OUR DESTINATIONS
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We offer holidays to the four corners of the globe. If you want specialist advise please phone our travel team and we will be happy to help.
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- Destinations
- Africa
- Tanzania
- Zanzibar
- House of Wonders (Beit el-Ajaib)
House of Wonders (Beit el-Ajaib)
The first building in Zanzibar to have electricity and the first
building in East Africa to have an elevator, Beit el-Ajaib (which
translates into the House of Wonders) was the former ceremonial
palace of Sultan Barghash and was built in 1883 on the site of
Queen Fatuma's residence. A striking white building, the House of
Wonders has undergone much tenure, used by the British as their
local offices and as the headquarters of Tanzania's political party
CCM. Reopened in 2005 after a renovation project to maintain Beit
el-Ajaib's cultural heritage, visitors can now freely admire the
intricately carved doors, the Portuguese cannons dating from the
16th century and the tiers of pillars and wraparound balconies,
which make the palace so attractive. Don't miss the immaculate
views from the top storey, the museum displays of coastal East
African history and culture or the craft market playing out on the
veranda during the day.
Information & Facts
Address
Mizingani Road, Stone Town
Language
Swahili and English are the official languages. Several
indigenous languages are also spoken.
Money
The official unit of currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS),
divided into 100 cents. The tourism industry prices everything in
US Dollars and they are the preferred unit of currency. Major
currencies can be exchanged in the larger towns. Foreign exchange
bureaux in the main towns usually offer a better rate on travellers
cheques than do the banks. ATMs are available in major cities only.
Major lodges, some hotels and travel agents in urban areas accept
credit cards, but these should not be relied on and can incur a 10%
surcharge.
Opening Times
Monday to Saturday 9am-6pm
Time