4 Days Unearthing the Forgotten Slave Routes of Zanzibar

Day 1: Warm Welcome to Zanzibar Island - The Hidden Paradise - The Trip of Your Lifetime!

1. 20m
   Upon arrival at Zanzibar Airport, you will be warmly met and greeted by our professional guide and driver, who will assist you with your luggage and provide a short orientation about your stay. You will then be comfortably transferred in a private vehicle to Mizingani Seafront Hotel, located in the historic Stone Town area overlooking the ocean. During the drive, you will enjoy your first impressions of Zanzibar’s scenery, culture, and atmosphere as you head toward your accommodation.
   
   You will spend the night at the hotel on a Bed and Breakfast basis in comfortable and well-prepared suitable rooms designed for relaxation after your journey. The rooms offer a peaceful environment, ensuring a pleasant and restful stay before the start of your activities the following day. Friendly staff will be available to assist you, making your first evening in Zanzibar smooth, relaxing, and memorable.

Day 2: Stone Town City - Livingstone’s House - Anglican Cathedral/Former Slave Market Site - Mbweni Ruins

1. Stone Town
   2h · Admission ticket included
   The excursion begins in Malindi at Dhow Harbor, where slave ships once brought captives from Bagamoyo. Then pass by Tippu Tip’s House, home of the infamous Arab trader Hamad bin Muhammad bin Juma bin Rajab el Murjebi. Located in Suicide Alley, Shangani near Africa House Hotel and Serena Inn, it is a 15–25 minute walk from the Old Fort and Forodhani Gardens. Once a private residence, it later became flats. Though not open to visitors, its carved wooden door and black-and-white marble steps hint at the wealth of its original owner, even as the building has fallen into decay.
   
   The tour continues to the Anglican Cathedral, built in 1874 on the former slave market site. Its high altar stands where the whipping post once was, marking the abolition of slavery in 1873 by Zanzibar’s sultan. Visiting this site gives a stark reminder of past suffering and the profound changes that followed, offering travelers a reflective view of Zanzibar’s complex history and the legacy of its human struggles.
2. 45m · Admission ticket included
   Next, we visit Dr. David Livingstone’s house, built around 1860 for Sultan Majid. A friend to enslaved people, Livingstone campaigned for the abolition of slavery, which ended in Zanzibar in 1873. The house served as a base for missionaries and explorers, including Livingstone himself before his last journey into the mainland interior.
   
   The building reflects his dedication to human rights and the efforts to combat slavery. Visitors can appreciate its historical role as a hub for exploration and social reform, gaining insight into Zanzibar’s past and the courageous individuals who worked to end the slave trade and support affected communities.
3. Mbweni Ruins
   2h · Admission ticket included
   You will then be driven to Mbweni, about 5 km south of Zanzibar Town, to visit the Mbweni Ruins, which were formerly a school for freed slave girls. The site was part of the Universities Mission to Central Africa (UMCA) and served as a settlement for former slaves during the 19th century. Among the ruins is St. Mary’s School for Girls, built by missionaries to educate and care for girls rescued from slave ships. Today, the ruins are set within the lush gardens of the Mbweni Ruins Hotel, offering a peaceful glimpse into this historical period. After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel for an overnight stay on a Bed and Breakfast basis.

Day 3: Prison Island - Maruhubi Ruins - Mangapwani Slave Chamber

1. Prison Island - Changuu Private Island
   3h · Admission ticket included
   After breakfast, you will be picked up from Mizingani Seafront Hotel and transferred for a boat ride to Prison Island, a site rich in history and natural beauty. Originally intended as a prison for rebellious slaves, the island later served as a quarantine station for Zanzibar. In 1893, Lloyd Mathews constructed the prison building, with plans to detain violent criminals from the Tanganyika mainland. However, the facility was ultimately used as a quarantine center during yellow fever outbreaks that once affected the region.
   
   Today, the island is best known as home to the remarkable Aldabra Giant Tortoises, some of which are over a century old. Surrounded by a beautiful beach and vibrant reef sanctuary, Prison Island offers clear turquoise waters ideal for relaxation and exploration. The visit combines history, wildlife, and scenic coastal views, making it a truly memorable and worthwhile experience during your stay in Zanzibar.
2. 2h · Admission ticket included
   Next, we will head to visit the Maruhubi Ruins, located just outside Stone Town. The ruins mark the site of a grand palace built in the late 19th century by the Sultan of Zanzibar as a royal residence. Constructed around 1880, the palace was known for its impressive architecture, large columns, and elegant design overlooking the sea. It served as a place of leisure and royal gatherings during the reign of the sultan between 1870 - 1888. Today, only the coral stone pillars and foundation walls remain, offering visitors a glimpse into its former splendor.
   
   Historical accounts indicate that the palace housed many enslaved women who formed part of the royal household and court life. The Maruhubi Ruins stand as a reminder of both the luxury enjoyed by the ruling elite and the harsh realities of slavery during that era. Walking through the remains of the palace provides insight into Zanzibar’s complex past, blending stories of power, wealth, and human suffering within a single historic site.
3. Mangapwani Slave Chamber
   3h · Admission ticket included
   The last stop is at the Mangapwani Slave Chamber, where enslaved people were held while waiting for monsoon winds to carry boats that would transport them into exile. Built around 1880 by Mohammed Bin Nassor Al-Alwi, the chamber was carved from a natural cave and connected by a concealed passage to the seaside nearly two kilometers away. Its hidden location made it a strategic point along the coast, allowing traffickers to move captives discreetly during a period when the slave trade had officially been abolished in 1873.
   
   Despite abolition, the site continued to function as a secret transit point, particularly for shipments toward the Middle East. Between 1880 and 1905, the chamber was used to conceal enslaved people before they were transported overseas. The dark, confined space stands today as a stark reminder of the cruelty and suffering endured, offering visitors a sobering insight into Zanzibar’s complex and painful history.

Day 4: Departure Day - Time To Say Goodbye!

1. 20m
   Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before spending some leisure time relaxing at Mizingani Seafront Hotel. Take advantage of the hotel’s facilities and soak in the peaceful atmosphere as you prepare for your departure. Whether you choose to unwind in the courtyard, enjoy views of the seafront, or simply relax in your room, the morning is yours to enjoy at your own pace.
   
   When it’s time, you’ll be transferred to Zanzibar Airport according to your flight schedule. Please note that late check-out may be available at an additional charge, subject to room availability. This flexible option allows you to make the most of your final hours on the island while ensuring a smooth and comfortable departure.

Pickup details

On arrival, you will be met and greeted by the guide and driver at Zanzibar International Airport / Zanzibar Ferry Terminal and given a briefing and all the necessary information regarding your Unforgettable Holiday to Zanzibar. They will answer all the questions that you might have.

The representatives will arrive 30 minutes before the arrival time, waiting for you with a sign that you will easily recognize, and transfer you to the charming Mizingani Seafront Hotel adds comfort and authenticity, making this the perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation in the heart of Zanzibar.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels