Darajani Market in Stone Town Zanzibar - Everything you need to know

By Philip Briggs

Colorful Darajani Market, also known as Marikiti Kuu ('Great Market'), has been the commercial hub of Stone Town since the late 19th century. Situated on the east side of Stone Town, it is a fascinating place to explore, with an atmosphere that is both lively and welcoming. This historic market is also a great place to sample the mouthwatering fruits, fragrant spices and other fresh tropical produce for which Zanzibar is known.

Stone Town Tour Packages

Darajani Market in History

The covered market at Darajani was built in 1904

Darajani (which means 'On the Bridge') was established in the 1880s following the closure of Stone Town's notorious slave market. Back then, Darajani was perched on the western shore of Pwani Ndogo ('Small Beach'), a wide creek that separated Stone Town from the more modern settlement of Ng'ambo ('The Other Side'). As its name suggests, Darajani originally stood alongside the only bridge across the creek, a site that would have made it very convenient for traders coming from Ng'ambo or farther afield.

The covered market at Darajani was built in 1904. The creek that separated Darajani from Ng'ambo was reclaimed in the 1920s, as part of a government program to improve the infrastructure of the rapidly growing city. Today, Darajani is landlocked, and no sign of the creek or bridge remains.

Exploring Darajani Market

Fruit and vegetable stores

The focal point of chaotic Darajani is a handsome colonial-style covered market on the west side of Benjamin Mkapa Road. Built in 1904, this has a whitewashed stone block facade and an ornate corrugated iron roof. Most of the covered market is piled high with fruits and vegetables, including the likes of durian, breadfruit and jackfruit. The seafood section is easily located by its pungent fishy smell. Behind it, an altogether more pleasing aroma comes from a warren of stalls selling the varied spices – cloves, pepper, cinnamon and so on – for which Zanzibar is renowned.

Surrounding the market, countless small dukas (shops) stock a range of local and imported tinned and dry goods. You'll see red-robed Maasai people selling bead-embroidered sandals, SIM card sellers seated under green umbrellas with the distinctive Zantel logo, and vendors crushing sugarcane in old-fashioned juicing machines. For local fabrics, head across to the east side of Benjamin Mkapa Road and take a look around the more sedate and orderly Darajani Souk, which specializes in textiles and clothing.

Safety at Darajani Market

Goods for sale in the market

As is the case with other parts of Stone Town, Darajani Market is safe and incidents of theft are rare. That said, busy local markets are often a hunting ground for pickpockets, so it is best not to carry valuables or cash in obvious places, and to stay alert. It is not necessary to visit with a local guide, but it might make some people feel more secure. If you are buying rather than just looking around, be aware that bargaining is customary but best done with grace and good humor.

How To Get to Darajani Market

Darajani Market on Benjamin Mkapa Road

Darajani Market has a prominent location on Benjamin Mkapa Road, 150m/490ft north of the junction for the Anglican Cathedral. The market is easily reached by taxi and frequently included on guided tours of Stone Town. It is also close enough to most hotels and other points of interest to be reached independently on foot. If you are coming through Stone Town, it is easy to get lost in the alleys. For those who enjoy that kind of thing, this is part of the fun; for those who don't, it might be another good reason to arrange a local guide.

Nearby Attractions

Sculpture of slaves at the Old Slave Market

Darajani Market is often visited in combination with the Old Slave Market and Anglican Cathedral, less than 5 minutes' walk farther south. Most major points of interest in Stone Town lie within walking distance of Darajani Market. For instance, the Old Fort, Freddie Mercury Museum, Shangani Beach and Forodhani Gardens are all clustered together, about 700m/2,300ft west of Darajani Market. However, it may well seem a bit farther if you're navigating your own way through Stone Town's confusing maze of alleys.