For much of the nineteenth century Stone Town was the hub of the East African slave trade, and the site of its last open slave market is now the most moving place in Zanzibar. After the market was closed in 1873 under British pressure, the Anglican Christ Church Cathedral was built on the spot, with its altar said to stand where the whipping post once was. Beside it, a heritage centre tells the story of the trade and its victims, two cramped underground chambers show where captives were held, and a stark memorial sculpture of chained figures stands in a pit in the garden. Visiting with a guide gives the history the context it needs. This page links to a private Stone Town tour on Viator, rated 4.9 by its reviewers, that starts with an hour at the slave market and cathedral, with entry tickets included, and continues past the Old Fort, the Darajani Bazaar, the palace museum, the Forodhani Gardens, St Joseph’s Cathedral and the Old Dispensary.
How it works: the tour is run by a local guide, Maulid Omar, as a private tour for your group, and lasts three to four hours. It meets at the Forodhani Gardens in front of the House of Wonders, and includes guiding, bottled water and entry tickets to the former slave market. The first stop, about an hour, is the slave market and Anglican cathedral. The Freddie Mercury Museum is on the route but its ticket is not included. Free cancellation runs until 24 hours before.
At the memorial: the visit is sobering, and the guide will explain how captives were brought from the mainland, held and sold, and how the trade was finally ended. Take your time in the heritage exhibition before going down to the chambers, which are dark and low. Dress modestly, as the cathedral is a working church.
Making the most of it: go early in the day, before the larger groups arrive, and leave time afterwards for quiet reflection. The rest of the route is a good overview of Stone Town, so this tour also works as a full introduction to the old town.
What to expect
The experience
A private guided tour that starts with an hour at the slave market memorial, cathedral and holding chambers, then continues through Stone Town’s landmarks.
Best time
Early in the day, when the memorial is quieter and the lanes are cooler.
How long
Three to four hours, about one hour of it at the slave market and cathedral.
Tips
Dress modestly for the cathedral, allow time for the exhibition, and be ready for a sobering, emotional visit.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want to understand the history that shaped Zanzibar and East Africa.
- Families
- Suitable for older children and teenagers with some preparation; the chambers and stories are intense for young ones.
- Couples
- A thoughtful, private tour that adds depth to a Stone Town stay.
- Pair with
- The Freddie Mercury Museum nearby, and the Forodhani food market in the evening.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
What is at the Old Slave Market in Stone Town?+
The site holds the Anglican Christ Church Cathedral, a heritage exhibition on the slave trade, underground holding chambers and a memorial sculpture. It marks East Africa’s last open slave market.
Are entry tickets included in this tour?+
Yes, entry to the former slave market site is included. The Freddie Mercury Museum ticket on the route is not.
When was the Zanzibar slave market closed?+
The open slave market was closed in 1873 under British pressure. The cathedral was built on the site afterwards.
Where does the tour meet?+
It meets at the Forodhani Gardens in front of the House of Wonders on the Stone Town waterfront. It is a private tour, so only your group joins.
Is the visit suitable for children?+
It suits older children and teenagers who are prepared for the subject. The dark chambers and the history can upset younger children.
