STEP BACK IN TIME AND EXPLORE ZANZIBAR’S ROYAL PALACE RUINS – A JOURNEY THROUGH THE ISLAND’S ARAB, PORTUGUESE, AND PERSIAN HERITAGE.
This tour differs from the regular Stone Town visit, focusing instead on the historic ruins of the Omani sultans and their rule over East Africa.
Highlights
- Mtoni Palace Ruins – Built around 1828 by Sultan Sayyid Said bin Sultan (Al-Busaid dynasty). Once home to over 1,000 people, with grand balconies, hammam baths, royal washrooms, and Princess Salme’s private chamber. Later used by the British in WWI.
- Maruhubi Palace Ruins – Built by the third Sultan of Zanzibar to house his concubines. Known for its beautiful tunnel and three swimming pools. Burned down in 1899.
- People’s Palace (Beit el Hukum) – Served as the Sultan’s official residence.
- Beit el Sahil
- House of Wonders (Beit el Ajaib) – One of Zanzibar’s most iconic landmarks.
- Princess Salme’s House – Former home of Zanzibar’s famous princess.
- Old Fort – Historic defense structure at the heart of Stone Town.
- Royal Cemetery of Stone Town – Resting place of the island’s sultans.
- Guided insights into Arab rule in East Africa and its political/economic impact.
- Stories of how Zanzibar became the seat of power for the Omani sultanate.
- A chance to walk through the ruins, reliving Zanzibar’s royal past.
