Capital City of Zanzibar?
The capital city of Zanzibar is Zanzibar City, located on the west coast of Unguja, the largest island in the Zanzibar Archipelago.
Many people call the capital Stone Town, but there is an important distinction:
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Zanzibar City is the full capital and largest city.
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Stone Town is the historic centre of Zanzibar City.
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Ng’ambo is the larger, more modern part of the city.
Stone Town is the part most visitors know. It contains the old streets, historic buildings, markets, waterfront and former palaces that have made Zanzibar famous around the world.
Quick Answer: What Is the Capital of Zanzibar?
Zanzibar City is the capital of Zanzibar. Its historic centre is Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the western side of Unguja Island.
Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous part of Tanzania. Therefore, Zanzibar City serves as the seat of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, while Dodoma is the capital of the United Republic of Tanzania.
Is Stone Town the Capital of Zanzibar?
Stone Town is commonly described as the capital of Zanzibar. However, technically, it is the historic quarter of the larger Zanzibar City.
This is why you may see both of these answers:
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Zanzibar City is the official urban capital.
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Stone Town is its historic and administrative heart.
For travellers, Stone Town is usually the most important part of the capital. It is where you will find many of Zanzibar’s historic attractions, hotels, restaurants, markets and ferry connections.
Where Is Zanzibar City Located?
Zanzibar City is on the west coast of Unguja Island, facing the Zanzibar Channel and mainland Tanzania.
The city is approximately:
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7 kilometres from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport
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80 kilometres across the sea from Dar es Salaam
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50 to 60 kilometres from Nungwi and Kendwa
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50 kilometres from Paje and Jambiani
Driving times depend on traffic. The airport-to-Stone Town journey normally takes around 15 to 25 minutes, while travelling from Stone Town to the northern or eastern beaches can take between one and two hours.
Is Zanzibar the Capital of Tanzania?
No. Zanzibar is not the capital of Tanzania.
The capital of Tanzania is Dodoma, while Dar es Salaam is the country’s largest city and main commercial centre.
Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous part of Tanzania with its own president, parliament and local government. Zanzibar City is the capital and administrative centre of Zanzibar.
The relationship can be understood as follows:
| Place | Status |
|---|---|
| Tanzania | The country |
| Dodoma | Capital of Tanzania |
| Zanzibar | A semi-autonomous part of Tanzania |
| Zanzibar City | Capital of Zanzibar |
| Stone Town | Historic centre of Zanzibar City |
| Unguja | The main island commonly called Zanzibar Island |
| Pemba | The second-largest island in the Zanzibar Archipelago |
Is the Capital of Zanzibar on Unguja or Pemba?
Zanzibar City is located on Unguja Island.
Unguja is the main island of the Zanzibar Archipelago and is the island that most travellers simply call Zanzibar. Pemba is the second-largest island and lies farther north.
Zanzibar’s semi-autonomous territory includes Unguja, Pemba and several smaller islands, but its capital remains on Unguja.
What Is Stone Town?
Stone Town, known locally as Mji Mkongwe, is the oldest part of Zanzibar City. Its name comes from the coral-stone buildings that replaced earlier wooden structures as the town developed.
The area is known for its:
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Narrow pedestrian streets
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Carved Zanzibari doors
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Arab, African, Indian and European architecture
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Former sultans’ palaces
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Mosques and churches
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Traditional markets
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Indian Ocean waterfront
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Swahili food and cultural heritage
UNESCO added the Stone Town of Zanzibar to its World Heritage List in 2000 because of its architecture, history and cultural importance. UNESCO describes it as an outstanding example of a Swahili coastal trading town shaped by African, Arab, Indian and European influences.
What Can You See in Zanzibar’s Capital?
Most of the capital’s best-known attractions are in or near Stone Town.
The Old Fort
The Old Fort, also called Ngome Kongwe, is one of Stone Town’s oldest landmarks. The Omanis built it after taking control of Zanzibar from the Portuguese.
Today, the fort contains small shops and spaces used for cultural performances and events.
Forodhani Gardens
Forodhani Gardens is a waterfront park opposite the Old Fort. It becomes particularly lively in the evening when local vendors prepare seafood, Zanzibar pizza, sugarcane juice and other street food.
Darajani Market
Darajani Market is one of the best places to observe daily life in Zanzibar City. Traders sell fruit, vegetables, spices, fish, meat, household goods and clothing.
Visit with a local guide if you would like help understanding the ingredients, customs and different sections of the market.
The Former Slave Market
The Anglican Cathedral and former slave market site help visitors understand a difficult but important part of Zanzibar’s history.
The memorial and former holding chambers provide context about the East African slave trade and the campaign that eventually brought the open slave market to an end.
The Old Dispensary
The Old Dispensary is one of the most recognisable buildings on the Stone Town waterfront. Its carved balconies and decorative details show the Indian and European influences found in Zanzibar’s architecture.
The Palace Museum
The Palace Museum, also known as the Sultan’s Palace or Beit al-Sahel, was once a residence of Zanzibar’s royal family.
Its location on the waterfront reflects the historical importance of the sea, trade and the sultanate to the development of Zanzibar City.
Freddie Mercury’s Birthplace
Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of Queen, was born in Stone Town in 1946. Several sites in the historic centre are associated with his early life, although visitors should be careful about assuming that every building advertised as “Freddie Mercury’s house” was his family home.
Was Zanzibar Once the Capital of Oman?
Zanzibar was once the seat of the Sultan of Oman, but the history needs some explanation.
Sultan Said bin Sultan transferred his court and principal seat from Muscat to Zanzibar during the first half of the nineteenth century, commonly dated to 1840. As a result, Zanzibar became the political and commercial centre of his territories.
The island’s clove plantations and position along Indian Ocean trading routes made it extremely important to the Omani Empire. Stone Town expanded as palaces, trading houses and administrative buildings were constructed.
However, Zanzibar is not part of modern Oman, and it is not Oman’s capital today. The present-day capital of Oman is Muscat.
After Said bin Sultan died in 1856, disputes between his sons eventually led to the separation of the territories into the Sultanate of Oman and the Sultanate of Zanzibar.
Why Did the Sultan of Oman Move to Zanzibar?
Said bin Sultan strengthened his base in Zanzibar because the island offered major economic and strategic advantages.
These included:
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Profitable clove plantations
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A protected natural harbour
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Access to Indian Ocean trade
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Connections with Arabia, India and the East African coast
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Control of commercial routes into mainland East Africa
The sultan’s presence helped turn Stone Town into one of the region’s most influential trading centres. However, this period was also closely connected to slavery and the trade in enslaved people, an essential part of the island’s history that should not be overlooked.
When Did Zanzibar Stop Being Connected to Oman?
After Said bin Sultan’s death in 1856, his sons competed for control of the empire. The dispute resulted in the creation of two separate sultanates: one based in Oman and the other in Zanzibar.
Zanzibar later became a British protectorate. In December 1963, it became independent as the Sultanate of Zanzibar. The Zanzibar Revolution followed in January 1964.
In April 1964, Zanzibar united with Tanganyika. The union created the country now known as the United Republic of Tanzania, while Zanzibar retained a significant degree of internal autonomy.
What Is the Currency of Zanzibar?
The currency used in Zanzibar is the Tanzanian shilling, written as TZS or TSh.
US dollars are accepted by many hotels and tourism businesses, especially for accommodation, transfers and excursions. However, Tanzanian shillings are useful for markets, small shops, local restaurants and everyday purchases.
Zanzibar does not have a separate national currency.
Is Zanzibar City Worth Visiting?
Yes. We recommend spending at least one night in Stone Town, particularly if you want to understand Zanzibar beyond its beaches.
Stone Town works especially well:
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On the first night after arriving in Zanzibar
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Before transferring to a Zanzibar beach resort
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Before or after using the Dar es Salaam ferry
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As part of a Zanzibar history and culture itinerary
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For travellers interested in food, architecture and photography
A guided walking tour usually takes two to three hours. It can include Darajani Market, the Old Fort, Forodhani Gardens, the former slave market, the waterfront and the narrow streets of the historic town.
If your Zanzibar holiday mainly focuses on the beach, combining one night in Stone Town with several nights in Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Jambiani or another coastal area provides a more complete experience.
Capital of Zanzibar: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital city of Zanzibar?
Zanzibar City is the capital of Zanzibar. It is located on the west coast of Unguja Island.
What is the capital of Zanzibar Island?
The capital of Zanzibar Island, commonly meaning Unguja, is Zanzibar City.
Is Stone Town the same as Zanzibar City?
Not exactly. Stone Town is the historic centre of Zanzibar City. Zanzibar City also includes Ng’ambo and other modern urban neighbourhoods.
Is Zanzibar a city, island or country?
The name Zanzibar can refer to the semi-autonomous territory, the archipelago or, informally, its main island. Zanzibar is not an independent country; it is part of Tanzania. Zanzibar City is its capital.
Is Zanzibar the capital of Tanzania?
No. Dodoma is the capital of Tanzania. Zanzibar City is the capital of semi-autonomous Zanzibar.
Was Zanzibar the capital of Oman?
Sultan Said bin Sultan moved his court and principal seat from Muscat to Zanzibar, commonly dated to 1840. Zanzibar became the centre of his Omani and East African territories, but it is not the capital of modern Oman.
Zanzibar was once the capital of which country?
Zanzibar is commonly described as having served as the capital of the Omani Empire under Sultan Said bin Sultan. After his death, Zanzibar and Oman became separate sultanates.
What are the capital and currency of Zanzibar?
The capital is Zanzibar City, and the currency is the Tanzanian shilling.
On which island is Zanzibar’s capital located?
Zanzibar City is located on Unguja, the main island of the Zanzibar Archipelago.
What does Mji Mkongwe mean?
Mji Mkongwe is the Swahili name for Stone Town. It means “old town” or “old city.”
Plan Your Visit to Zanzibar City
Zanzibar City is more than the arrival point for a beach holiday. Its historic centre tells the story of centuries of trade, migration, cultural exchange and political change along the East African coast.
We can arrange a private Stone Town tour, airport transfer, beach stay or complete Zanzibar holiday through VisitZanzibar.Africa Planning with a local East African team also makes it easier to match Stone Town with the right beach area for your interests and budget.
