On the eastern edge of Stone Town stands the Anglican Cathedral. The same site was formerly the site of the last African slave market, which was reluctantly abolished by the Sultan Barghash in 1873 under British pressure.

Slavery Museum

Next to the cathedral in the basement of the former mission hospital are two tiny and dingy slave cells, each of which was a temporary home for up to 75 people at a time.

The conditions were appalling in the extreme: the cells were so small that most people couldn't even stand upright, the only facilities being a hole in the middle used as a toilet and a low platform along the walls.

The rooms have no windows, although one is at least illuminated. This is a very powerful experience, so we definitely recommend a tour.

The slave market building then houses a small museum with several information panels, which takes about 15 minutes to tour.