Zanzibar's Old Fort: A Guide to Stone Town's Oldest Monument

El Fuerte Viejo de Zanzibarknown locally as Ngome Kongwe or the Arab Fort, is the oldest building in Stone Town and one of the most emblematic monuments of the island. This coral and limestone fortress has witnessed more than three centuries of Zanzibari history. Today, its walls house craft stores, cafes and cultural events that keep tradition alive.

History of the Old Fort of Zanzibar

Omani construction (1698-1701)

The Old Fort of Zanzibar was built by the Omanis between 1698 and 1701, immediately after expelling the Portuguese from the island. The Portuguese had controlled Zanzibar for almost 200 years and had built their own fortified church on this very spot.
The Omanis, under Sultan Saif bin Sultan, demolished the Portuguese church and built a sturdy defensive fort using coral from the reefs and limestone. The thick walls, up to 2 meters thick, were designed to withstand cannon fire.

From military use to cultural center

During the 19th century, the fort lost its military function and served as a prison, barracks and depot. In the 20th century it fell into disrepair until the Aga Khan Trust for Culture completely restored it in the 1990s, transforming it into today's vibrant cultural center.

Architecture of the Old Fort of Zanzibar

The fort has a rectangular plan with four circular towers at the corners, a typical configuration of the Omani fortresses of the 17th century. The walls reach 8-10 meters high with battlements at the top.
The heart is the large open-air central courtyard (30×40 meters), now paved and surrounded by arcades with stores and cafes. The courtyard has several levels and functions as a natural stage for cultural events with good acoustics.

What to see and do in the Old Fort of Zanzibar

Craft stores

The courtyard houses small stores that sell:

Silver and semiprecious stone jewelry with zanzibari designs
Textiles: kikois, kangas with Swahili proverbs, handmade clothing
Wood carvings: miniature doors, masks, bowls, etc.
Paintings of local scenes
Spices, soaps and essential oils

Reasonable and negotiable prices. Good place for quality souvenirs supporting local artisans.

Coffees in the Old Fort

Several cafes in the arcades offer:

Swahili coffee/tea (3-5 USD)
Fresh fruit juices (2-4 USD)
Light snacks: samosas, mandazi

Perfect for resting in the shade during your tour of Stone Town.

Cultural events at the Old Fort of Zanzibar

The fort regularly hosts:

Dhow Countries Festival (July): International Film Festival
Taarab ConcertsTraditional zanzibari music, especially on weekends.
Theater and danceSwahili plays and dances
Artisan marketsDuring high season

Most are free or with minimum admission (2-5 USD). Ask your hotel about events during your visit.

Climbing the ramparts of the Old Fort

In some sections you can climb the ramparts for views over:

Stone Town and the waterfront
Forodhani Gardens opposite
The old port with traditional dhows
The House of Wonders next door

Practical information for visiting the Old Fort of Zanzibar

Location of the Old Fort of Zanzibar

In the heart of Stone Town, next to Forodhani Gardens and facing the sea.
Address: Mizingani Road, Stone Town

Schedules and entrance

Schedule: Daily 8:00-18:00
EntranceFREE access to the courtyard and stores
Special events: May have entrance fee (2-10 USD)

How much time do you need at Fort Viejo

Quick Visit: 20-30 minutes
Complete visit1-2 hours to explore at leisure
With event: 2-3 hours

Best time to visit

Morning (8:00-10:00)Less tourists, soft light
Afternoon (16:00-18:00)More lively, sometimes live music.
Avoid: Noon (very hot in the open patio)

What to bring to Fort Viejo

Camera
Sunscreen and hat
Water
Cash in shillings for purchases

Combining Zanzibar's Old Fort with other attractions

The fort is perfectly located to combine with:
Forodhani Gardens (next door): Night food market. Visit the fort in the afternoon and dinner at Forodhani.
People's Palace (5 min): Former residence of the sultan, now a museum.
Darajani Market (10 min): Traditional market to see local life.
Stone Town alleysFamous narrow streets with carved doors.
Suggested route: Old Fort (1h) → People's Palace (1h) → lunch → alleys (2h) → sunset at Forodhani → dinner at night market.

Cultural significance of the Old Fort of Zanzibar

The Old Fort of Zanzibar represents the successful transformation of a military space into a living cultural center:
For premisesMeeting point, platform for artists and craftsmen who sell directly.
For touristsAuthentic cultural experience, free access to tangible history, opportunity to support local economy.
For the cityAn integral part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
According to the UNESCOThe Old Fort is an outstanding example of Swahili defensive architecture and its adaptation to contemporary uses demonstrates how heritage can be relevant to today's communities. The Zanzibar Commission for Tourism actively promotes the fort as one of the island's main historical attractions.

Photography tips of the Old Fort

Better angles:

From Forodhani Gardens towards the main entrance (especially at sunset)
From the courtyard looking towards the towers
Details of coral walls and weathered texture

Better light: Early morning (8:00-9:00) or late afternoon (17:00-18:00)
CouncilAsk permission before photographing artisans or vendors.

Frequently asked questions about the Old Fort of Zanzibar

How much is the entrance fee to the Old Fort of Zanzibar?

Entrance to the Old Fort of Zanzibar is completely free. You can freely access the courtyard, browse the craft stores and explore most of the monument without paying. Only a few special events such as premium concerts or Film Festival screenings may incur an entrance fee, usually between 2-10 USD. This free accessibility makes the fort one of the most democratic places in Stone Town, where locals and tourists mingle without economic barriers.

What is the difference between the Old Fort and the House of Wonders?

Although they stand side by side on Stone Town's waterfront, they are very different monuments. The Old Fort of Zanzibar was built in 1698-1701 as a military defensive fortress by the Omanis, with thick coral walls and primarily military function. The House of Wonders (Beit el-Ajaib) was built almost 200 years later (1883) as a ceremonial palace of the sultan, being the first building in East Africa with electricity and elevator. Today the fort functions as a cultural center with stores and events, while the House of Wonders has been closed since its partial collapse in 2020. For more information about Stone Town, visit the official site at Tanzania Parks.

Is it possible to visit the Old Fort of Zanzibar with children?

Yes, Zanzibar Old Fort is excellent for families with children. The large open courtyard allows them to run free without danger, there is space to explore without being confined, and the colorful stores with handicrafts capture their attention. Cultural events such as traditional music and dance often fascinate children. However, be cautious if they climb the ramparts (constant supervision) and bring plenty of water because the courtyard is fully exposed to the sun. Children over the age of 6-7 generally really enjoy learning about the history of the fort in an interactive way. According to the British Museumwhich has collections on Swahili history, involving children in historical sites such as the Old Fort helps develop their appreciation for other cultures from an early age.

Conclusion: why visit Zanzibar's Old Fort?

Zanzibar's Old Fort has survived more than 320 years by reinventing itself: defensive bastion, prison, abandoned ruin and finally cultural center. Its free admission, perfect location and blend of history and contemporary life make it a must-see.
Whether you spend 20 minutes or 2 hours, Zanzibar's Old Fort connects you to centuries of history in a tangible and accessible way. It's history you can touch, spaces you can inhabit, and culture that lives on in the heart of Stone Town.