Exploring Zanzibar's Stone Town Through 17 Instagrams

Zanzibar is also referred to as the ‘spice island’, as it was once an important port along the spice trade route. Today, you can still find spices from all around the world and there are great aromatic markets to explore in Stone Town. Spice tours are also available.

Although Stone Town does not feature the sandy white beaches that are on the east side of the island, the sea is still warm and peaceful, and the beautiful buildings that hug the shoreline make for a gorgeous contrast.

Zanzibar is renowned for having some of the friendliest locals you could wish to meet. Expect to hear ‘jambo’ wherever you go – a Swahili greeting that means ‘hello’.

The beautiful wooden doors that are found throughout Stone Town in Zanzibar are not only pretty to look at but also give a good insight into the history of the island. If you look carefully, many of the intricate masterpieces recall the clash of Swahili, Arabic and Indian influences on the island and tell stories of the past residents’ social status, religion and profession.

Although Zanzibar can be considered a melting pot of culture, religion and tradition, today most of the inhabitants are Muslim. Stone Town is slightly more conservative than the rest of the island and a deep spiritual ethos can be felt throughout. Uplifting religious inscriptions on doors and walls are a common sight.

Much of Stone Town consists of old buildings that reflect an eclectic architectural style and beautiful designs. These buildings hold the essence of the island and whisper the secrets of times gone by. They are too beautiful to ignore!

Getting lost in the narrow, winding street of Stone Town is pretty easy, and sometimes part of the fun. Leave the GPS at home and let the streets of Stone Town lead you to unexpected treasures.

Don’t expect life on an island to provide super-fast anything. Slow down and match the rhythmic pace of the locals. Taking the time to savour the small things is what life is all about.

In keeping with the slow pace of island life, visitors to Stone Town may find they want to ditch technology in favour of a good paperback novel or writing letters or postcards. Connectivity does not top the list of important things in life in Zanzibar, and why should it when there is so much more to enjoy?

It could be argued that you have not experienced the true beauty of Africa until you take in a panoramic sunset while reclining on a dhow. These traditional fishing boats offer scenic cruises into the still Indian Ocean for absolutely epic views of the setting sun.

Shopping in Zanzibar is like diving into a treasure-trove filled with delightful surprises and sometimes hidden gems. From fresh fruit to fabric and everything in between, you will probably find it in Stone Town.

Taste the flavours of the island and try a coconut drink. Coconuts grow all over Zanzibar and coconut milk is highly nutritious, providing high levels of electrolytes such as potassium and plenty of minerals, helping to keep you hydrated and healthy.

Embrace your time in Stone Town and always remember that life is too short to take it for granted. The beauty and vibrancy of this gorgeous island turns moments into memories that will last a lifetime. So don’t rush your tour and miss the moment that may just become your favourite, treasured memory.