Things to see and do Stone Town

Let's salute some interesting local initiatives. This small company set up by locals offers guided bike tours and scooter rentals. The two-wheelers are recent and well-maintained. The off-the-beaten-track tours we recommend are those to Ng'ambo (literally "the other side") and Uswazi in Zanzibar's very authentic new town, far from the ultra-touristy hypercentre. The agency also offers bike tours to a spice farm on the outskirts of Stone Town and in the center.

Pungume is an alternative excursion to Safari Blu, popular for decades but overbooked. The advantage of the Pungume excursion is that it's only done by private boat (you don't get stuck on a boat with other people like on Safari Blue), but it's more expensive in a small group. The corals are better preserved, and the seafood is grilled on a sandbar uncovered at low tide (beware of sea urchins), not on an island. A real change of scenery. We leave from Uzi when we come from Stone Town.

Located near the Darajani market in old Stone Town, this Swahili mansion stands out for its history and its height, far superior to other houses. Built by a wealthy Indian merchant in the ^19th century, the house was home to several sultan families over 125 years before becoming a hotel. All our guides take their groups on a tour of the house's hall and rooftop terrace, with its open-air restaurant and fabulous view over Stone Town. We recommend a visit to admire the house and the panorama.