Stone Town waterfront with boats Photo: Moongateclimber, CC BY-SA 3.0

Stone Town Beach

Zanzibar City Indian Ocean Tanzania

Stone Town's waterfront is where Africa, Arabia, India, and Europe have met for over a millennium. The UNESCO World Heritage Site features the famous Forodhani Gardens night food market, the old dhow harbour, and the House of Wonders. While not a swimming beach, the waterfront offers spectacular sunsets and serves as the gateway to Zanzibar's archipelago.

Key Information

Best Time to Visit
Sunset for Forodhani market
Best Months
June-October, December-February
Getting There
Abeid Amani Karume Airport (ZNZ), 8 km from town
Accommodation
Historic hotels in converted merchant houses
Activities
Spice tours, dhow cruises, historic walking tours

Rankings

CriterionRatingNotes
BeautyHighHistoric waterfront, spectacular sunsets
UniquenessExceptionalUNESCO World Heritage, cultural crossroads
AccessVery EasyInternational airport, ferry from Dar
PreservationHighUNESCO protection, restoration ongoing

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Stone Town Beach?

Stone Town Beach is located in Zanzibar City, Indian Ocean. It sits on Tanzania and features sand beaches.

What is the best time to visit Stone Town Beach?

The best time to visit Stone Town Beach is varies by season. Check local weather conditions before planning your trip.

Is Stone Town Beach safe for swimming?

standard ocean safety precautions apply

Image Credits