Zanzibar’s Swahili Culture

For many adventure travelers, Zanzibar is the ideal place to unwind with sun, sea, and sand after a safari or mountain trek. While the beaches in Zanzibar are spectacular, this incredible archipelago has so much more to offer. African, Arabic, and Portuguese influences all contribute to Zanzibar’s distinct and vibrant culture, making for an unforgettable local travel experience during your adventure vacation.

Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the beating cultural heart of Zanzibar. Getting lost in the winding alleys is almost guaranteed if you don’t have a local guide! The Old Town Market tells the story of thriving local communities, whereas the Palace Museum and the House of Wonders share historical tidbits. There is truly something for every type of adventurer!

The market is rooted in the structure of Zanzibari household economies and serves an important function in daily life. Actually, there are several markets scattered throughout Old Town, some specializing in fresh-caught seafood, others in housewares, used clothes, local and imported cloth, jewelry, crafts, and tourist items. However, basic household necessities will be available in every market.

The Palace Museum is a former sultan’s palace on the waterfront with breathtaking views of the sea. It is the most recent of the Sultans’ palaces, having been occupied by the last members of the Al Busid dynasty until they fled Zanzibar in 1964, and now houses a museum depicting the daily lives of the Zanzibari royal family.

The House of Wonders, or Beit el Ajaib in Arabic, was built around 1883 as the ceremonial palace for Sultan Barghash, the ruling sultan. This is one of the most visible and magnificent structures in Zanzibar and East Africa. It is also East Africa’s first building to have electricity and an elevator!