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Cultural experiences in Zanzibar
Cultural experiences in Zanzibar
Cultural experiences in Zanzibar
Cultural experiences in Zanzibar

Cultural experiences in Zanzibar

Best for experiencing the culture in Zanzibar

Simply staying on Zanzibar is a cultural experience in itself. The exotic, vibrant atmosphere of bustling Stone Town is an assault on the senses, but aside from the heady spices, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is steeped in history. What's more, it's easily explored on foot; you just wander around!

Zanzibar's Swahili culture is the result of a fusion of African, Asian and European influences meeting here. Historically Zanzibar was an important staging post for explorers and traders, and a key trading centre for spices and a centre for the slave trade.

Now Zanzibar offers many different cultural experiences, but accessing these in a short visit can be tricky. We'd often suggest basing yourself in Stone Town for a few days. We've also hand-picked a few insightful and enjoyable day trips - each of which focuses on different cultural aspects of Zanzibar. Ask us for more details.

Matemwe Lodge

Matemwe Lodge sits at the north end of Matemwe village, it has close connections with the area and supports a number of community projects.Take a guided walk to visit the fish markets, explore the streets and try octopus curry at a local restaurant.

Zanzibar Palace Hotel

Zanzibar Palace Hotel is a characterful property with beautiful rooms and antique furniture. It is located in the heart of Sone Town from where you can easily go on a guided tour to explore the old town and discover Zanzibar's history and culture.


Matemwe Lodge

Matemwe Lodge sits at the north end of Matemwe village, it has close connections with the area and supports a number of community projects.Take a guided walk to visit the fish markets, explore the streets and try octopus curry at a local restaurant.


Emerson on Hurumzi

Stay at Emerson on Hurumzi and experience the rich culture of Zanzibar. The hotel is filled with antique furniture from the time of Zanzibar's sultans, while the rooftop restaurant serves a traditional Swahili feast accompanied by live taarab music.


Emerson Spice

A converted merchants house, Emerson Spice is filled with charm and character. Walking through the doors you feel as if you have stepped back in time. The central location is ideal to explore the narrow streets and delve into Zanzibar's rich culture.


Entamanu Ngorongoro

Entamanu has developed a very strong, sustainable relationship with the local community, provide genuine insights into Maasai life for guests whilst not degrading the traditional culture of Tanzania in favour of tourism.

Best camps & lodges for Cultural experiences in Zanzibar


Unguja Lodge

Unguja Lodge

Unguja Lodge is only a short walk from the village of Kizimkazi, with many of the staff coming from the area. The lodge supports a number of community projects and guests are encouraged to go on a village walk to explore the area and meet the locals.


92% (79 reviews)
Emerson Spice

Emerson Spice

A converted merchants house, Emerson Spice is filled with charm and character. Walking through the doors you feel as if you have stepped back in time. The central location is ideal to explore the narrow streets and delve into Zanzibar's rich culture.


91% (26 reviews)
Emerson on Hurumzi

Emerson on Hurumzi

Stay at Emerson on Hurumzi and experience the rich culture of Zanzibar. The hotel is filled with antique furniture from the time of Zanzibar's sultans, while the rooftop restaurant serves a traditional Swahili feast accompanied by live taarab music.


80% (7 reviews)
Matemwe Lodge

Matemwe Lodge

Matemwe Lodge sits at the north end of Matemwe village, it has close connections with the area and supports a number of community projects.Take a guided walk to visit the fish markets, explore the streets and try octopus curry at a local restaurant.


89% (45 reviews)
Zanzibar Palace Hotel

Zanzibar Palace Hotel

Zanzibar Palace Hotel is a characterful property with beautiful rooms and antique furniture. It is located in the heart of Sone Town from where you can easily go on a guided tour to explore the old town and discover Zanzibar's history and culture.


89% (51 reviews)
Jafferji House

Jafferji House

Jafferji House is, in itself, somewhat of a cultural experience. Owned by the renowned photographer, publisher and gallery-owner Javed Jafferji, the hotel was his childhood home and is full of traditional character and historic charm.


81% (19 reviews)

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