Old Fort of Stone Town (Ngome Kongwe): entry, shows and hours (2026)
The Old Fort, or Ngome Kongwe, is the oldest building in Stone Town, built by the Omanis around the start of the 18th century on the seafront. Its crenellated coral-stone walls surround a courtyard with craft stalls, a tourist information desk and offices of the Zanzibar cultural centre. Since 1994 part of the fort has housed an open-air amphitheatre, where dance and music shows take place, mostly in the evening, along with festivals such as Sauti za Busara. Entry to the courtyard is free according to several guides; no official source confirms fees or hours, which vary with the shows.
Highlights
The fort entrance
The gateway opens onto the seafront, at the foot of thick coral-stone walls with battlements. It is the starting point of most walks in town.
The courtyard and its stalls
The inner courtyard is taken up by craft shops and cafes. It is a handy place to rest in the shade between two alleys.
The amphitheatre
It serves as a stage for evenings of dance and music, and for festivals; see the Sauti za Busara festival. Check the programme posted at the entrance.
Practical info
Tips
- Guides say access to the courtyard and terraces is free, but some areas or shows may be paid: ask the price before sitting down. Reviews are mixed: some find the fort a little shabby, others consider the short visit worthwhile. Allow 20 to 30 minutes. The courtyard stalls sell souvenirs at higher prices than the market: compare with the Darajani market. The fort is next to the House of Wonders and the Forodhani gardens.
How to get there
The Old Fort is on the Stone Town seafront, next to the House of Wonders and Forodhani Gardens, a few minutes' walk from each. From the airport, allow about 10 to 30 minutes by taxi: see from the airport to your hotel. See also Stone Town.
Opening hours
Our guides that feature it
Nearby
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