Stone Town private tour: why a guide of your own helps
A Stone Town private tour makes sense because the old town is a maze. The UNESCO-listed core covers 96 hectares of coral stone houses, inner courtyards and carved double doors, and the lanes rarely run straight. With your own guide you stop at a door you like, stay longer at a market stall and skip what does not interest you.
Three private options cover the usual plans: a three-hour walk, a history walk with pickup, and a car from the airport.
Prices below are starting prices as of November 2026. Walks are priced per person, the transfer per vehicle.
The three-hour walk: simple and cheap
This is the walk for a first afternoon. It starts at the Old Fort, takes about three hours and costs $21 per person. A local guide leads you through the old town and everyone gets a bottle of water. It suits couples and friends who want orientation without a long day.
The Freddie Mercury Museum costs about $8 per person extra and the former slave market $10. Hotel pickup can be arranged on request.
The history walk with pickup
The private walk takes two to four hours and costs $30 per person. It includes a private local guide, pickup and drop-off, a city map to keep, 500 ml of water and all taxes and surcharges. You meet in front of the Old Fort near the tourist information centre by Forodhani Gardens, or you are collected.
It fits families and anyone who wants the story of the old town street by street. The Freddie Mercury Museum, the Anglican church and the Hamamni Baths are extra, as are food and tips.
Airport to Stone Town: the private transfer
The airport lies about 5 km south of Zanzibar City, and the private transfer takes around 30 minutes. It costs $22 per group of up to six and includes drinking water. For two people that is $11 each, for four $5.50 each and for six $3.67 each. It suits families with luggage and groups arriving together.
What it costs for your group
For two people the three-hour walk costs $42 in total and the history walk $60. A family of four pays $84 or $120. The history walk costs $9 more per person and buys pickup and the city map. A party of four adds only $22 for the ride from the airport.
Our picks: private tours
Choose the three-hour walk for a first look, the history walk for pickup, or a private car from the airport.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Private walk through Stone Town's history
- Private local guide
- Pick-up and drop-off
- City map
Two to four hours with your own guide through the old town, with a city map to keep. Entry to the Freddie Mercury Museum, the Anglican church and the Hamamni Baths is extra.
Check availability →Private airport transfer to Stone Town
- Private car for up to 6
- Drinking water
A private car from the airport into Stone Town for up to six people, with drinking water on board.
Check availability →
Three-hour Stone Town walk with a local guide
- Local guide
- Bottled water
A guided stroll through the old town with a bottle of water for everyone. Entry to the Freddie Mercury Museum and the former slave market is extra.
Check availability →Private tours and transfers in Stone Town
Two guided walks through the old town and a private car from the airport, with prices per person or per group.
Private tours in Stone Town: practical questions
How much does a private walk in Stone Town cost?
The three-hour walk costs $21 per person, the two to four hour history walk $30. A couple pays $42 or $60 in total.
What is the price of an airport transfer per person?
The private car costs $22 for up to six people. Two travellers pay $11 each, four pay $5.50 each.
Can I go inside the House of Wonders on a private tour?
No, the building is closed inside while it is being restored.
Which entrance fees are not included?
On the three-hour walk the Freddie Mercury Museum is about $8 per person and the former slave market $10. On the history walk the museum, the Anglican church and the Hamamni Baths cost extra.