Situated along the central western coastline of Unguja (Zanzibar), this region is renowned for its historical significance and breathtaking tropical scenery. Home to the Mbweni Ruins, remnants of a 19th-century Christian mission, and St. John's Church, this upscale suburb offers a fascinating glimpse into the island's past. Once a base for the Universities Mission to Central Africa (UMCA) and a settlement for former slaves, Mbweni preserves the ruins of St. Mary's School for Girls, now set amidst lush gardens at the Mbweni Ruins Hotel. Visitors can explore these evocative sites and learn about the area's colonial missionary history from knowledgeable caretakers. Despite being a trek from Stone Town, Mbweni's attractions, including its botanical and pristine beach, make it a popular day trip destination.