The entire eastern edge of Stone Town is lined with a huge and very lively marketplace known as Darajani Market, Darajani Bazaar, Darajani Souk or just DJ among the locals.

The central market is actually an entire district rather than just one market building and is one of the main "must-see" attractions on the entire island of Zanzibar.

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Food, clothing, spices...

At Darajani Souk you'll find every conceivable commodity.

The main market building contains a meat and fish market that ranks as one of the most authentic I've ever seen! That is, until I visited the Ferry Fish Market in Dar es Salaam a few days later.

If the smell of raw meat and fish bothers you, then avoid the market building by a wide margin.

The alleyways closer to the historic centre sell mainly spices, fruit, vegetables and other foodstuffs.

While you usually get the price the locals get when buying fruit, for spices the sellers count on mainly tourists to buy them and you'll have to bargain a lot here.

On the other side of the main road you will find the main part of Darajani Souk, where mainly clothes are sold, in a very large area of several streets and another market building.

In this area you will come across both very authentic local areas with rather dirty and unsightly surroundings, and a beautifully landscaped market hidden under mature trees.

On the northern edge of Darajani Souk (this exact spot), we recommend stopping at a small square local eatery or at least for some great sugar cane juice (small glass for 1 500 tzs, large glass for 2 000 tzs).

However, those who prefer better and expensive restaurants will also find something to their liking. These are located on the main street in this place.

Best time to visit

The stalls, shops and restaurants are open all day, 7 days a week.

To experience the biggest bustle at the meat and fish market, head here in the morning between 6:00 and 9:00.

For the most open street eateries, head there between 6pm and 9pm.

Stalls selling clothes, spices, fruit or vegetables are here all day long.

Is Darajani Souk safe?

If this is your first time in Zanzibar, you may be a little disconcerted at first by the considerable chaos and the milling of people.

Of course, you should take extra care with your personal belongings here, as pickpockets are more common here than anywhere else in Zanzibar.

In general, however, Darajani Souk is a safe place, even at night.

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