The Africa House Hotel is a lively hotel in the heart of Stone Town, with a fantastic spot right by the sea. Though the Africa House is probably better known for its popular bar and restaurant than its hotel rooms, it is a good value place to stay with a lovely location.
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The Africa House Hotel is steeped in interesting history, with the original part of the building being 340 years old. It was built by a slave trader, who then married into the Omani Royal Family. Shortly after, his home became a guest house for members of the royal family. The two cannons that sit at the front of Africa House Hotel, and the marble on the staircases actually come from original Omani Palaces!
In 1888 the building, which had by then grown in size, became the English Club and remained so until the end of the colonial era. The Africa House Hotel still houses the original English Club library collection – though unfortunately there is no access to guests.
The central areas of Africa House are full of Zanzibari charm, with huge antique chests, large carved mirrors and brass lamps hanging from the ceilings. A huge staircase winds up through the centre of the building, decorated in original marble from the days of the Omani Arabs.
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Each evening as the sun sets, Stone Town’s Forodhani Park transforms into an open-air food market. Skip the fish kebabs and head straight to the vendors selling urojo, a thick mango and tamarind soup served alongside chickpea fritters, boiled potatoes, cassava flakes, chutney, and as much hot sauce as you dare. Follow it up with hand-pressed sugar cane juice with ginger and lime.
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The main focus of the Africa House Hotel is the balcony bar, which sits on a large open air terrace overlooking the sea, and is a very popular spot for a sundowner. This was extensively refurbished in 2007 which has resulted in a much smarter look. The pool tables have been removed and parts of the lounge have the feel of a luxurious Arab dwelling, with beautiful carpets and dozens of scattered cushions.
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There are still plenty of lounge chairs and high tables with stools where you can sit and enjoy a drink or a snack. The clientele here is a mix of hotel residents, local people of all hues, and backpackers – it's quite eclectic and buzzy.
