The Ancient Streets of Stone Town, Zanzibar, Africa
Many say that when traveling, not knowing where you are going is half the fun. This is especially true in Zanzibar, Africa.
About 50 kms/30 miles off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar is a semi autonomous archipelago in the Indian Ocean. Although it is not it’s own country, visitors still have to show their passport and fill out papers to travel to and from the island. Depending on the mood of the officer, you may or may not get a stamp. Be sure to have proof of your yellow fever vaccination just in case.
A visit to Stone Town allows the visitor to wander ancient city streets that were the hub of one of the most important trading route stop overs along the Indian Ocean.
Stone Town is jumbled mess of twisted alley ways, crumbling buildings and world class architecture.
I really enjoyed our visit to Stone Town and Wandering the Streets of Zanzibar – which I wrote an article about for this weeks post.
So for more pics and need to know info, please click here for this weeks post:
Wandering the Streets of Zanzibar, Africa.
Previous Post
Next Post
Now THAT was an unexpected walk! A remarkable hike through what looks like a very impoverished area. VERY nice post on the ‘links’ also! Both are WONDERFUL with fantastic photos!!!
Thanks! The history and architecture of Stone Town just blew me away. I just loved wandering all the narrow alley ways. Glad you enjoyed the photos.
Looks like it used to be a gorgeous place. It is a bit sad to see how impoverished it is now.
Hey Fabiana, I think it is still a gorgeous place (and I didn’t even get into their amazing spices in this post!) I think, what we see here, as you said, is the reality of what poverty can look like. Yet, I still feel and was shown many times throughout our Africa trip, that travel and tourism, us being there, you going there, when you go to these areas as a tourist, your money can go a long way to help individuals have employment. And one thing that is pretty unique about Zanzibar, even tho there is the socio-economic divide, it felt like a safe place to be. The people were ready to welcome you. Thanks for the comment!
If I did not know the writer, I would think this area drab and eerie.Not a travel destination so I appreciate
the history and struggle and the important fact that it is not forgotten.
Hmmm…maybe because I was there in person I got to see the whole view with the photos. I do hope to shine a positive light on Stone Town. It is a destination worth seeing, and if anything, tourist dollars are only going to help the city more and more.
Amazing photos! Looks like such a ghost town. It looks so eerie without any people.
Well, there was actually a lot of people. BUT we got up early to walk the streets just to get photos without people in them. After 10 am lots of people start milling about and the market has lots of activity.