Stone Town: Walking tour with guide + Swahili lunch

Summary

Stories, spices & laughter on a Stone Town stroll in Zanzibar

On this Stone Town walking tour in Zanzibar, you’ll wander historic streets with a local guide, taste fresh jackfruit at Darajani Market, shop for unique souvenirs, and share a Swahili lunch in town. Expect real stories, unexpected laughs, and moments of quiet reflection you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I almost tripped over a stray cat right outside the Old Fort. That’s how our Stone Town walking tour started: me apologizing to a cat while our guide, Salim, grinned and said, “Welcome to Zanzibar.” The air was thick with that mix of sea salt and grilled fish from somewhere nearby. We’d barely walked five minutes before Salim pointed out the House of Wonders — he told us it was the first building in East Africa to have electricity. I didn’t expect to care about old buildings, but something about the way he told stories made them feel alive. There was this moment at the old slave market where everything went quiet except for the distant call to prayer — I still think about that silence.

We wandered through narrow alleys lined with carved wooden doors (I kept running my hand over them — some were so smooth from years of people doing the same). At Darajani Market, Salim handed us tiny pieces of jackfruit to try. Sticky fingers, sweet taste, and then someone tried to sell me a soccer jersey two sizes too small. He laughed when I tried bargaining in broken Swahili — probably sounded ridiculous. The tour gave us time to duck into jewelry shops and souvenir stalls; I found myself haggling over earrings I didn’t really need but bought anyway because the woman selling them had this infectious laugh.

Lunch was at this little Swahili restaurant tucked behind a blue door I would’ve missed on my own. Rice fragrant with cloves, coconut curry that left just enough heat on my tongue — honestly, if you’re booking this day trip in Stone Town from anywhere near Zanzibar City, go for the morning slot so you don’t miss lunch. We all sat together sharing plates and stories; Salim told us about his grandmother’s recipes and how every family here has their own twist on pilau rice. It felt less like a tour group and more like friends who’d just met but already had inside jokes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Stone Town Historical Walking Tour

• Visit historical sites in Stone Town
• Shopping at local souvenir and jewelry shops
• Enjoy Swahili lunch at local restaurant

Top questions

Is lunch included in the Stone Town walking tour?

Yes, a traditional Swahili lunch is included if you book the morning slot between 8am and 10:30am.

What historical sites are visited during the tour?

You’ll see places like the Old Fort, House of Wonders, old slave market, Freddy Mercury’s house, Tippu Tip’s house, and more.

Can I shop during the Stone Town walking tour?

Yes, there’s time set aside to visit souvenir shops as well as jewelry and stone shops along the route.

Is pickup included for this day trip in Stone Town?

Yes, pickup is included as part of your booking.

Is the tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and transportation options are available for all fitness levels.

How long does the walking part last?

The walk covers several key sites within Stone Town at an easy pace; exact duration varies but allows plenty of time at each stop.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup by air-conditioned vehicle from your location near Zanzibar City or Stone Town itself. All entry fees are covered along with guidance from a knowledgeable local guide throughout your walk. You’ll also enjoy a traditional Swahili lunch at a restaurant in town before heading back—just make sure to book your spot early if you want lunch included.