Kidichi Persian Baths

Zanzibar Town


Sultan Seyyid Said built this bathhouse at Kidichi (11km northeast of Zanzibar Town) in 1850 for his Persian wife, Scheherezade. The royal couple would come here after hunting to refresh themselves in the stylised stucco interiors. Although poorly maintained, you can still make out much of the carving and see the bathing pool and massage tables. Situated among some of Zanzibar's famous spice plantations, Kidichi Persian Baths is usually visited as part of a spice tour.

To get here under your own steam, take dalla-dalla 502 to the centre of Bububu (best landmark is the police station), from where it’s a 3km walk eastwards along a dirt road. Look for the bathhouse to your right.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Zanzibar Town attractions

1. Mtoni Palace

3.14 MILES

Overlooking the coast, away from the heat and hustle of Zanzibar Town, Mtoni Palace was built for Sultan Seyyid Said in 1828. It was home to the sultan’s…

2. Maruhubi Palace

4.52 MILES

Maruhubi Palace was built outside Zanzibar Town in 1882 for Sultan Barghash to house his impressively large harem. A few years later it was destroyed by…

3. Cine Afrique

5.59 MILES

It's no longer a working cinema, but the grand old Cine Afrique is an art deco gem and a significant landmark.

4. Old Dispensary

5.73 MILES

With its peppermint-green latticework balconies and sculpted clock tower, this 19th-century charitable dispensary is one of the most attractive landmarks…

5. Big Tree

5.76 MILES

A venerable landmark on the waterfront, and popular meeting spot for passengers taking boat rides.

6. Ijumaa Mosque

5.77 MILES

This lovely Arabesque-style mosque is one of the largest in Stone Town. As an Ijumma (Friday) mosque, the faithful come to pray here, rather than at their…

7. Darajani Market

5.89 MILES

Zanzibar's main market is a hive of activity, with everything – from spices, fresh fish, slabs of meat and huge baskets full of live chickens to sandals,…

8. Palace Museum

5.89 MILES

Occupying several large buildings along the waterfront, this was the palace of Sultan Seyyid Said from 1828 until it was largely destroyed by the British…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "tanzania/zanzibar-archipelago/zanzibar-unguja/attractions/kidichi-persian-baths/a/poi-sig/1438122/355668",
      "destination": "Zanzibar-Town",
      "continent": "Africa",
      "country": "Tanzania",
      "city": "Zanzibar-Town",
      "position": "superzone"
    }