Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe)
Mizingani Road, Zanzibar
The oldest building in Stone Town, the Old Fort (also called the Arab Fort), is one of the city's top attractions. It originally served to protect Stone Town from attack and was later converted into a prison, but now it is a popular tourist attraction and event space.
Most visitors to Stone Town spend at least some time at the Old Fort, which features on most walking tours of the city, particularly ones focused on history or shopping. If you’re traveling independently, you can stop by to pick up souvenir crafts at the Cultural Arts Gallery or get tips on island attractions at a tourist information desk.
The Old Fort is a must-visit for first-timers to Zanzibar who want to learn about the island.
There is no cost to visit the Old Fort.
Entry to the fort is via a small staircase with three even steps.
The Old Fort is next to the House of Wonders (Beit-al-Ajaib) and across from the Forodhani Gardens on Mizingani Road. The fort's central location makes it easy to access on foot from elsewhere in central Stone Town, and tours departing from further afield usually include transportation.
The best time to visit Stone Town attractions is during the dry season, which runs from June until September. If you like film, consider visiting for the Zanzibar International Film Festival, which takes place annually in July. Music lovers won’t want to miss Sauti za Busara, an annual Afropop festival held at the fort every February.
One of the most important film festivals in Africa, this 8-day celebration of cinema features not only a film contest but also concerts, workshops, lectures, and celebrations. While most main proceedings take place at the Old Fort, there are plenty of screenings and other events at venues scattered across Stone Town and beyond.
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