Unforgettable Stone Town: Zanzibar's Ancient Secrets Walk

Jambo! I’ve dreamed of visiting Zanzibar for many years! My dream came true this week, as my husband and I have had an incredible time visiting the island, but the best bit was Stone Town. It’s so much better than every picture or website I’ve seen. Amazing to see the museum dedicated to Freddie Mercury who was born in Zanzibar. We had an opportunity to join a school graduation, visit a very smelly fish market, and basically soak up an incredible part of Africa which exceeded all my expectations! Our Guide Kassim was a gem – so well informed and so kind. Also punctual & so friendly! A must see 😃

Had a wonderful experience.Our guide was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and brought the history and culture of the area to life with fascinating stories and insights. Highly recommended!

We had the absolute pleasure of having Kassim as our tour guide in Zanzibar — he was knowledgeable, patient, and kind beyond words. He truly embodies the warm spirit of Zanzibar and made the history of Stonetown and Prison Island come alive for us. If you want to feel welcomed and learn so much at the same time, Kassim is the guide to go with!

Very good tour, very knowledgeable of the air and made us both feel safe. Would highly recommend a tour whilst seeing stone island to fully understand the history.

Midnight. January 25.01.25. If my destiny and purpose in this world exists; then I believe bicycles are a part of it. The salty breeze of Ukunda Diani Beach brushed against my skin as I pedaled away from the familiar, the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean fading behind me in the darkness. My goal was to get to Horohoro One Stop Border crossing before two bus companies: Tawakal and Tahmeed - all headed to Dar es Salaam from Mombasa. Yes, that is why I left at that time. You guessed right. The buses can cause a huge line at the Kenya-Tanzania border crossing and I was not having that. My journey—an ambitious ride from Diani to Zanzibar—was not just about distance, but discovery. I had ended my 9-5 contract in December and my two friends had invited me to volunteer at their inaugural mural festival in Zanzibar. Every turn of the pedals carried me deeper into the heart of the Swahili coast, where history, nature, and adventure intertwined. The night patrol cops stationed on their road block posts termed my adventure; insane. But I was determined. ### **Diani to Tanga: The Coastal Crossroads** Leaving the soft sands of Diani, I cycled south toward the Kenyan-Tanzanian border, the road winding through palm-fringed villages and quiet fishing communities. Crossing into Tanzania at Horo horo, the shift was immediate—new rhythms, Swahili accents thickened, and children; some walking and some cycling to school called out with huge smiles. At some point I branched off to a fishing village port close to an army barracks that still carried the scars of the slave trade. The remains of a huge holding fort lies here plus a destroyed slave path from the fort to the Indian ocean. Tanga, a city steeped in colonial history, welcomed me with its slow, coastal charm that morning. I wandered its old streets, where Arabic and German influences whispered through the architecture, watched the sun set at Ras Kazone beach and ended my day with a cup of strong Tanzanian coffee, watching dhows sway in the harbor at their food market at Forodhani. I was here for a second time. Third time they say is a charm. And Tanga has its charms. Heck; Tanzanians swear to the fact that love was born in Tanga. So maybe third time as a charms will be a love charm? Who knows… ### **Tanga to Pangani: Where the Ocean Meets the Past** The road from Tanga to Pangani was a cyclist’s dream— well parts of it were rough but dusty paths lined with towering coconut trees and massive sisal farms; the ocean peeked through at every turn. Pangani, once a bustling slave trade port, now lay quiet in its historic elegance. The ruins of ancient Arab mansions stood in solemn silence, while fishermen mended their nets along the shore. Today the ferry was not working. Mechanical problems and the boys repairing motorbikes by the roadside advised me to use “Daraja ya mchina!” Yes; the new bridge being built by the Chinese across the great River Pangani. I sat on the other side at Ushongo beach, my bike resting beside me, and watched the sun sink into the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues. The beach cottages were not occupied as it was low season and so I got a great deal. Twice I watched the speed boat come in from Nungwi full of people and goods. Zanzibar island is only two hours away from here on a speed boat. ### **Pangani to Mkata: Into the Wild** From the coast, I turned inland, trading ocean breezes for the dry heat of Tanzania’s savanna. This was the most treacherous part of the journey. The road winds and bumps through fields of sisal and rice, interspersed with gorgeous tropical forests, palm trees and grasses. They say Saadani is close. Well, at least the kids who seem perplexed by my bike say. Cycling last year to Tanga, I discovered that peoples’ estimates for time and distance were always far shorter than reality. Something that we were told was "just here" was 45 minutes at least. Towns or landmarks ‘just a few kilometers’ up the road were often a half-hour ride. These quiet trails to Saadani National Park, unique Tanzania's park which border beach where you can enjoy the paradisal beaches and watch wildlife at the same time are heavenly. The ride to Mkata was grueling but rewarding—baobabs stood like ancient guardians along the dusty roads, and although I did not come across any wild animals; Saadani National Park lay in the distance. Every village I passed was a reminder of Tanzania’s warmth; children ran alongside my bike, laughing, while elders waved from shaded huts. Karibu kaka. I spent the night in a small guesthouse Mkomazi on the main highway to Dar es Salaam, falling asleep to the distant roar of the busy highway. ### **Mkata to Bagamoyo: Echoes of History** Bagamoyo—its very name, "Lay Down Your Heart," carried the weight of history. The ride here was smoother, paved roads replacing the dusty trails. As I reached the coast again, the air turned salty, and the ghosts of traders, missionaries, and slaves seemed to linger in the ancient coral-stone buildings. I walked through the Old Fort, the old port as well, touched the weathered doors of centuries-old structures, and let the whispers of the past sink in. That evening, I dined on the famous Tanzanian street food - Chips Zege (French fries pan sandwiched with eggs), my body tired but my spirit alive. To cycle through Bagamoyo for me as an historical lover is crisp. The city played a central role as a main port in the East African slave trade. Many of the slaves were taken from the region of Tanga and also from Morogoro (along with ivory), then brought to Bagamoyo. The town’s original name was Bwagamoyo, Swahili for lay down your hearts, signifying the place where slaves could abandon all hope. 1. Visit Bagamoyo Old Town and Slave Market. 🛒 2. Picnic at Coco Beach or Kaole Beach. 🏖️ 4. Embark on a boat trip from Bagamoyo to Bongoyo Island. ⛵ 5. Experience a romantic sunset dhow cruise along the coast of Bagamoyo. 🏝️ 🌅 ⛵ 🛶 Oh, what delight to see the ngomas (dances) Where the girls are swaying in dance At night in Bagamoyo. Be quiet my heart, all worries are gone The drum beats and with rejoicing We are reaching Bagamoyo. Here I lay down my heart! Dar awaits me! 😊 ### **Bagamoyo to Dar es Salaam: The Pulse of the City** “Buku mbili,” the street vendors call out! Cycling into Dar es Salaam was a morning chaotic rush—a stark contrast to the quiet serenity of the journey so far. Buses rumbled past, motorbikes weaved through traffic on the pedestrian sidewalks, and the city's energy pulsed in every direction. There was a regional oil and energy conference a few days ago and the president has ordered two days of no work and school. So the city was getting back to its groove after the break. I found solace in the Kariakoo Market, where spices, fabrics, and street food stalls crowded together in a sensory overload. The market where the singers echoed as vendors in each store’s speaker. But my ride wasn’t over yet—Zanzibar waited beyond the water. 85,000 Tanzanian shillings for an economy seat on the Azam ferry plus a Tzsh 5,000 bike carry on fee; a Tzsh 20,000 port fee with no receipt (which I felt was a humble smiling Tanzanian corruption) and a Tzsh 5,000 Zanzibar port entry fee with the bike. The thousands seemed a lot. ### **Dar to Zanzibar: The Final Stretch** Boarding the Azam ferry, I leaned against the railing, watching Dar’s skyline shrink as the turquoise expanse of the Indian Ocean stretched ahead. The sea breeze was a welcome companion, cooling the sweat of the long ride. As Zanzibar’s Stone Town emerged on the horizon about an hour and a half later, its maze of alleys and historic buildings glowing in the mid morning sun, I felt a deep sense of fulfillment. Six days on the road and the reward was well worth it! My first time in Zanzibar island! The reward that awaited me, after I completed this bike packing journey on mainland Tanzania, was a 14-day work project trip to the island of Zanzibar. I looked forward to experiencing the very different culture in Zanzibar, to exploring the historic Stone Town in the capital, and of course, to spending some well-earned hours relaxing on the pristine white-sand beaches and the most turquoise blue waters I have ever laid eyes on. Stone Town stirs with the wakefulness of night. Children shout as they play football in open corners or dive into the harbour waters and demonstrate feats of bravery with their friends. The nights smell like barbecue heaven and the older generation finds comfort in banter and small talks. I am headed to Fumba Town for the inaugural festival; The Wild Murals Festival! 10 large-scale murals inspired by the ocean, wildlife, and nature will adorn both public and private buildings, adding creativity to Fumba’s signature white architecture. Created by local and East African artists, these murals will not only beautify the town but also promote environmental conservation. My job starts here! 🌿 From Diani’s white sands to Zanzibar’s storied streets, my bike had carried me through history, culture, and landscapes that felt untouched by time. And as I rolled onto the island, I knew—this was not just the end of a journey, but the beginning of a new adventure.

Kassim is a knowledgeable tour guide! He knows everything there is to know about zanzibars history and has the best places to see in stone town! He's kind, smart and can show you zanzibar in a way that only someone of his knowledge can! Book with Kassim, you won't be disappointed! Even showed us a great local restaurant with the best food we had on our trip! Thank you Kassim!

A paradise of spices and stunning beaches, Zanzibar’s Stone Town tour is both beautiful and informative. Sometimes, though, the heat and humidity can make walking the streets a bit uncomfortable.

Kassim is not only kind, but also very knowledgeable and a good speaker. We were taken to some of the more notable sights, but also to a few places off the beaten path. Kassim was thoughtful and careful to make stops in places where we had shade and a breeze. We learned a lot not only about stone town, but the peri-events that strongly influenced it, like the Berlin Treaty, discovery (all four of them!) of the new world and the economic dynamic of the Euro-African region. Thank you for providing this context!

The guide was knowledgeable, and was easy to understand, however I felt that more should have been said/ shown about some of the buildings ( that we walked past , even though open). however I did enjoy the tour

Slave trade market museum. A lot of gift shops and markets with zanzibian clothes, masai clothes, including swahili and masai food. The blue gem jewellery shops are a gem and not to be missed