forest in the park is rather peculiar too – it’s one of the last mangrove forests of the island. Diverse birds and small animals also live in the national park. Children particularly like species of dwarf antelopes. The park is not far from the capital city, it’s just 30 km. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
Zanzibar is the picturesque archipelago, the main treasure of which is unique nature and fabulously beautiful beaches. The archipelago includes the island of the same name, which has long … Open
There is a rather not popular but extremely fascinating sight – Mtoni Palace Ruins. It was built for Sultan Seyyid Said in the first half of the 19th century, just as soon as he moved to Zanzibar. A second palace was built for Sultan Barghash’s mistresses and wives. The building was the most magnificent one on the island. However, its décor was made of wood, so the palace hadn’t survived the fire in 1889. The palace was almost fully destroyed.
The Old Dispensary (19th century) attracts attention of everyone who comes to the island. It’s decorated with exquisite stucco, exceptional wooden carved balconies and stained glasses which were restored according to sketches and photos. Originally, there was a pharmacy with a doctor who lived there, a hospital was on the ground floor. Today, it’s a small museum where people can see an incredible number of photos depicting the coast and a process of building’s restore. The building is located in Mizingani Road.
Most families with kids are sceptical about flying to Zanzibar Island, but actually, it’s no longer than to Phuket. On the other hand, there are no direct flights, so get yourself … Open
Don’t forget to visit the Old Fort. You’ll find a craft market where you can buy some nice souvenirs there. In the night-time, people can enjoy theatre plays and national music. The fort was built in the 17th century as a fortification to protect the island from Portuguese and Saudis. Later, there was a prison where criminals and slaves were jailed. Time later, the fort was remade into a rail yard for the first railway. Nowadays, it’s a cultural centre, a market, and a cinema. The fort is located on the coast on Sukokuu Street.
If you go to the palace-museum that used to belong to the Al Busid dynasty, you’ll see with your own eyes the way true sultans lived. Sultans’ personal items, pictures, paintings, clothes, and jewels are exhibited there. The snow-white building is located in Mizingani Road. The place to come to in order to find out about the locals’ life is the National Museum (Creek Road). A great diversity of pieces of national crafts, stuffed animals and birds, plants, and common Zanzibaris’, as well as sultans’ household items, are exhibited there. If you move to the garden, you can take a look at real giant turtles.
Zanzibar’s modern cuisine is spicy, with lots of spices, but not hot. Fruits, some kinds of vegetables, rice, and seafood are the base of the local diet, on the other hand, locals eat … Open
The house where Freddie Mercury used to live is in Stone Town. Unfortunately, there is no museum, still, fans of the great musician take their chance to see the house and take a photo.

Central market is a wonderful touristic destination. It’s already 200 years old. The market is a fantastic place with an incredible atmosphere, non-stop noises and moves: exotic fruit, colourful traditional women dresses, flavouring spices, and tropical flowers. Everyone should come there at least once, find oneself a peculiar memento at least try the most fruit. The market is in Mkapa Road.
You should not miss having an excursion around little islands around Zanzibar. First of all, Mafia Island. The island is famous not only for its spice plantations but also for collar reefs. It’s the best point for diving and to swim around whale sharks. A tour to Mafia Island usually also includes a trip to the local village on Chole Island and to Juani Island’s ruins.
Stone town is the centre of life here on Zanzibar, the majority of the local population lives right here. Nationals from all over the globe belong here: Saudis, Indians, Europeans, Chinese, … Open
Pemba Island requires special attention. There are banana, rice, bean, and spice plantations there. It’s a rather secluded place and not quite explored by tourists. You can personally meet local warlocks, witch doctors, go diving, walk around picturesque attractions. You can get to the island by plane or ferry as it’s quite remote. On the other hand, a trip us truly worth it.
In the section below, you can get one of our excursion, activities or city discovery tours over Zanzibar Island and surroundings. Our website offers 10-30% lower ticket prices, when compared to the offline purchase on the spot.

City tours, excursions and tickets in Zanzibar Island and surroundings

Zanzibar Island - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Iconic cultural sights of Tanzania

The palace of Sultan Majid, as well as the building of the railway station, which was built by German colonizers, are cultural treasures of Dar es Salaam. There is a monument to Askari that commemorates the memory of all African soldiers who died during the First World War. In Dodoma, the capital of the country, there is the largest mosque in the country, which is the Gaddafi mosque. It is built in the classical Arabic style. Ceilings and friezes along the perimeter of the hall are decorated with traditional Arabic carvings. The mosque can accommodate about 3 000 people at the same time. Halls are divided into male and female parts. The city can boast with the main geological museum of the country. The Sikh temple is always open to travelers. Servants will hospitably meet and even treat you with tea and sweets. … Open
Car rental on OrangeSmile.com Rentals in Zanzibar Island

Hilton builds third luxury hotel in Kyoto

Hilton has announced that it will soon begin a project to build a new hotel in Kyoto. It will be located in the heart of the city, in the prestigious area of Sanjo-Kawaramachi. Guests will be able to easily reach all areas of interest in the dynamic city, many popular attractions and recreation areas will be within a walking distance from the hotel. Read this

25.04.2024

Photogallery of cultural heritage of Zanzibar Island

Landmarks of culture on Zanzibar Island map: art-galleries, monuments, palaces, etc

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Excursions over cultural sights of neighbours of Zanzibar Island

Culture guide to Zanzibar Island. Which fascinating sights to visit once you are in Zanzibar Island: temples, churches, museums, theaters and castles. Recommendations (with addresses, phone numbers and links) on the places 'must visit' in Zanzibar Island. Plan your own city excursion by using this page info!
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