Museums and monuments in Stone Town

A carved door in Stone Town

  1. The House of Wonders: a large building on the waterfront, now a museum according to one guide; check interior access before you come.
  2. The Palace Museum: the history of the sultans, visited under cover.
  3. Freddie Mercury's house: a museum in his childhood home that traces his life, according to one guide.
  4. The former slave market and Anglican cathedral: a moving and useful visit, lasting one to two hours.
  5. The Old Fort: inner courtyard used by craftspeople and for performances.
  6. The Old Dispensary: a building with exhibits on Zanzibar's history, according to one guide; to be checked.

Eating and cooking

  1. A Swahili cooking class: several agencies combine market shopping with a class by a local cook (biryani, pilau, chapati). Do not choose the version with a spice plantation on a heavy-rain day.
  2. Darajani Market: spices, fish and fruit, to do between showers.
  3. Forodhani Gardens: the night market is outdoors, so keep it for an evening without rain.

Relaxing and indoor activities

  1. A hotel spa: many hotels and resorts offer massages, facials and scrubs with local products, according to one guide.
  2. A café or upstairs restaurant in Stone Town: a break during the shower.
  3. Stone Town, a walk between showers: the lanes are short and porches plentiful; bring a light raincoat.

Further out, between clear spells

  1. Jozani: the forest filters some of the rain, but the trails are muddy.
  2. The Maruhubi ruins and the Kidichi baths: open-air ruins, to keep for a clear spell.
  3. The Mnarani Natural Aquarium in Nungwi: a turtle sanctuary, to check depending on the weather.

What is best avoided

Boat trips are cancelled if the sea is rough; the Mangapwani coral cave needs good weather according to one listing, and dirt tracks become difficult; see the Mangapwani slave cave. To know when rain is most likely, read when to go to Zanzibar.

FAQ

What is there to do in Zanzibar when it rains?

Stay in Stone Town: museums, market, cooking class and spa are the safest options.

Are boat trips still on in the rain?

Sometimes cancelled if the sea is rough; ask your agency about its refund policy.

Does the rain last all day?

Often not: they are frequently heavy showers followed by clear spells.

Pour aller plus loin

Organise your stay with Stone Town in one day, budget it with travel budget in Zanzibar and get around with getting around Zanzibar.