Princess Salme Museum Emerson on Hurumzi
Discover the captivating life of Princess Salme, a Zanzibari royal who defied tradition and penned her own history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal attention
Princess Salme Museum Emerson on Hurumzi
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal attention
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the captivating life of Princess Salme, a Zanzibari royal who defied tradition and penned her own history.
"A small but informative museum on the life of the rebel princess Salme who was ahead of her time. "
📚 Read the Book First
Enhance your visit by reading Princess Salme's memoirs beforehand.
🗣️ Ask for the Curator
The curator offers invaluable insights; don't hesitate to seek him out.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.7 · 48 reviews
Type
Museum
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Princess Salme's Story
Discover the life of the rebel princess who defied convention and wrote her own history.
Curator-Led Tour
Gain deep insights and personal anecdotes from the enthusiastic and knowledgeable curator.
Emerson on Hurumzi Setting
Experience the museum within a historic building, adding to the atmospheric journey.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Finding the Museum
Enhance Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📚 Read the Book First
Enhance your visit by reading Princess Salme's memoirs beforehand.
🗣️ Ask for the Curator
The curator offers invaluable insights; don't hesitate to seek him out.
💰 Guided Tour Value
Consider the guided tour for a richer understanding of exhibits.
📸 Photo Policy
Photography inside is restricted, but a photo with Princess Salme's image is often offered.
Tips
from all over the internet
📚 Read the Book First
Enhance your visit by reading Princess Salme's memoirs beforehand.
🗣️ Ask for the Curator
The curator offers invaluable insights; don't hesitate to seek him out.
💰 Guided Tour Value
Consider the guided tour for a richer understanding of exhibits.
📸 Photo Policy
Photography inside is restricted, but a photo with Princess Salme's image is often offered.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Princess Salme Museum a valuable, albeit small, historical gem, particularly when guided by the passionate curator. While some exhibits could benefit from more descriptive text, the personal stories shared make for a thought-provoking experience. Reading Princess Salme's memoirs beforehand is highly recommended to fully appreciate the narrative.
"We were right in front of the museum, looking for it, and still couldn't find it. Google maps didn't help. We asked a young guy sitting at his shop where it was, and just then, an older gentleman walked past, and overhearing us, asked, Why didn't you just ask me? It was the museum curator, walking outside for a moment! What a delight! A personal tour with plenty of anecdotes, and he answered all of our questions. Yes, you should read the Princess's book first, at least some of it, for the most rewarding experience."
Robert Caven
"Almost all story panels in words and hard to tell which are the artifacts related to Princess Salme for an entrance fee of US$5. Few explanation and description on the exhibits about this fascinating lady. Not even her book "Memoir". The staff was eager to help but with only 5 days of experience. Without the curator at a cost of US$10, the experience is limited. A pleasant surprise before I left was a photo with Orincess Salme's photo. No photography otherwise allowed inside the "museum". A few drops of clove solution and a small packet of clove to me too.
A quiet afternoon leaving much food for thought but the museum should be more organised and visitor friendly for a more enjoyable experience."
Paul Wan
"Worth a visit. Tsh 20,000 for a guided tour or 10,000 to look around yourself. The guided tour was interesting and informative. No-one else was there during my weekday lunchtime visit. No photos inside except for a photo of one information board and a "compulsory" photo of me sitting on the couch near the entrance."
Lyndsey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Finding the museum can be a bit challenging as Google Maps may not be precise. It's recommended to ask locals for directions. The museum curator has even been known to help visitors find it directly!
While specific public transport routes aren't detailed, the museum is located in Stone Town, Zanzibar, which is generally accessible by local dala-dalas (minibuses) or taxis.
Emerson on Hurumzi is located in the heart of Stone Town, Zanzibar. Taxis are readily available to take you there from anywhere on the island.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee varies. Visitors have reported paying Tsh 10,000 for self-guided exploration or Tsh 20,000 for a guided tour with the curator.
Advance booking is generally not required, but checking their social media or contacting them directly is advisable, especially if you wish to arrange a specific time for a guided tour.
Specific opening hours are not consistently listed, but it's often visited during weekday lunchtimes. It's best to inquire locally or check their social media for the most current information.
Yes, a guided tour with the curator is available for a higher fee, often around Tsh 20,000, compared to the self-guided entry fee of Tsh 10,000.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum showcases exhibits related to the life of Princess Salme, a historical figure ahead of her time. While some visitors note limited explanations on exhibits, the curator provides rich anecdotes.
Photography inside the museum is generally restricted. However, visitors have mentioned being offered a 'compulsory' photo opportunity with an image of Princess Salme.
A self-guided visit might be shorter, but a guided tour with the curator can offer a more in-depth experience, leaving visitors with 'much food for thought'.
Princess Salme was a Zanzibari princess who defied societal norms and wrote 'Memoirs of an Arabian Princess from Zanzibar,' offering a unique perspective on royal life.
While not explicitly detailed as interactive, the curator's personal stories and anecdotes can make the experience feel very engaging and personal.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself is focused on exhibits and historical insights. However, it is located within Emerson on Hurumzi, which is known for its dining experiences, particularly rooftop dining.
Being in Stone Town, you'll find numerous restaurants and cafes offering local Zanzibari cuisine, seafood, and international dishes.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography inside the museum is generally not permitted. However, some visitors have reported being allowed to take a photo with a specific image of Princess Salme.
The historic Stone Town area surrounding the museum offers many picturesque alleys and architectural details perfect for photography.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit