Hamamni Persian Baths in Stone Town: history, entry and visit (2026)
The Hamamni Baths, in the Kajificheni district of Stone Town, were built between 1870 and 1888 for Sultan Barghash bin Said and served as public baths until about 1920. They no longer work but can be visited, in 20 to 40 minutes. Part of the complex has become private housing: only some rooms are open. One travel guide gives 9:00 to 18:00 daily; for the price, sources differ (from 4,000 shillings in a traveller review to USD 8 in a private-tour listing): ask the fee before going in. Do not confuse them with the Kidichi baths outside town.
Highlights
The lane to the baths
The building is in a lane in Kajificheni, marked by a "Hamamni Baths" sign (protected historical monument).
The vaulted rooms and pools
You mostly see bathing rooms, channels and stone vaults; a guide helps explain the hot water and the circuit.
The roof
A traveller review mentions a climb to the roof with a small tip to the guide.
Practical info
Tips
- Go in with a guide from the site or on a walking tour of Stone Town: signs are rare. Bring cash in shillings. The baths are a short walk from the Old Fort and the House of Wonders: half a day covers all three. For baths in the countryside, see Kidichi.
How to get there
On foot from Forodhani or the seafront: Kajificheni is in the old town, a few minutes' walk. The lanes are not always reachable by car; ask for Hamamni Baths.
Opening hours
Nearby
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