Walking Tours in Zanzibar City

While Zanzibar’s pristine beaches may draw you to the island, much more than sun and sand await you at this Indian Ocean outpost.

Centuries of history, rare wildlife, enticing cuisine and beautiful architecture are on display here. Immerse yourself in Zanzibari traditions with a walking tour in Zanzibar City.

Here's all you need to know about walking tours, one of the most captivating sightseeing tours in Zanzibar City.

What are the best walking tours in Zanzibar City?

Free walking tours

Get to know Zanzibar City on a free walking tour, an ideal way to begin your stay on the island. A guide will orient you to the twists and turns of Stone Town, fill you in on history and give you tips on how and where to spend your stay. You decide the amount to tip the guide at the end of your outing.

Small-group tours

Discover the many layers of civilization in Zanzibar City in a group of no more than 15 people. Small groups make walking from site to site easier while giving you great attention from your guide.

Private tours

Make your exploration of Zanzibar City hassle-free by booking a guide just for yourself and your group. Private tours allow flexibility in your itinerary and the full attention of your guide. Ask all the questions you can think of and linger at locales that pique your interest.

Spice farm tours

At the edge of Zanzibar City sit a handful of spice farms, close enough to the city to reach even by tuk-tuk. Follow a guide through a lush forest to see how our favorite spices originate. Taste freshly ground spices and fruits grown on-site, and don’t miss the gravity-defying coconut harvesters who scale trees.

Street food walking tours

The food scene of "Spice Island" is a delicious surprise, and a food tour is the best way to combine sightseeing with a meal. Explore Darajani Market and sip a cool one on a rooftop bar before heading to Forodhani Gardens’ evening street food market.

Sample the alchemy of international flavors that make up the island’s gastronomy, like Zanzibar pizza, Arab-spiced shawarma and Portuguese-influenced “urojo” soup. Wash down the delicacies with spice tea or freshly-pressed sugarcane juice.

Slave routes tours

Confront the brutal past of slavery on a slave routes tour in Zanzibar City. Stops on the walking tour are Stone Town’s slave market and the Dhow Harbor in Malindi where people were shipped from the mainland.

Then hop in a private vehicle for a trip outside of the city to the Mangapwani Caves and Mbweni ruins. The Mangapwani Caves were cramped holding places for slaves as they waited to be shipped to their new stations around the world. At Mbweni, learn about the former girls’ school dedicated to educating freed slave girls.

Are there any combos available with walking tours in Zanzibar City?

Stone Town walking tours plus Prison Island

Perfect if you only have a few days in Zanzibar, a Stone Town walking tour plus Prison Island fits the area’s best sightseeing into just a few hours. Get to know the city with a guide before the 30-minute boat ride to Prison Island.

Spy the island's namesake prison, but the star attraction there is the thriving population of giant tortoises. Hear how these rare Aladabra tortoises came to the island as you feed, pet and photograph them. Take advantage of the provided snorkeling gear to swim among the reefs that surround the island.

Which places are visited?

Old Fort

Stone Town’s 300-year-old Arab fort is a common starting point on walking tours in Zanzibar City. The fort’s crenelated walls surround remnants of Portuguese colonial buildings as well as an ancient Swahili settlement.

House of Wonders

Now a museum focusing on the cultures that have left their mark on Zanzibar, the House of Wonders was originally a palace. It is the largest and tallest structure in town, but it is being reconstructed after suffering a collapse.

When it was built for Zanzibar’s second sultan, it was a marvel of its time. It featured an elevator and electric lights and was the first building to have electricity in eastern Africa.

Former slave market

Hidden from sight in Zanzibar City is the dark stain of slavery that helped build the island’s wealth. Enter the Anglican Church to discover the spot where countless human lives were exchanged for money. Take in the powerful memorial as your guide recounts the horrors of this phenomenon that changed the world.

City Market

Darajani Market is the lifeblood of Zanzibar City. For over 100 years, Zanzibaris have come here to buy and sell daily necessities. Explore the maze of stalls with a guide, learning the layout and tips for haggling while you purchase authentic souvenirs like spices and handicrafts.

Forodhani Gardens

The social center of Zanzibar City is Forodhani Gardens, a popular hangout for locals. Located in Stone Town, its central and seafront location makes it a relaxing spot to pause and people-watch. Stay after sunset when the gardens transform into a buzzing street food market. Sample delicacies as you watch impromptu performances break out around you.

How much do walking tours in Zanzibar City cost?

Walking tours in Zanzibar City vary greatly in cost. For free tours, it’s recommended to tip your guide from about US$10 per person to US$50 per person, depending on your satisfaction with the tour.

Small-group walking tours cost from US$25 per person to US$35 per person, depending on group size and whether entry fees to attractions are included. Small-group tours that serve lunch cost around US$55 per person. Private walking tours cost from US$25 per person to US$45 per person, depending on group size and whether entry fees to sites are provided.

Spice farm tours cost around US$50 per person and include round-trip transportation from Stone Town accommodations. Free spice farm tours exist and require you to arrange your own transportation to the farm. Food tours cost around US$35 per person and give you a short sightseeing tour of Stone Town and enough food and drink to equal a meal.

Slave route tours cost US$125 per person and include entry fees, bottled water and transportation by air-conditioned vehicle to attractions outside of Zanzibar City.

What is included?

Walking tours of Zanzibar city are fully-guided and fill you with facts and stories. Guides will often meet you at your Stone Town hotel for no additional cost. You will spend several hours making your way to historical and cultural landmarks while you learn the layout of the city. Guides will also offer tips and suggestions to make the most of your stay in Zanzibar.

Some higher-cost small group and private tours provide bottled water and lunch, and paying tours to locales outside of Zanzibar City offer round-trip transportation in the price of the tour.

Where does it start?

Walking tours in Zanzibar City meet either at centrally-located landmarks like Darajani Market or the Old Fort. However, many guides are happy to meet you at your Stone Town accommodations.

How long does it last?

Walking tours in Zanzibar City last 2 to 3 hours. Combo Stone Town walking tours plus a visit to Prison Island last around 5 hours.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Most walking tours in Zanzibar City are not wheelchair friendly. However, some tour providers advertise being able to accommodate wheelchairs. Check with your provider at the time of booking to make sure that your needs will be met.

When is the best time for a walking tour in Zanzibar City?

The best time for embarking on a walking tour in Zanzibar City is between June and October, when the weather is cooler and the season is dry. You'll experience clear skies and reduced humidity, making your explorations on foot more pleasant. These months also fall outside the peak tourist season, offering a less crowded experience.

Early morning or late afternoon walking tours can be cooler and more comfortable than midday tours when the sun is at its hottest.

Travel tips

• You'll be on your feet for a few hours, so wear comfortable footwear. The streets in Stone Town can be uneven and sometimes slippery.
• Zanzibar can get quite hot. Carry water with you, apply sunscreen and wear a hat and sunglasses.
• Book your tour in advance, as walking tours can be very popular and have a limited number of attendees.