Its a really well preserved old fort (as the name says) with some shops inside and unfortunately not very clean (free entry and no checks) the gallery up too is really cool! Lots of local paintings!

Built or modified in the 17the century, this 400+ year old site is a must visit while in Zanzibar. nearby is a huge market where u can find literally anything. Just be prepared to strike a hard bargain. If u chance one of the numerous performances in the amphitheater within, its quite memorable. outside is a food market, the highlight is the sugarcane juice freshly squeezed with a ginger and ice.

One of the iconic places of the Stone Town. To understand what you see you need a local guide or you can informed on the entrance from the Tourist Office.

Bu the local name it called NGOME KONGWE this is the kiswahili word that meal old fort.. this is most important historical place in zanzibar where hundreds of people come to visit this area... historically this was the area where it was used as the empire of the colonies when zanzibar was under independence

An old historical site under the Oman imperial time.Nice place to visit and also its near Forodhani to enjoy a meal or have a walk down the coastline.Within city reach and nice place to chill

Beautiful historical place, worth passing by to have look or take some street food with to enjoy there. Smaller than it looks.

Not preserved as historical heritage place, grown grass, hawking of stuff inside, thought could be same as mombasa “fort jesus”

Its beautiful and must visit place in Zanzibar.Only walls of fort are remaining and most of the space is used by the local shops selling variety of clothings, earrings, zanzibari doors, paintings and other small small things. Be the good bargainer if youre willing to buy things.The open stage is best example of ancient construction. If youre lucky you will find local artists performance.

Nice place to visit and know the story. Some shops there :)

Its among the beautiful historical sites in the middle of Zanzibar Island within Stone town. Its best to have a guide to share the history of the fort.There are vendors selling souvenirs inside the fort.

Magical place.. takes you back in time. Lots of rehabilitation currently ongoing

It is believed that this fort was built in the early 18th century. Therefore, it is a little older than 300 years. But it looks much older. Apparently, due to the fact that the walls are covered with black fungus and green vegetations.

Nyc to be on old place in history, especially the museums old fort as the best place u can hv both leasure and pleasure as ur near forozan

It is old like the name, I like the shops selling souvenirs and handicrafts in the fort, must bargain.

I was there for the weekend for Sauti Za Busara Music Festival...it is an amazing place and I greatly enjoyed myself. old Fort is a great place to visit even when there is no Festival...also recognised by its Swahilu name Ngome Kongwe...it is a magnificent space...a flashback in time...it is a perfect representation of what Zanzibar is...the essence...the culture...the architecture...must visit while in Stonetown Zanzibar.

Strategic monument on Mizingani road, this structure dates back to the Omani era of 1700. Used as a garrison for the Sultan and later a prison, this old and neglected site ought to be utilised for more functions and as a tourist attraction. Preservation is key to passing on history.

Amazing architectural structure, little run down and over crowded with local stalls and vendors who tend to harass one.

Loved these paintings. There is also souvenirs that you can buy.

If you are in Stone Town you should check thia one.

The Old Fort gives one a glimpse of what the Island must have been like during the time of its colonial occupation. The structure has a history onto its own, and is well worth visiting to gain a thorough overall insight into the earlier life of this great Island. Also, of course, it makes for beautiful pictures!

Interesting place. Pity there is not much literature or information of this place. Strangely there is a girl guides emblem above the front entrance.

Great historical place. Coral and stone fortified. Wonderful atmosphere. Important point in the history of Zanzibar. Shopping opportunity in the fort though most expensive for the same regular stuff you will get elsewhere. Great amphitheatre inside the fort. Every year a music/ film festival organised here. Dont forget to climb the tower.

Old fort was amazing , the festival held there called sauti za busara was amazing i got to meet alot of new artist from Africa 🌍

Lovely old site

Astonnishing. At Marumaru Hotel roof top, we spend rest of evening sketching and painting sensational view of Stone Town, Old Fort and sea view. With Russian artist Lilya, and Tanzanian artists Brenda & Nancy.

Well, the Old Fort is definitely a place to visit in Stone Town. Full of historic moments, full of story telling. To enjoy it fully, you really need a guide. We paid 10 000 tanzanian shilling for the Tour.

The Fort is one of the Oldest Structures in Zanzibar and dates back to the time when the Omani Arabs expelled the Portuguese. The Fort served as a depot during the construction of the 7 mile lone railway line to the village of Bububu. No remnants of the railway line appear to have survived. After about 09h00, shops and a gallery open in the courtyard and one of the towers.

The Old Fort has been repurposed as a great location for local artisans to exhibit their wares.There is still space to sit and relax away from the bustle of the surrounding town.

New airport international flight and there giving good survive and good hospitality nice costumer care good security safe and nice airport

Old fort is the place to see if youre in Stone Town. Restaurant, foods, Beach, boat to prison island, etc !! Lets goo!PS : stay still the evening for a special concert of street foods ;)

It’s a small place full of souvenir markets. You can see like old edifications and something like an outdoor theater but not to much to see. It’s free.

Its a oldest building, building long time ago with stone.Citizens used to sell clother and other people from different country used for tourism.

Historic site, but now its just a place for vendors to sell souvenirs to tourists. No tours, no signs for you to read if youre interested in the history. Amphitheater is neat. Free attraction that you can get in and out of in less than ten minutes.

This is a part of the history of Zanzibar. There is a small museum and the site is used for cultural events. Also there is a daily market with clothes, fabrics and Zanzibar artefacts. And in the late evening there is a spacious bar serving soft and hot drinks.

Nice , comfortable, very helpful staff, large room,very close to the beach

Dilapidated but still impressive and free entry. Just be very cautious when going on top of the old walls especially with kids.

We visited here last month on February at sauti za busara festival. I loved the place and I loved the fact that its an old building and historical one. I love their workshop, Its so nice being here!

Nice Fort where you can walk around. Its free and has some vendors inside

Beautiful from the outside serving as a reminder of its history. But there’s not much to see from the inside related to the past aside from the theater.

Old fort what could need some repair and maintenance. A lot of shops but not having the feeling of been forced to buy somethingeverybody is friendly and they understand what means no.

Pretty sure this place has a lot of history... But definitely not well preserved as I read in the previous comments...There are a few local shops inside and that’s barely it...It is certainly not a must-see in Zanzibar nor in Stone Town...

Unfortunately this historical place is used nowadays mostly for trading with tourists instead of teaching us something about history of Zanzibar. Its still in good shape so you can see some old architecture but hopefully sometime in the future it will be used more extensively as a historical monument it is. Shame you cant get on one of the towers to see the port from above.

Too aggressive selling of souvenirs and spices. Cannot have a single look anywhere without someone coming to sell sth.

Lovely old places and recommended to visit in Zanzibar, located in the stone town and accessible for all places around, rich with history of Zanzibar and some you can see the craft markets in it.

Only got to experience this space through the eyes of Sauti Za Busara and boy was it an experience!!!!

Every Feb the second week there are Festival well known as Sati za Busara

Its a cool place to visit. Plus you can get some take home gifts for your people from the shops on site...

A cute place to walk around. Inside you can find a few small souvenir shops and a workshops (wood craft, art). Entrance is free.

It’s free entry and interesting enough to look around but don’t expect a Tower of London type experience. There are some stalls inside selling tourist tat.

A very beautiful place

Nice place, multiple businesses great for souvenir shopping 😁😁

Its an old fort, and some hungry kittens inside. Missed the market day tho, so would be better to go on a marketday

Back to the history. Nice place to visit, full of knowledge and information.

Loved the history of this site.

Its an old fort. Theres not much good or bad to say about it. There are some local artisans and vendors there. The weaver is fascinating.

Famous for Zanzibar International Film festival (Ziff) and one of the attractive place for tourists.

Free to enter and you can take amazing pictures

Most amazing venue Ive ever been to for a live show. Sauti za busara 2017 was incredible. Dont miss it next year.

Good place to visit , the first building ever built in Zanzibar and it was built by the Arabs

Old Fort is one of the main tourist attractions in Stone Town, Zanzibar. It is free but I would recommend getting a guide from the front desk to tell you all about the history and interesting stories of the Sultan, towers, war, etc. There are a lot of souvenir shops inside, especially around the amphitheatre, and an art gallery inside one of the towers.

Interesting visit. Dont plan a long stay...

One stop shopping for all your prezzies perfectly possible here!

Its a historical place worth visiting.

Great historical place. Amazing how the site has been maintained over the years!

It’s a must go when visiting Zanzibar!Stone Town is a very beautiful city full of history you should visit

This is old Fort. But my heart hurts. Because they are breaking their history. Inside fort have so many shops and so many electric lines. Those things are breaking. Remember!! If you dont cherish your culture, nobody cherishes you.

Since the iconic House of Wonders was closed for renovation, we went directly to the Old Fort. Over the centuries, the fort had various uses from prison to tennis club. Today, thanks to some modernization and the addition of the huge amphitheater, the fort is the headquarters of the Zanzibar International Film Festival. There are also several souvenir shops to buy some local finds and a lovely cafe that turns into a bar at night. Visit my Instagram (kelledstyle) for more pictures and my blog for more info :)

Its historical, theres always an aura of feelings walking around, Touring such magnificent areas.. its the heart of the past that never ceases to grow.

Best place to visit when you are in Zanzibar the historical City.

Incredible atmosphere of authentic old city of Stone Town. Here you can find a lot of small shops with local hand made painting and souvenirs. Some of towers are open for hiking up. Also, here very nice greek theater in good condition

Originally created for defense purpose against the Portoguese, its now populated by vendors stall. The entry is free... there s bar too. Worth it.

Very happy to be there, interesting place to visit

Zanzibar has a rich history and the perfect place to learn about it is Stonetown.We had a guide walk us through the must see spots. The Old Fort was beautiful in its unique way. The sad history was explained to us.Stonetown can be explored on foot. The streets are very narrow and I would not recommend a scooter as they dont always fit between the people.Be sure to take photos of the beautiful doors all around the town. Also be sure to visit the spice market.

This is old building located in Zanzibar Stone Town, has Omanic features

Go visit, learn and see the ancient Zanzibar life. Great historical place.

The people are kind around old fort and lots of historical detail to learn about

Nothing special because is not prepared for tourists. No information about the history of the fortress

Great place a sight view and tourist, learning the past

Just a fort in bad shape. Nothing much just a budding now which needs repairs.

Beautiful place lots of history. Will be back

Nice quiet place in a hectic, busy city

Nice historical place. Although it’s need a lot of efforts to restore it because the building isn’t in standard shape. They have to renovate it sooner rather than later

Place rich in history, culture and heritage..,good food at forodhani market, local cuisines and restaurants.

Nice historical place good engineering of the fort in 1700

Historic place. Recommend to visit.

15th century portugese fort with local goods for sale inside

Free entrance, but you get a guide for a few shilling. Info from guide is interesting too. Place is a little bit neglected !

It looks about the same as I remember it in the 50s and early 60s.

A wonderful to visit, there are a few market stalls inside.

Plan to visit this place you wont regret!!!

Historic site but not maintained at its best...Opposite the fort, is Forodhani Park Garden - Perfect food market to spend an evening at but be extra careful of the seafood sold here as the chances are high of getting served/sold left overs of few days earlier...

Ok for a walk and to shop at the curio shops inside

Currently under renovation but we still got a peak...Rich history and culture of Zanzibar will take you back in time.Must visit

Nice spot for outdoor events

Its cool place, there is cool view, I mean there is good physical environment. And there is good place of enjoying. Im up.

Old iconic building, the flavour of passed time and events

Amazing to see the tortoises growing so big and so old. An adventure worth experiencing and feeding them is unforgettable

Its good being there i was so happy as it was my first time in...good photos taken from there

Still standing strong, nothing to see tho.

Nothing historical to see but there is a market inside. Bargain A LOT before u buy