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Tanzania🇹🇿 | attractionsOld FortCoral ramparts, craft courtyard, amphitheater, old cannons | things to do and best time to go

Explore House of WondersExplore National Museum and House of Culture

Backpacking in Old Fort
🏆 Top pickattraction ranked #2
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

Your sandals scuff over rough coral stone as the afternoon light drops into the courtyard, and a drum rehearsal rolls off the walls. Old Fort sits on the Stone Town waterfront in Zanzibar, Tanzania, a few steps from Forodhani Gardens. The walls are thick, the courtyard has little shade, and the stone holds heat for hours, so go early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Entry costs nothing because the fort now works as a cultural center, so walk in and ignore anyone outside who claims you need a ticket. Craft stalls sell paintings, spices and kangas, and prices are flexible, so offer about half and settle from there. Expect no museum displays; treat it as a living courtyard to explore at your own pace. Unlike the House of Wonders next door, which charges museum admission for its galleries, Old Fort asks for nothing and gives you atmosphere.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #2 attraction in TanzaniaWhy Old Fort should be on your travel list

Old Fort is the oldest surviving building in Stone Town, and walking through its gate puts you inside the Omani stronghold of around 1700 that began the Arab hold on the island. Few places on the coast let you touch that layer of history for free, then step back out to the waterfront in under a minute.

It is also where Zanzibar's creative scene comes together. The open-air amphitheater hosts concerts and film nights, and the courtyard stalls put you face to face with local painters, tailors and carvers rather than souvenir factories. If your visit coincides with a performance, the stone walls turn a good evening into a memorable one.

For route planning, it makes a perfect anchor for a Stone Town wander. Combine it with the Forodhani Gardens night market across the road and the House of Wonders … read more 👉
Old Fort is the oldest surviving building in Stone Town, and walking through its gate puts you inside the Omani stronghold of around 1700 that began the Arab hold on the island. Few places on the coast let you touch that layer of history for free, then step back out to the waterfront in under a minute.

It is also where Zanzibar's creative scene comes together. The open-air amphitheater hosts concerts and film nights, and the courtyard stalls put you face to face with local painters, tailors and carvers rather than souvenir factories. If your visit coincides with a performance, the stone walls turn a good evening into a memorable one.

For route planning, it makes a perfect anchor for a Stone Town wander. Combine it with the Forodhani Gardens night market across the road and the House of Wonders beside it, and you cover three major sights within a few hundred steps, which suits a tight budget and a short stopover alike.

💡 HighlightsPlaces and moments you shouldn't skip

  1. The Ramparts and Main Gate: Chunky coral-stone walls with four corner bastions make this the sight people search for. Climb the stairs to the walkway and look over the waterfront, the gardens and the roofs of Stone Town.
  2. The Courtyard Craft Stalls: Local artists and tailors work around the open square, selling paintings, carved wood, spice sachets and fabrics. Bargain gently and you can see pieces being made.
  3. The Open-Air Amphitheater: Stone seating faces a stage tucked against the fort walls. Concerts, taarab nights and film screenings run here, and the acoustics make drums and vocals ring.
  4. The Old Cannons: Weathered guns still point toward the sea along the walls, a reminder that the fort was built to repel Portuguese ships. They make a good photo against the Indian Ocean light.
  5. Portuguese Chapel
… read more 👉
  1. The Ramparts and Main Gate: Chunky coral-stone walls with four corner bastions make this the sight people search for. Climb the stairs to the walkway and look over the waterfront, the gardens and the roofs of Stone Town.
  2. The Courtyard Craft Stalls: Local artists and tailors work around the open square, selling paintings, carved wood, spice sachets and fabrics. Bargain gently and you can see pieces being made.
  3. The Open-Air Amphitheater: Stone seating faces a stage tucked against the fort walls. Concerts, taarab nights and film screenings run here, and the acoustics make drums and vocals ring.
  4. The Old Cannons: Weathered guns still point toward the sea along the walls, a reminder that the fort was built to repel Portuguese ships. They make a good photo against the Indian Ocean light.
  5. Portuguese Chapel Remains: The Omani builders raised the fort over a Portuguese-era church, and the older footprint can still be traced within the walls. It is a quiet corner that most people pass by.
  6. Forodhani Gardens: Directly beside the fort, this waterfront park fills at dusk with food stalls grilling seafood skewers and pressing sugarcane juice. Zanzibar pizza is the local specialty to try here.
  7. The House of Wonders Facade: From the fort's edge, you can see the white, balconied former sultan's palace with its tall clock tower. It was one of the first buildings in East Africa to have electricity and an elevator.
Old Fort costs nothing to enter, while the amphitheater events and anything bought at the stalls are the only things that will cost you.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do around Old Fort

Stone Town Walking Tour with Hassan

Stone Town Walking Tour with Hassan

5.0(262) 3h
From €23
per personViator
3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour

3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour

4.9(192)
From €17.21
per personViator
Walking City Tour in Zanzibar Island

Walking City Tour in Zanzibar Island

5.0(155) 2h 30m
From €22
per personViator
Stone Town Heritage Walk with local Guide

Stone Town Heritage Walk with local Guide

5.0(139) 2h 30m
From €18.11
per personViator
Stone Town Complete Guide: History, Spice Market and Local's life

Stone Town Complete Guide: History, Spice Market and Local's life

5.0(121)
From €18.11
per personViator
Private Historic Stone Town Tour

Private Historic Stone Town Tour

5.0(81)
From €27
per personViator
Private Tour Zanzibar Unique Stone Town with spice Farm Plantations

Private Tour Zanzibar Unique Stone Town with spice Farm Plantations

5.0(60) 5h
From €67
per personViator
Unique private Stone Town tour & Prison Island tour in Zanzibar

Unique private Stone Town tour & Prison Island tour in Zanzibar

4.9(62) 8h
From €113
per personViator
Private Stone Town Walking Tour

Private Stone Town Walking Tour

5.0(40) 3h
From €39
per personViator
Stone town Private Walking Tour

Stone town Private Walking Tour

5.0(29) 2h 30m
From €18.11
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

  • June to October (cool and dry): Stone Town’s Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe) is easiest to enjoy now, with highs of 27-30°C (81-86°F) and lows near 20-22°C (68-72°F). Humidity eases, so the courtyard and ramparts stay comfortable. July, August and the Christmas weeks bring the biggest crowds and the highest bed prices.
  • December to February (hot and dry): Expect 30-33°C (86-91°F) with sticky air. Evenings in the amphitheater courtyard are pleasant for the music and dance shows. Prices climb around the holidays.
  • March to May (long rains): April and May are the wettest, with downpours that flood Stone Town’s lanes and 28-31°C (82-88°F) heat. Many guesthouses cut rates by 20 to 40 percent, and the fort is nearly empty.
  • November (short rains): Brief afternoon showers, 29-31°C (84-88°F), and thin crowds.
Daylight … read more 👉
  • June to October (cool and dry): Stone Town’s Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe) is easiest to enjoy now, with highs of 27-30°C (81-86°F) and lows near 20-22°C (68-72°F). Humidity eases, so the courtyard and ramparts stay comfortable. July, August and the Christmas weeks bring the biggest crowds and the highest bed prices.
  • December to February (hot and dry): Expect 30-33°C (86-91°F) with sticky air. Evenings in the amphitheater courtyard are pleasant for the music and dance shows. Prices climb around the holidays.
  • March to May (long rains): April and May are the wettest, with downpours that flood Stone Town’s lanes and 28-31°C (82-88°F) heat. Many guesthouses cut rates by 20 to 40 percent, and the fort is nearly empty.
  • November (short rains): Brief afternoon showers, 29-31°C (84-88°F), and thin crowds.
Daylight runs about 11.5 to 12.5 hours all year, so arrive by mid-morning for cooler stone and softer photos. Shoulder months like June and early November balance price and weather best.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: good for travelingFEBFebruary: highly recommended for travelingMARMarch: fair for travelingAPRApril: below average for travelingMAYMay: fair for travelingJUNJune: excellent for travelingJULJuly: highly recommended for travelingAUGAugust: highly recommended for travelingSEPSeptember: highly recommended for travelingOCTOctober: excellent for travelingNOVNovember: good for travelingDECDecember: good for traveling
when-to-go

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🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas and accommodation options

Shangani is the best area for backpackers staying near Old Fort, since the fort sits on the waterfront at the edge of it. You can walk to the Forodhani Gardens night food market in about two minutes, and the ferry terminal is roughly 10 minutes on foot. Most of the social, budget-friendly guesthouses and dorms cluster here and just inland, so you meet other travelers easily in rooftop common areas and cafes. Streets are busy until late, which keeps the area feeling safe, though you should still keep phones and bags close in the narrow alleys after dark.

The central lanes around Kiponda and Mkunazini … read more 👉
Shangani is the best area for backpackers staying near Old Fort, since the fort sits on the waterfront at the edge of it. You can walk to the Forodhani Gardens night food market in about two minutes, and the ferry terminal is roughly 10 minutes on foot. Most of the social, budget-friendly guesthouses and dorms cluster here and just inland, so you meet other travelers easily in rooftop common areas and cafes. Streets are busy until late, which keeps the area feeling safe, though you should still keep phones and bags close in the narrow alleys after dark.

The central lanes around Kiponda and Mkunazini are quieter and more local, with cheaper rooms and mosque calls at dawn. They suit solo travelers who want atmosphere over nightlife, and the fort is a 10 to 15 minute walk through the maze of alleys.

Malindi, just north of the port, has a slightly rougher edge but has the lowest prices and a good local food scene. It is a 10 minute walk to the fort. Stay in Shangani for your first night, then move if you want to save money. Book ahead in July, August and December.
Best hostels in Tanzania


Best quality hotels in Tanzania

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)Money, prices, and spending tips

Old Fort costs a backpacker about US$25 to 60 a day in Stone Town, with entry itself usually free. The table below gives the typical spread.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entry to Old FortUS$0The courtyard, craft stalls and ramparts are open without a ticket. Some events carry a separate charge.
Shows and eventsUS$0 to 10The amphitheater hosts cultural performances and, in July, festival events. Tickets are bought on the day.
Accommodation (high season)US$15 to 25Dorm beds or basic private rooms in Shangani and the central lanes. Low season drops to US$10 to 18.
FoodUS$6 to 12Grilled seafood and Zanzibar pizza at the Forodhani night market, plus cheap local cafes for breakfast and lunch.
Local transportUS$0 to 5Most sights are walkable. Short tuk-tuk or dala-dala rides cost under US$2, while
… read more 👉
Old Fort costs a backpacker about US$25 to 60 a day in Stone Town, with entry itself usually free. The table below gives the typical spread.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entry to Old FortUS$0The courtyard, craft stalls and ramparts are open without a ticket. Some events carry a separate charge.
Shows and eventsUS$0 to 10The amphitheater hosts cultural performances and, in July, festival events. Tickets are bought on the day.
Accommodation (high season)US$15 to 25Dorm beds or basic private rooms in Shangani and the central lanes. Low season drops to US$10 to 18.
FoodUS$6 to 12Grilled seafood and Zanzibar pizza at the Forodhani night market, plus cheap local cafes for breakfast and lunch.
Local transportUS$0 to 5Most sights are walkable. Short tuk-tuk or dala-dala rides cost under US$2, while taxis charge more.
ExtrasUS$4 to 8Drinks, water, coffee and small tips. Travelers pay in Tanzanian shillings, though dollars are accepted at some tour desks.
Total Daily BudgetUS$25 to 60About US$45 a day covers a comfortable backpacker day, with room for a show or two.


source: colorsofzanzibar.com
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

FAQCommon questions from travelers

Allow 45 minutes to 1.5 hours for Old Fort. That covers the courtyard, the ramparts and the craft stalls, with extra time if you stay for a cultural show in the amphitheater. It combines easily with the nearby House of Wonders and Forodhani Gardens in a half-day walk through Stone Town.
Entry to Old Fort is usually free, so the question is mostly whether the visit earns your time, and it does. You get a 17th-century Omani-built fortress, a shaded courtyard with cafes and craft stalls, and evening performances in the amphitheater, which cost roughly US$0 to 10. Even a quick 30 minute stop is easy to justify right on the waterfront.
Old Fort is on the Stone Town waterfront in Shangani, a 10 minute walk from the ferry terminal and next to the House of Wonders. Fast ferries from Dar es Salaam take about 2 hours and cost US$35 to 50, and flights from Dar land at Abeid Amani Karume airport, about 15 to 20 minutes by taxi (US$10 to 15). Once in Stone Town, you can walk everywhere.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Tanzanian attractions near Old Fort

Explore more nearby:

  • House of Wonders—Clock tower, cast-iron verandas, rooftop balcony, wooden dhow| 0 km away
  • Palace Museum—Sultans' reception rooms, royal bedrooms, Salme exhibit, seafront balconies| 0 km away
  • Princess Salme Museum—Salme's house, guided rooms, royal portraits, memoir display| 0 km away

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We 💚 feedbackParting advice and final tips

Old Fort deserves about an hour on its own, or a relaxed evening if a concert is on. Go in the late afternoon, browse the stalls while the heat fades, then slide next door for the Forodhani food market. Stone Town itself needs two or three days, so treat the fort as an anchor and let the alleys take care of the rest.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on in-depth research, insights shared by experienced travelers, and feedback from the local travel community in Tanzania. While every effort is made to keep the information accurate and current, conditions can change — so if you spot anything incorrect or outdated, please get in touch.



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