_{My Zanzibar Honeymoon was written by Ramat Chukwumah}

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It is advisable to start off a tour of Stone Town in the morning before it becomes very hot as the tour entails walking throughout. It is conducted through the many alleys and pathways that make up Stone Town. The name Stone Town comes from the use of coral stone as the main construction material used in building houses.

*(Stone Town in Swahili is known as Mji Mkongwe which means “Old Town.” It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2000).

Our guide told us that it was even against the law to use cement blocks as the government wanted to promote the purchase of corals. You could easily get lost navigating the many passages.

One moment we were passing rows of shops that sold Arabian styled female wear, the next we were popping out at the spice market. I particularly loved the spice market as I was able to purchase freshly ground Indian spices like Garam Masala and Tandoori Masala. They also sold native soaps like lemon grass soap.

The fish market at Darajani Market was not too far from the spice market, and we witnessed an auction. Usually, they auctioned off large fishes. Those of normal sizes were sold at fixed rates. They also had street vendors selling locally made juices. Fresh fruit juice is easily available on Zanzibar.

The tour took a sober turn when we visited the site of the Old Slave Market. We were shown tiny underground rooms were slaves where kept, and a slave monument.

The Anglican Cathedral of Christ Church is in the same premises and its altar was built on the same exact spot where the whipping post of the slave market was. Behind the altar was the tomb of Edward Steere, the Bishop who actually built the church.

We were shown a cross that hung in the church and were told that it was carved out from the tree where David Livingstone (the Scottish missionary that fought for the abolishment of slavery) was initially buried.

Other attractions during the tour include the Old Fort, House of Wonders and Forodhani Gardens.

It was interesting to find out that the late Freddie Mercury, the former lead singer of the band, Queen was born in Stone Town. We were shown the exact flat that his family lived in and I imagined young Freddie Mercury listening to records in that flat.

Zanzibar truly is a wonderful place to visit, with its beautiful beaches, clear, blue waters, refreshing seasonal juices, delicious Indian cuisine and the greetings of Jambo (hello in Swahili) wherever you go.

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Ramat Oshiorenua Chukwumah is a multi-faceted lady who has spent some time backstage in the media and entertainment industry. You can follow her @nadinescakesng on IG.

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