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Latest Zanzibar Town hotel reviews
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The Old Dispensary is a colourful and exotic looking building not far from the Port. It was built by Sir Tharia Topan (a rich man in Zanzibar) to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria. It was started in 1887, but worked stopped in 1891 when Sir Tharia died in India. His widow finally had the building completed inl 1894. It takes its name from the fact that housed a dispensary on the ground floor, as well as a pharmacy and resident doctor.
In 1900, it was bought by the estate of Nasser Nur Mahomed to use the building as a charitable institution. A dispensary was set up on the ground floor and the upper two floors were made into apartments. After the Revolution in 1964 the occupants fled the island building was abandoned. It was later taken over by the government.
In 1990, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture leased the Old Dispensary from the government in order to restore this major landmark. The building now houses a Cultural Centre, a restaurant, shops and offices. There is also a gallery of art by local artists. Admission is free and it is open daily from 10;00 to 18:00.
I walked by this architectural landmark several times and never went in. In fact I really regret that I did not and I only took 1 picture of it. Definitely worth a visit
Updated Feb 3, 2012
Address: Mizingani Road
Website: http://www.akdn.org/aktc/hcsp_zanzibar3.html
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Next to the Anglican Cathedral, you will find the St Monica’s Guesthouse. This was previously used as a missionary hospital. In the basement are the slave chambers, where slaves were ‘kept’ in terrible conditions. These are claustrophobic underground cells in which up to 75 slaves were held at a time.
It is a chilling experience.
Entrance fee of 3 USD allows entry to the Cathedral, Slave sculpture and underground chambers.
According to vt member zanzibar64, above info is incorrect (I got the info from two different travel guide books on Zanzibar)
zanzibar64 says:
Slaves were never kept in St Monica's guesthouse. The building was erected in 1905. This has become a way of earning money from tourists. Prof. Abul Sheriff, an expert on Zanzibar says that the basements were used to store medicines - being cool.
Updated Sep 12, 2010
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There are still many well preserved and restored wooden doors to admire in Stone Town. They are all over town, so keep our eyes open. Residential doors are the most elaborate. They are divided into two panels, and sometimes have a smaller door in one of the panels.
The frames are very decorative, and different patterns are recognizable.
Some doors will look great with a little bit of renovation.
Written Jun 21, 2009
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These baths are unfortunately not in use anymore. This is a typical example of a hammam which you will find in Turkey. If you have not been to a hammam before, this could be an introduction of sorts.
It does not take long to explore, and I don’t think it is high on the list of things to see.
The good thing is that the entrance fee goes to the Zanzibar Orphanage.
Written Jun 21, 2009
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Along with the underground slave chambers, the slave sculpture made a big impact on me. The slaves, with chains around the necks, are a stark reminder of the inhumane slave trade. This is a modern sculpture (by Clara Sornas).
Updated Jun 21, 2009
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The Anglican Cathedral is situated close to the Central Market on the fringe of Stone Town. It is built on the site which was previously used as a slave market. Do visit the interior of the cathedral. The history of the cathedral is quite important, in the context of the abolishment of the slave trade and the role David Livingston played in this regard.
The glass-stained windows are also worth noticing.
There is an entrance fee of 3 USD which gives access to St Monica’s, The Cathedral and the slave sculptures.
Written Jun 21, 2009
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You will find this house along Suicide Alley. Tippu Tip was one of the wealthiest Slave Traders during the latter part of the 19th century. The house is occupied by residents and is in state of decay. Apparently it is possible to visit inside, with permission of the residents.
Written Jun 21, 2009
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This square served as Zanzibar’s main slave market. It is now a peaceful and tranquil leafy square. There are some nice buildings around the square, most of them in a good state. I could not find any references concerning the history of the square in the area.
The Zanzibar Serena Inn is one of the beautiful buildings around the square.
Written Jun 21, 2009
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The Post Office is on Kenyatta Road and served as Zanzibar’s main post office since the early 1900’s, but is only a branch office now.
It is an interesting white, colonnaded building, in a degree of decay.
Written Jun 21, 2009
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If you continue from the Fort, you can follow the road, passing under The Orphanage. This leads to Shangani. This is an area where many upmarket hotels are.
If you turn right, after passing under the Orphanage, you will find a small strip of beach, where locals launch their boats and dhows. This small area also have a few restaurants.
Further in Shangani are many shops and also a bank where I was able to use the ATM.
Shangani is the Western point of Stone Town.
Written Jun 21, 2009
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Reviews and photos of Zanzibar Town attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Zanzibar Town sightseeing.
If you continue from the Fort, you can follow the road, passing under The Orphanage. This leads to Shangani. This is an area where many upmarket hotels are. If...
6 members live in Zanzibar Town
Q: Are 3 days is Zanzibar enough to enjoy the town? Thank you all in advance.
A: If you only want to visit the capital city I think that they're enough. Donpt miss the old town (Stone Town), and the market. Cheers gmg
Read 9 Replies
1
Stone Town is the story of Zanzibar itself. Old wooden Omani doors open up into huge cavernous buildings full of families that fear their collapse during the rainy season. British colonial...
2
Zanzibar Town or Stone Town is the cultural and historical heart of Zanzibar. Stone Town, locally known as Mji Mkongwe, meaning old town is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. At Zanzibar Africa meets the...
3
Stone Town or Zanzibar Town is a magnificent place to visit. It has UNESCO World Heritage status. This town was shaped by so many cultures over years, and it is most probably that what makes it so...
5
I visited Zanzibar with two couples and had a wonderful time! It is one of those places that you can visit as a single female with no problems, and no one staring at you. The people were great, the......
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