Royal History
Built for Sultan Seyyid Said, who moved the Omani capital to Zanzibar.
Tanzania Historical Sites
Kidichi & Kizimbani Persian Baths
Built for Sultan Seyyid Said and his Persian wife in the 1850s, the Kidichi and Kizimbani Persian Baths are elegant royal ruins set among Zanzibar's spice plantations.
- Location
- Near Stone Town, Zanzibar
- Known For
- Royal bathhouses
- Built
- 1850s
- Experience
- Half-day history tour
Discover the Persian Baths
Royal relaxation in the spice country.
The Kidichi and Kizimbani Persian Baths are among the unusual and less visited destinations of Zanzibar, rich in the history of the sultans. They lie in the clove-growing countryside a short drive northeast of Stone Town.
The baths were built in the 1850s by Sultan Seyyid Said for his Persian wife, Scheherazade, and his court. Their domed chambers, plunge pools and decorative stucco reflect Persian architectural style.
Why the Persian Baths
A hidden piece of royal history.
The baths offer a fascinating glimpse into the life of Zanzibar's sultans.
Persian Architecture
Domed rooms, plunge pools and decorative plasterwork.
Spice Country
Set among clove plantations, easily combined with a spice tour.
Less Visited
Quiet sites away from the busy tourist routes.
Location
Where are the Persian Baths?
The Kidichi and Kizimbani baths lie in the countryside northeast of Stone Town, about 10 to 15 km away, in the heart of Zanzibar's clove plantations.
They are often visited with the Mangapwani Slave Caves and a spice farm tour, on the way to the northern beaches.
When to visit
Every season tells a different Persian Baths story.
The baths can be visited year-round.
Dry Season
Sunny, dry weather and calm seas, the most popular time to visit.
Hot & Dry
Hot and sunny, with clear water for swimming and snorkelling.
Short Rains
Brief showers and quieter sites.
Long Rains
The wettest months; visits are still possible between showers.
What is the best month to visit?
The dry months are the most comfortable for exploring.
Hot and sunny, ideal for island trips.
The hottest month, with calm, clear seas.
Long rains begin mid-month.
The wettest month; visit between showers.
Rains ease late in the month.
Dry season begins with pleasant breezes.
The coolest month, sunny and comfortable.
Dry and sunny, perfect for excursions.
Excellent weather and clear water.
Warm and dry, great for boat trips.
Short rains bring brief showers.
Hot and sunny, with festive-season visitors.
Explore the area
Discover the different faces of the Persian Baths.
Two royal bathhouses in the spice country.
KidichiKidichi BathsThe larger bathhouse, built for the sultan's Persian wife, with domed chambers and stucco decoration.
KizimbaniKizimbani BathsA second royal bathhouse set amid clove plantations.
Surrounding areaClove PlantationsThe fragrant plantations that made Zanzibar famous.
NearbyMangapwani Slave CavesA historic site often combined with the baths.
A Royal Day Out
Baths, spices and caves.
After breakfast, visit the Kidichi and Kizimbani Persian Baths and the Mangapwani Slave Cave, with lunch along the way, before continuing to the beaches of Nungwi.
Along the way, a spice farm tour introduces the cloves, cinnamon and pepper that brought sultans and traders to Zanzibar.
Safaris to 中文
Zanzibar excursions
Zanzibar itineraries that include the Persian Baths and nearby historic sites.
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6-Day Zanzibar Island Package
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11-Day Zanzibar Island Package
Stone Town · Nungwi · Kizimkazi
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Tanzania · 5 days
5-Day Zanzibar Beach Relaxation
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Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Tanzania · 6 days
6-Day Exceptional Zanzibar Tour
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11-Day Wildlife Safari plus Zanzibar Beach Vacation
Ngorongoro · Serengeti · Stone Town
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Tanzania & Kenya · 12 days
12-Day Kenya & Tanzania: The Essence of East Africa Expedition
Amboseli · Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro
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Stay in 中文
Where to stay nearby
Hotels in Stone Town and the northern beaches.
Silver tier
Stone Town, TanzaniaHorizon Palace HotelA relaxed city hotel in the heart of Stone Town, offering comfortable rooms, rooftop views and easy access to Zanzibar'sStone Town hotelView lodge
Gold tier
Stone Town, TanzaniaTembo Palace HotelA charming Swahili-style hotel on the Stone Town seafront, steps from the Old Fort and House of Wonders, with three poolBeachfront Swahili hotelView lodge
Platinum tier
Stone Town, TanzaniaZanzibar Serena HotelA classic five-star hotel on the Stone Town waterfront, with ocean views, a seafront pool and sunsets over the Zanzibar 5-star seafront hotelView lodge
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The story behind the Persian Baths.
Sultan Seyyid Said moved the capital of the Omani empire from Muscat to Zanzibar in the 1840s and built palaces and plantations across the island. The baths were built for his Persian wife, Scheherazade, who was said to love bathing.
Though now partly ruined, the baths remain a reminder of the wealth and influence of the Omani sultans, built on the clove trade.
Who built the Persian Baths?
Sultan Seyyid Said built them in the 1850s for his Persian wife and court.
Where are they?
In the clove plantation area northeast of Stone Town.
How long does a visit take?
About an hour, or a half day combined with Mangapwani and a spice tour.
Is there an entrance fee?
A small fee may apply.
What should I combine them with?
A spice farm tour and the Mangapwani Slave Caves.
Are they suitable for children?
Yes, they are an easy and interesting stop for all ages.
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