Is it Safe To Walk Around Stone Town?

Stone Town has this magical feeling that hovers around it.

I like walking along the narrow streets and mingling with the locals.

However, is it safe to walk around Stone Town?

Yes, you can safely walk around Stone Town.

In this post, I will talk about the safety of Stone Town, Zanzibar.

Is it safe to walk around Stone Town?

Yes, you can walk around this beautiful town.

  However, walking around Stone Town may be unsafe, especially at night or in dark alleys.

Robberies and muggings can happen at night and in lonely places.

So I don’t recommend walking around Stone Town alone at night. I based this decision on my last trip to the island.

I wanted to explore the island through the eyes of a local and I walked with a guide to some of the best places.

Initially, I thought I would do this on my own, but I kept missing my way. I had to change my plan and hire a local.

With her help, I could walk around Stone Town without difficulties. In addition, we walked at night, but in some selected areas of the town.

The tour cost me around $20, but I didn’t mind because I got everything I wanted to achieve when I came to Zanzibar.

You can discover Stone Town when you walk with a guide.

While many tourists walked without local help, I saw some hidden spots with the sport of my guide.

Broadly, I have highlighted some of the best places I visited when I came to Stone Town.

We walked more of the popular maze neighborhoods that define the town.

  Sometimes, I wondered how we would come out, but that was never a problem because we always showed up in some tourist spots.

For instance, we started our walk from my hostel and headed to any part of the town I desired.

Since my guide knows the best places to visit, I didn’t have to rely on my list to see Stone Town.

Places You Can See when You Walk

·         Forodhani Gardens

You can begin your walk from the square where you can eat in the evening.

  If you want to come to the center of the town, you can come here.

From Forodhani Gardens, you have a lot of things to see and do in Stone Town.

·         House of Wonders

The House of Wonders has become a popular structure in the town.

The house once hosted the Museum of History, but the museum has moved to a different home.

You should not expect to see some great things here because of the disrepair house, which needs maintenance.

·         Emerson Spice Hotel

You can walk through the Emerson Spice Hotel to have a dining experience.

I enjoyed the Emerson Spice Tea House, and spent a few days here before I left Stone Town.

However, I may not recommend this place, but you can check the hotel’s website to make your reservation. I don’t know the condition of Emerson Spice Hotel because it has been a while I visited.

·         The Swahili House

If you want a hotel with a rooftop, you should consider coming to Swahili House.

You can have a different walking experience on its roof.

In addition, you can enjoy great views of the town and take good selfies.

You can see the Zanzibar Coffee House and other parts of Stone Town.

Remember to try the coffee at the Zanzibar Coffee House when you walk past it.

·         Darajani Market

Coming to Darajani Market could be a memorable walk for you.

How do you come to this place?

You will leave the maze and meet the market, where you can find spices, veggies, and fruits.

  I try to haggle the price with sellers because they sell at touristy prices.

Therefore, price half of whatever they tag their goods on the market.

Even if you don’t want to buy something, you can walk around to enjoy the experience.

·         Fish Market

If you must come to the Fish Market, be ready to take in many odors because the place smells.

However, you can have a great time here, especially if you want to buy fish.

·         Slave Chambers

The Slave Chambers  is close to the Fish Market, and you can walk to this place. When you visit the Slave Chambers, you can learn about the slave trade in Zanzibar.

In addition, the Slave Chambers offer you a glimpse of the past and allow you to see where slaves were kept.

·         Hammam Baths

You will have to buy tickets when you come to Hammam Baths. Unlike some tourist places, you don’t enter this place without paying.

Meanwhile, you can walk around this place when you come to Stone Town.

Is it safe to walk around Stone Town at Night?

Yes, Stone Town is a safe place to walk at night.

However, you should not walk alone or towards dark or lonely alleys.

While the streets are narrow and some are less lit than others, they are safe.

You can consider exploring the nightlife of the locals by visiting the bars.

Meanwhile, you can decide to visit the following places:

1.      Jaws Corner

Jaws Corner is a man-only square that allows people to play games and hang out.

Here, you can mingle with the locals.

You can visit Jaws Corner, where you can have the fun of your life.

However, girls are not allowed here.

2.      Freddie Mercury’s House

If you have heard the story of Freddie Mercury, you may want to visit his house.

  You can enter this place and see what was left by Freddie.

3.      Old Fort

If there is one destination I want you to visit, it is Old Fort, which is the oldest building in Stone Town.

It has become a popular tourist attraction and a cultural center with many tourist stalls.

FAQs
Is it safe to go out at night in Zanzibar?

No, it’s not safe to do so, because people have been attacked or mugged.

You should not walk alone at night to avoid unnecessary harassment.

In addition, Zanzibar is extremely dark at night and can leave you in a difficult situation if you don’t know your way.

How long should you spend in Stone Town?

Most visitors spend a day before heading back to the mainland or other islands.

However, I recommend that you spend at least 2-3 days.

Do you need a guide in Stone Town?

Stone Town has become home to museums, A guided tour can help with a better perspective about Stone Town as well.