Stone Town,Old Fort, Coffee House SecretGarden Group Tour 5+

Full History about Stone Town, House of wonder, Secret Garden visit and Old Fort. You will get the chance to explore in deep inside the Stone Town city
Stone Town: A Historical Overview
Stone Town, located in Zanzibar, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant historical and cultural centers in East Africa. It reflects a unique blend of Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences, shaped by centuries of trade and interaction.

Early History
Stone Town began developing as a trading hub in the late 17th century when Zanzibar became a key player in the Indian Ocean trade network. The town grew during the reign of the Omani Sultanate in the 19th century.
Zanzibar was a center for the spice trade, especially cloves, and became infamous as a hub for the East African slave trade.
Architectural Highlights
The town is characterized by narrow alleys, intricately carved wooden doors, coral stone buildings, and bustling markets. Its architecture reflects Swahili, Islamic, Indian, and European styles.
Many buildings, constructed from coral stone and lime mortar, show Arabic inscriptions and designs that reflect the cultural melting pot of the island.
Colonial and Post-Colonial Era
In 1890, Zanzibar became a British protectorate. The British worked to abolish slavery, though its legacy lingered.
Zanzibar gained independence in 1963 but quickly united with Tanganyika to form Tanzania in 1964 after the Zanzibar Revolution.

The Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe)
The Old Fort is Stone Town's oldest structure, built in the 17th century by the Omani Arabs to defend against Portuguese and Mazrui attacks.
It served as a military base and later as a prison. Today, it’s a cultural center hosting events like the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF).
Visitors can explore the remains of its walls, an open-air amphitheater, and small shops selling crafts and local art.

Secret Garden
Located within the Emerson Spice Hotel, the Secret Garden is an enchanting restaurant in the heart of Stone Town.

Historical Significance: The garden is part of a restored 19th-century building, reflecting the opulent lifestyles of wealthy Zanzibari merchants.
Design: The garden combines traditional Swahili architecture with lush greenery, creating a serene atmosphere for dining.
Culinary Experience: It offers a fusion of Swahili and international cuisine, making it a favorite spot for visitors seeking an authentic Zanzibar dining experience.

Zanzibar Coffee House
The Zanzibar Coffee House is one of the town's iconic establishments, offering both history and hospitality.

Historical Relevance: Housed in a restored building, it reflects traditional Arab-Swahili design with carved wooden furnishings and high ceilings.
Cultural Importance: Zanzibar has a long history of coffee trade, and this coffee house honors that legacy. It’s known for serving some of the finest locally grown coffee.
Experience: Visitors can enjoy rich coffee blends, homemade pastries, and the rooftop terrace offering views of Stone Town.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.