Stone Town Zanzibar Market: Complete Guide Darajani 2025
The stone town zanzibar market (Darajani Market) is the largest traditional Stone Town market located in Zanzibar. Creek Road, historic downtown Zanzibar (5 min walk to Forodhani Gardens). Schedule 6:00-18:00 daily, free entrybest 6:00-10:00 a.m. fresh products. What to find: fresh spices (cloves, cinnamon, cardamom 2,000-5,000 TZS/100g), tropical fruits (mangoes, papayas 1,000-3,000 TZS/kg), fresh fish (5,000-15,000 TZS/kg, 6:00-12:00), handicrafts (wood carvings, kangas 5,000-10,000 TZS), street food (Urojo 2,000-3,000 TZS, chapati 500-1,000 TZS). Expected bargain (offers 50-70% starting price). This guide explains what to buy, prices, schedules and practical tips.
History stone town zanzibar market
Founded at the end of the 19th centuryPeriod Sultanate of Oman, the nerve center of the Indian Ocean trade.
Name "Darajani".Means "bridge" Swahili, reference location Creek Road harbor.
Original functionSale of meats, vegetables, fish, then spices, textiles, handicrafts.
ArchitectureArab/European influences preserved since construction.
TodayZanzibar identity symbol, vital local meeting point, tourist attraction not to be missed.
What to buy stone town zanzibar marketplace
Fresh spices
VarietyCloves, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, pepper, vanilla.
Prices: 2,000-5,000 TZS (0.80-2 USD) per 100g (bargain).
QualityFresh freshly ground superior tourist stores.
Buy: Ask to try scent, compare several positions.
Fruits and vegetables
TropicalMangoes, papayas, pineapples, bananas, coconuts, passion fruit.
Prices1,000-3,000 TZS (0.40-1.20 USD) per kilo.
Freshness: Collections sold the same day, better early tomorrow morning.
Fish and seafood
Schedule: 6:00-12:00 (fishing day exhibited tomorrow).
VarietyTuna, snapper, octopus, squid, lobster, shrimp.
Price: 5,000-15,000 TZS (2-6 USD) per kilo.
Local handicrafts
Wood carvingsMiniature doors, masks, statues (10,000-50,000 TZS/4-20 USD).
TextilesKangas (colorful Swahili message fabrics) 5,000-10,000 TZS, kikois 8,000-15,000 TZS.
JewelryNecklaces, bracelets, silver rings/beads (5.000-30.000 TZS).
AuthenticityIdentifies genuine local vs. imported parts.
Food stone town zanzibar market
Traditional dishes
Urojo: Sweet/sour/spicy zanzibari soup, potatoes, coconut, tamarind (2,000-3,000 TZS).
ChapatiLocal flat bread (500-1,000 TZS).
Mkate wa UfutaTraditional sesame bread (1,000-2,000 TZS).
MishkakiSpicy meat skewers (2,000-4,000 TZS).
Snacks and beverages
Fresh fruitPeeled mangoes, water coconuts (1,000-2,000 TZS).
Zanzibar pizzaMeat/vegetable/egg stuffed dough (3,000-5,000 TZS).
Fresh juicesSugar cane, passion fruit, orange (1,000-2,000 TZS).
Where to eat
Food stallsSpecific area on the north side of the market.
ScheduleBreakfast 6:00-10:00, lunch 12:00-14:00.
Hygiene: Eats local crowded stalls (freshness signal).
Tips to visit stone town zanzibar market
Dribbling
Expected: Integral part experience, sellers expect to negotiate.
StrategyOffer 50-70% starting price, negotiate kindly.
Compare: Ask prices for several positions before deciding.
Fixed productsPrepared food, some food fixed price.
Best opening hours stone town zanzibar market
Early morning (6:00-10:00)BEST - fresh products, less tourists, pleasant temperatures.
Midday (12:00-14:00)Less crowded but intense heat, some stalls close.
Afternoon (15:00-18:00): Activity decreases, less products.
Avoid: Friday after 12:00 (Muslim prayer, many close).
Safety and respect
Pockets: Take care of belongings, occasional pickpocketing in crowded areas.
Cash: Carry small TZS bills (sellers do not have large change).
PhotographyAsk for permission to photograph people (some ask for a tip).
Clothing: Modest (shoulders/knees covered) respecting Muslim culture.
HygieneWash fruits/vegetables, avoid tap water.
How to get to stone town zanzibar market
Location
AddressCreek Road, Stone Town center, next to the old harbor.
References5 min Forodhani Gardens, 10 min House of Wonders, in front of dala-dalas.
From Stone Town
WalkingAny point Stone Town 5-15 min (ask "Darajani Market").
StreetsLabyrinths signposted, cultural experience.
From other areas
Dala-dalaMinibuses all areas reach Creek Road (2,000-5,000 TZS).
CabNungwi 70,000-80,000 TZS (30-35 USD), Paje 50,000-60,000 TZS (20-25 USD).
ToursSpice tours/Stone Town tours include market stop.
Frequently asked questions stone town zanzibar marketplace
What is Stone Town Zanzibar market and where is it?
The stone town zanzibar market (Darajani Market) is the largest historical traditional market located Creek Road, Stone Town Center (5 min Forodhani Gardens, 10 min House of Wonders, in front of dala-dalas) being the epicenter of local life since the late 19th century. Hours 6:00-18:00 daily, free entrybetter 6:00-10:00 am fresh produce (spices, fruits, fish), less tourists. What to find(1) Fresh spices (cloves, cinnamon, cardamom 2,000-5,000 TZS/100g); (2) Tropical fruits (mangoes, papayas 1,000-3,000 TZS/kg); (3) Fresh fish (tuna, snapper, octopus 5,000-15.000 TZS/kg, 6:00-12:00); (4) Handicrafts (wood carvings, kangas 5,000-10,000 TZS, jewelry 5,000-30,000 TZS); (5) Street food (Urojo 2,000-3,000 TZS, chapati 500-1,000 TZS). Expected dribbling offers 50-70% starting price. According to Lonely Planet, stone town zanzibar market is "essential authentic experience" being "the heart of daily life in Zanzibari".
What is the best time to visit the Stone Town Zanzibar market?
The best schedule stone town zanzibar market is early morning 6:00-10:00 offering: (1) Fresh produce - freshly ground spices, fruits/vegetables tomorrow, fish catch of the day 6:00-12:00 (tuna, snapper, octopus very fresh), vendors setting up stalls full selection; (2) Fewer tourists - authentic quiet experience, better photography without crowds; (3) Pleasant temperatures - 24-26°C morning vs 30-32°C midday, explore comfortably; (4) Energy vendors - better mood willingness to negotiate. Noon 12:00-14:00 less crowded but heat 30-32°C, some closed, less products. Afternoon 15:00-18:00 activity decreases, vendors closing. Avoid Fridays after 12:00 noon (Muslim prayer, many close). Duration1-2 hours enough to explore, shop, taste food. Depending on visitors, tomorrow stone town zanzibar market offers "most authentic vibrant experience" being "magical moment market comes alive" before tours groups 10:00-12:00.
What can I buy at the Stone Town Zanzibar market?
At stone town zanzibar market purchase: (1) Fresh spices (MUST HAVE) - cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg (2,000-5,000 TZS/0.80-2 USD per 100g), top quality tourist stores, ask to taste aroma, bargain; (2) Tropical fruits - mangoes, papayas, pineapples, coconuts (1,000-3,000 TZS/kg), fresh picked on that day; (3) Fish/seafood - tuna, snapper, octopus, squid (5,000-15,000 TZS/kg), displayed 6:00-12:00 fishing day; (4) Handicrafts - wood carvings (miniature doors, masks 10,000-50,000 TZS/4-20 USD), kangas (Swahili message cloth 5,000-10,000 TZS), kikois (8,000-15,000 TZS), silver jewelry (5,000-30,000 TZS), genuine vs. imported IDs; (5) Food - Urojo soup (2,000-3,000 TZS), chapati (500-1,000 TZS), mishkaki (2,000-4,000 TZS), juices (1,000-2,000 TZS). Dribbling: Offer 50-70% starting price, compare jobs. Best souvenir: Fresh spices excellent gift. According to TripAdvisor, stone town zanzibar market is "shoppers paradise" being "perfect place authentic spices local prices" vs. overpriced tourist stores 200-300%.