Fly to Zanzibar Stone Town is for good reason a World Heritage UNESCO proclaimed destination. Its turbulent history has shaped what it is today, influenced by a number of conquering nations and trading partners. The Europeans, Indians, Persians, Africans, notably the Ottomans and Arabs have all played a part, and left their indelible marks: culture, trading practices, hospitality, cuisine, and architecture. A stay in Stone Town, or at least a day visit, is an absolute must for any traveler to the islands.
Stone Town lies within Zanzibar Town, the capital of the island formally known as Unguja, fondly and colloquially known the world over as Zanzibar. (Unguja is the largest of the islands making up the Zanzibar archipelago, of which Pemba and Mafia re the other best known).
“Zanzibar has an identity all of its own, shaped by a turbulent history which abounds with a colorful cast of characters, from slave traders and Sultans to pirates and princesses.”, says the Tanzania Travel and Tourism Directory.
Arabic roots that one feels the most, that have had the most profound on Stone Town’s unique Swahili architecture, the warren of passages and alleyways, the call of the mosques, its wonderfully hospitable people, its culture and food.
The cool, dry months of spring from June to October and the hot and dry summer months of December to February are the best times to visit.
Towards the end of the main dry season, from September to November it is probably easiest to spot animals as they come for a drink at some of the few remaining waterholes. But even throughout the rest of the year game viewing is relatively easy here, especially on the open grasslands.
From December to April the black cotton soil of the Mkata floodplains (the grasslands) can become waterlogged depending on the amount of rain the park receives. But as it usually dries up quickly this shouldn’t cause too many issues.
