How long should I spend in Stone Town?

Two nights lets you take a walking tour, visit the slave-market memorial and spice farms, and enjoy an evening at Forodhani before heading to the beaches.

Is Stone Town safe to walk at night?

The main streets and Forodhani area are generally safe and lively, but the alleys are dark and confusing after dark, so keep valuables discreet and consider a guide or taxi late at night.

What should I wear in Stone Town?

Zanzibar is conservative and Muslim, so cover shoulders and knees away from the beach; light, modest clothing is respectful and comfortable in the heat.

Can I get cash and internet easily?

ATMs, exchange bureaux and mobile-money agents are common in the old town, and most hotels and cafes offer wifi, though speeds can be modest.

Destination guide

Stone Town

A UNESCO maze of coral-stone alleys where Africa, Arabia and India collide

If something goes wrong

Emergency & health

Police

112

National emergency line

Ambulance / Fire

114

Also try 115

Your guide

Founder-vetted

Every guide knows the nearest help.

Hospitals & clinics

Mnazi Mmoja Hospital

Hospital

Stone Town, Zanzibar City

main public referral hospital for Zanzibar

View details & directions

Tasakhtaa Global Hospital

Hospital

Zanzibar City

private hospital with emergency and specialist services

View details & directions

Zanzibar Medical Group

Clinic

Stone Town

private clinic used by travellers for minor care

View details & directions

Zanzibar Urban Police

Police

Stone Town

national emergency line 112

View details & directions

Insurance accepted for emergencies

Carry travel-medical insurance that includes emergency air-evacuation cover, ideally with AMREF Flying Doctors membership. Mnazi Mmoja is the public referral hospital, but serious cases are usually flown to Dar es Salaam or Nairobi, so air-evac cover matters.

NHIF (national) AAR Insurance Jubilee Health Strategis Insurance AMREF Flying Doctors