At a Glance
- $1.5 million Africa House Garden adds tourism boost and community space in Stone Town, Zanzibar.
- Project blends landscaped gardens, restaurants and jetty access to enhance waterfront living experiences.
- Infinity Developments expands Zanzibar footprint with cultural projects and $450M luxury pipeline.
Infinity Developments, a Dubai-based real estate group shaping exquisite living experiences across Dubai and Zanzibar, has opened the Africa House Garden, a $1.5 million waterfront project in the heart of Stone Town, the UNESCO-listed capital of Zanzibar.
Set beside the historic Africa House Hotel, the development combines landscaped gardens, restaurants, play areas and a timber jetty that extends into the Indian Ocean.
It is designed as both a community space and a tourist draw, giving residents and visitors a new place to gather while offering direct sea access for boat transfers, sunset cruises and marine excursions.
Boost for Zanzibar tourism
At the opening ceremony, President Hussein Mwinyi described the Africa House Garden as a major addition to the island’s tourism sector, which accounts for nearly 30 percent of Zanzibar’s economy. “This project strengthens Stone Town’s appeal by blending cultural heritage with modern amenities,” he said.
Tourism analysts say the waterfront park is likely to encourage visitors to spend more time in Stone Town, generating business for hotels, restaurants and markets. The jetty, they note, could also make short trips to nearby islands easier, reducing the need for travelers to pass through larger ports outside the city.
Infinity’s growing footprint
The Dubai-based developer is no stranger to Zanzibar. Its earlier projects include the revival of Mnazi Mmoja Park and contributions to façade restorations across Stone Town, with a project pipeline boasting a staggering $450 million Gross Development Value (GDV) aimed at redefining luxury and community living.
The move reflects a long-term partnership with local authorities to keep the city’s historic character while expanding its tourism appeal.
Private investment in Zanzibar has been rising in recent years, with hotel expansions, upgraded ports and new leisure projects positioning the island as a stronger Indian Ocean destination.
Heritage concerns
Conservationists caution that rapid development could endanger Stone Town’s coral-stone architecture and threaten its UNESCO status. “Tourism projects must respect the historical integrity of the city,” one heritage consultant said. Infinity counters that the Africa House Garden was designed to complement, not overshadow, the old town’s fabric.
Local business reaction
For many in the hospitality trade, the waterfront development is welcome. Vendors, guides and boat operators are expected to benefit from the new flow of visitors. “It adds beauty, convenience and opportunity to Stone Town,” a local business owner said.
Looking ahead
With open-air terraces, ocean views and a jetty reaching into the sea, the Africa House Garden is already being photographed as one of Stone Town’s newest landmarks.
Whether it evolves into a lasting public space or remains largely a tourist attraction will depend on its upkeep and management in the years ahead.
For now, it marks a bid to present Stone Town not only as a historic stop but as a city balancing its cultural past with the demands of modern tourism.
