When you think of Zanzibar, images of white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and aromatic spice farms likely come to mind. But beneath the beauty of this Indian Ocean paradise lies a haunting past—one deeply intertwined with the East African slave trade.

For centuries, Zanzibar served as a major hub for the Arab-led slave trade, where thousands of enslaved people were captured, sold, and transported across the Indian Ocean. Today, the remnants of this dark history remain scattered across Stone Town, offering a sobering yet essential experience for those who wish to understand Zanzibar’s true past.

Zanzibar’s Role in the East African Slave Trade

A Thriving Slave Market

By the 18th and 19th centuries, Zanzibar had become the largest slave trading center in East Africa. The island’s strategic location made it the perfect link between mainland Africa, the Middle East, India, and beyond.

Enslaved people—men, women, and children—were captured from the interior regions of Tanzania, Kenya, Malawi, and even as far as Congo. They were forced to march for weeks toward the coast, enduring starvation, disease, and extreme cruelty. Those who survived were crammed into boats and transported to Zanzibar, where they were sold at the island’s notorious slave market.

Zanzibar’s Slave Masters

Most of the slave trade in Zanzibar was controlled by Arab traders, primarily from Oman. Sultan Seyyid Said, the ruler of Oman, moved his capital to Zanzibar in 1840, turning the island into a powerful trade empire centered around clove plantations, ivory, and slavery.

Slaves were used to work the spice plantations that made Zanzibar one of the richest islands in the region. Others were sold to buyers from Persia, India, and the Middle East, where they became domestic servants, laborers, or even concubines.

Key Sites to Visit & Learn About the Slave Trade in Zanzibar

1. The Former Slave Market & Anglican Cathedral

The site of Zanzibar’s former slave market is one of the most chilling places on the island. Today, it is home to the Anglican Cathedral of Christ Church, built in 1874 to mark the abolition of slavery.

What You’ll See:

• Slave Chambers: Dark, airless rooms where enslaved people were held before being auctioned. These chambers, barely large enough for a few people, once held up to 75 people at a time in horrific conditions.
• The Slave Monument: A haunting sculpture of five chained figures emerging from the ground, symbolizing the suffering of enslaved people.
• The Cathedral’s Altar: Built on the exact spot where the whipping post once stood, where slaves were publicly whipped to test their strength before being sold.

2. Tippu Tip’s House

Tippu Tip was one of Zanzibar’s most notorious slave traders, amassing great wealth from the ivory and slave trade. His house, though now in ruins, stands as a reminder of his powerful and ruthless legacy.

3. The Sultan’s Palace Museum

Once home to Zanzibar’s ruling sultans, this museum provides insights into the island’s Omani rulers, who played a key role in the slave trade. You can explore furniture, artifacts, and historical records from the era.

4. The Old Fort

While primarily a defense structure, the Old Fort was used to hold slaves temporarily before they were sent to market. Today, it serves as a cultural center, but its history as a place of suffering lingers.

5. Prison Island (Changuu Island)

Originally built to house rebellious slaves, Prison Island never actually served this purpose. Instead, it was later used as a quarantine station for those suffering from yellow fever. Today, it is a popular tourist spot and home to giant tortoises—but its history remains a crucial part of the island’s story.

The Abolition of Slavery in Zanzibar

British Intervention

As global pressure against slavery grew, Britain began exerting influence on Zanzibar to end the trade. By the mid-19th century, British explorer Dr. David Livingstone had started documenting the horrors of the East African slave trade, bringing international attention to the atrocities.

In 1873, under British pressure, Sultan Barghash of Zanzibar signed a decree officially banning the slave trade. However, slavery continued in secret for many years, with enslaved people still being smuggled out of the island.

Final Abolition

By 1897, another decree outlawed slavery entirely, and enslaved people were given the option to either remain in Zanzibar as free citizens or return to mainland Africa. Many former slaves settled in Stone Town, forming the Swahili communities that still exist today.

Why Learning About Zanzibar’s Slave History Matters

Zanzibar’s beauty is undeniable, but its history is complex. Visiting sites related to the slave trade offers a deeper understanding of the island’s past, the resilience of those who suffered, and the impact slavery had on African culture and identity.

By exploring these historical places, travelers can honor the memory of those who endured unimaginable hardships and gain a richer appreciation for Zanzibar beyond its beaches and spices.

Planning Your Visit to Zanzibar’s Slave Trade Sites

✔ Best Time to Visit: The dry seasons (June–October and December–March) offer the best weather for exploring Stone Town on foot.
✔ Entry Fees: Most historical sites charge a small fee (usually $5–$10). Many include guided tours.
✔ Guided Tours: Hiring a knowledgeable guide will provide deeper historical context and personal stories about the slave trade’s impact.

Final Thoughts

Zanzibar’s slave trade history is painful, but it’s a story that must be told. Beyond the island’s breathtaking beaches and vibrant markets, there’s a legacy that shaped East Africa and the world.

By acknowledging the past, we ensure that these stories are never forgotten—so that history never repeats itself.

Karibu Zanzibar. Come for the beauty, stay for the history.