Zanzibar was one of the largest slave ports in the vast Indian Ocean slave trade, which was dominated by Arab slave traders. The Arab slave trade originated before Islam and lasted more than a millennium. The slavers hacked their way from Bagamoyo on the Tanzania mainland coast into the African interior, as far west as the Congo. The slavers traded, bribed chiefs, pillaged and frequently kidnapped to meet the high demand for slaves.
Although best known today as an island paradise, there are many prominent reminders of Zanzibar's dark history in the slave trade around Stone Town and across the island. The market where slaves were confined in dark, airless, underground chambers before being sold still contains the chains bolted to the concrete. A moving memorial now stands where the market once was, reminding visitors and locals alike, of the atrocities committed on that very spot centuries before.
The tour starts from Kelele Square, walk along the alleys of Stone Town to the house of former trader Tippu Tip. Then proceed to biggest market at Mkunazini (Stone Town) where slaves were cruelty whipped before being auctioned. From there we proceed to the house of the good slaves friend Dr. David Livingstone who campaigned for the abolition of slavery which marked its end in 1873. We will also visit Maruhubi Ruins where 99 necked enslaved women were entertaining the Arab Sultan of Zanzibar (1870-1888) in the luxurious palace.
The price is per person, and includes the following:
- Transport
- Entry Fees
- Guide Service
- Mineral Water
- Travel Permit
- Government Tax and VAT
