The Enchanting House of Wonders in Stone Town, Tanzania

• HelloJambo
  [jahm-boh]
• GoodbyeKwaheri
  [kwah-heh-ree]
• YesNdio
  [n-dee-oh]
• NoHapana
  [hah-pah-nah]
• Please/You're welcomeTafadhali
  [tah-fah-dah-lee]
• Thank youAsante
  [ah-sahn-teh]
• Excuse me/SorrySamahani
  [sah-mah-hah-nee]
• How are you?U hali gani?
  [oo hah-lee gah-nee]
• Fine. And you?Salama. Na wewe?
  [sah-lah-mah. nah weh-weh]
• Do you speak English?Unazungumza Kiingereza?
  [oo-nah-zoon-goom-zah kee-een-geh-reh-zah]
• I don't understandSielewi
  [see-eh-leh-wee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNingependa kuona menyu, tafadhali
  [nee-ngeh-pehn-dah kwoh-nah meh-nyoo, tah-fah-dah-lee]
• I don't eat meatSili nyama
  [see-lee nyah-mah]
• Cheers!Afya!
  [ah-fyah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseNingependa kulipa, tafadhali
  [nee-ngeh-pehn-dah koo-lee-pah, tah-fah-dah-lee]

• Help!Msaada!
  [msah-ah-dah]
• Go away!Nenda zako!
  [nehn-dah zah-koh]
• Call the Police!Piga Polisi!
  [pee-gah poh-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Piga daktari!
  [pee-gah dahk-tah-ree]
• I'm lostNimepotea
  [nee-meh-poh-teh-ah]
• I'm illNinaumwa
  [nee-nah-oom-wah]

• I'd like to buy...Ningependa kununua...
  [nee-ngeh-pehn-dah koo-noo-nwah]
• I'm just lookingNatazama tu
  [nah-tah-zah-mah too]
• How much is it?Bei ni kiasi gani?
  [beh-ee nee kee-ah-see gah-nee]
• That's too expensiveHilo ni ghali sana
  [hee-loh nee gah-lee sah-nah]
• Can you lower the price?Unaweza kupunguza bei?
  [oo-nah-weh-zah koo-poon-goo-zah beh-ee]

• What time is it?Saa ngapi?
  [sah-ah ngah-pee]
• It's one o'clockSaa moja
  [sah-ah moh-jah]
• Half past (10)Nusu saa kumi
  [noo-soo sah-ah koo-mee]
• MorningAsubuhi
  [ah-soo-boo-hee]
• AfternoonMchana
  [m-chah-nah]
• EveningJioni
  [jo-ee-nee]
• YesterdayJana
  [jah-nah]
• TodayLeo
  [leh-oh]
• TomorrowKesho
  [keh-shoh]
• 1Moja
  [moh-jah]
• 2Mbili
  [m-bee-lee]
• 3Tatu
  [tah-too]
• 4Nne
  [neh]
• 5Tano
  [tah-noh]
• 6Sita
  [see-tah]
• 7Saba
  [sah-bah]
• 8Nane
  [nah-neh]
• 9Tisa
  [tee-sah]
• 10Kumi
  [koo-mee]

• Where's a/the...?Iko wapi...?
  [ee-koh wah-pee]
• What's the address?Anwani ni ipi?
  [ahn-wah-nee nee ee-pee]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Unaweza kunionyesha (kwenye ramani)?
  [oo-nah-weh-zah koo-nee-oh-nyeh-shah kweh-neh rah-mah-nee]
• When's the next (bus)?Basi la pili litakuja lini?
  [bah-see lah pee-lee lee-tah-koo-jah lee-nee]
• A ticket (to ....)Tiketi (kwenda ...)
  [tee-keh-tee kwehn-dah]

The House of Wonders, or 'Beit al Ajaib', was constructed in 1883 and served as a ceremonial palace for Sultan Barghash bin Said. It was the first building in East Africa to have electricity and an elevator, showcasing the Sultan's ambition to modernize Zanzibar. The architectural design reflects a blend of Swahili, Arab, and European influences, making it a vital emblem of the region's rich cultural tapestry.

The House of Wonders was not only a royal residence but also a center for political activity. Following the revolution of 1964, the building was repurposed as a museum, highlighting the history and culture of Zanzibar and its people. This transition marked a significant shift from a royal palace to a public space dedicated to education and cultural preservation.

During the Zanzibar Revolution in January 1964, the House of Wonders was a focal point of the upheaval. As the revolutionaries sought to overthrow the Sultanate, the building became a symbol of the old regime. The events that unfolded led to profound changes in Zanzibar's political landscape and the eventual establishment of a republic, altering the course of its history.

In 2000, Stone Town, including the House of Wonders, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition underscored the area's historical importance and its architectural heritage, which reflects the cultural exchanges that have taken place over centuries. The House of Wonders remains a key attraction for visitors, illustrating the unique blend of influences that characterize Stone Town.

Today, the House of Wonders serves as a museum showcasing the history of Zanzibar, its culture, and its people. It hosts various exhibitions related to the maritime history, traditional crafts, and the diverse communities that have resided in Zanzibar. Events held at the house contribute to the ongoing narrative of Zanzibar's cultural identity, attracting both locals and tourists.

The House of Wonders is located in the heart of Stone Town, easily accessible from various neighborhoods. If you are coming from the Forodhani Gardens or the Old Fort, it is just a short walk away, taking approximately 10 minutes. If you are staying further away, such as in the Shangani or Mkunazini areas, you can take a local taxi or a 'dala dala' (minibus), which are common forms of public transport in Zanzibar. Be sure to confirm the destination with the driver, as routes can vary.

The House of Wonders is best explored on foot due to the narrow, winding streets of Stone Town. Walking allows you to fully appreciate the architecture and vibrant atmosphere. 'Dala dalas' are available for longer distances, but within the vicinity, it's advisable to walk or hire a local guide. Bicycles can also be rented from local shops, although navigating through the busy streets can be challenging.

Stone Town is relatively safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Areas such as the outskirts of the market at night can be less secure, and petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded places. Always keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuables. It is recommended to stay vigilant, especially in less crowded areas.

In case of emergencies, dial 112 for police assistance or 999 for ambulance services in Zanzibar. There are hospitals and clinics in Stone Town, such as the Mnazi Mmoja Hospital. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, local pharmacies can provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting the House of Wonders and other cultural sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting mosques, always cover your head and shoulders. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Jambo' (hello) and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local street food but ensure it’s from a reputable vendor. Don’t refuse food or drink offered to you, as it is considered impolite.

To experience the House of Wonders like a local, visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds. Engage with local artisans selling crafts nearby, as they often have fascinating stories behind their work. Take time to explore the surrounding streets, where you can find hidden cafes and shops. Don't miss the sunset at Forodhani Gardens, where locals gather for evening snacks and socializing, providing a vibrant atmosphere.