The Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe)
The Old Fort stands on the waterfront of Stone Town, close to the Forodhani Gardens. Walls with battlements, a stone entrance building and round corner towers give it the look of a defensive work. A lawn inside the walls makes it a quiet place to stop between the lanes of the old town and the sea.
The fort is part of the Stone Town World Heritage site, which UNESCO listed in 2000. It stands where a Portuguese church once stood. How it came to be built is told below, together with what you can and cannot count on today.
Visiting the Old Fort in 2026
What to expect, and what to check on the day.
Works at the fort
In 2026 UNESCO expressed concern about larger changes at the Old Fort and asked for project documents and an impact assessment. That does not mean the fort is closed, but it also means that not every area is certain to be open. Look at the gate before you plan your time.
Entry and opening hours
Ask at the entrance for the current entry fee and the hours for your day. Do not assume the fort is free, and do not assume it is open every day.
The amphitheatre
The fort has an amphitheatre that has been used for concerts. Do not plan your visit around it, as access to that part can change with the works.
How long to allow
A short stop is enough for the walls, the courtyard and the view from the edge of the fort. Combine it with a walk to the Forodhani Gardens, which are close by.
Our pick: a guided walk in the old town
A walk with a local guide that gives the Old Fort its place in the old town.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Stone Town walking tours
City walks that pass the Old Fort and other landmarks, with live prices and availability.
History of the Old Fort
The fort stands on the site of an earlier Portuguese church. The town around it grew through long sea trade between Africa and Asia.
Building began between 1699 and the early 1710s, and the fort was completed in 1780. In short, the fort dates from around 1700.
The round corner tower in the picture shows its military character. For the wider story of the sultans, trade and the town, see the history of Stone Town.
Festivals and the Old Fort
The big music festival used to be held at the fort. That has changed.
| Event | Dates | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Sauti za Busara 2026 | 5 to 8 February 2026 | Mnazi Mmoja grounds on Airport Road, at the edge of Stone Town |
| Sauti za Busara 2027 | 19 to 21 March 2027 (announced; confirm before you book) | Check the festival announcements |
| Zanzibar International Film Festival 2026 | 24 to 28 June 2026 | Several venues; the opening parade ran from the Old Fort to Kisonge between 15:00 and 16:00 |
For most visitors the useful point is simple. Do not plan a music evening at the Old Fort. If your trip falls in one of the festival weeks, look up the venues for that year.
Nearby on this site
More landmarks and walks around the fort.
The fort and the World Heritage site
Where the Old Fort sits in the protected old town.
Listed in 2000
UNESCO listed Stone Town in 2000 under criteria ii, iii and vi. The core area covers 96 hectares, and a buffer zone of 84.79 hectares surrounds it. The Old Fort is one of the historic buildings that UNESCO names for the town.
How the old town was built
Stone Town's historic buildings are made of coral rag stone, mangrove timber, lime mortar and lime plaster. Courtyards and carved double doors belong to the older houses. See the page on the carved doors for the details.
Who looks after the town
The Stone Town Conservation and Development Authority coordinates the care of the old town. Individual monuments can also fall under other bodies, such as the antiquities authorities.
Fitting the fort into your day
Because the waterfront sights lie close together, the fort works well as a stop on a longer walk. Start at the Forodhani Gardens, look at the fort from outside, and then continue to the House of Wonders. Whether you step inside depends on what is open on your day.
If you prefer someone to explain the landmarks, a guided walk covers the fort, the House of Wonders and the old town in one route. See the Stone Town tours for the options.
The Old Fort: frequently asked questions
What is the Old Fort in Stone Town?
It is a fortified building on the waterfront, called Ngome Kongwe in Swahili. It stands on the site of an earlier Portuguese church and belongs to the Stone Town World Heritage site.
When was the Old Fort built?
Building began between 1699 and the early 1710s, and the fort was completed in 1780.
Can I go inside the Old Fort?
Ask at the entrance on the day. UNESCO has raised concern about larger changes at the fort, so not every area is certain to be open, and the entry fee and hours can change.
Is the Sauti za Busara festival held at the Old Fort?
The 2026 festival took place on the Mnazi Mmoja grounds on 5 to 8 February 2026. The organisers have announced 19 to 21 March 2027 for the next edition. Check the venue before you book.
How long should I plan for the Old Fort?
A short stop is enough for the walls, the courtyard and the view. Combine it with a walk to the Forodhani Gardens, which are close by.