Off Uroa Road Marumbi, Zanzibar TZ, 1026, Tansania  info@fivepalmszanzibar.com +255 774756179
Of historical importance in East Africa

THE OLD FORT

When visiting Stone Town, you should make a point to visit The Old Fort or “Ngome Kongwe” as it is known in the local language. Stone Town is a city of prominent historical and artistic importance in East Africa given its mixture of Arab, Persian, Indian and European elements underlying the local Swahili culture. The town was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. The Old Fort is one of the oldest buildings in Stone Town and tells the story of Zanzibar in a nutshell. It was originally built by the Portuguese in the 17th century and later re-built by the Omani Arabs in the 18th century after expelling the Portuguese in 1699. During the 19th century, it was used as a garrison and prison, and as a terminal of the Zanzibar railways from 1905 to 1928. A new guardhouse was added in 1947 and it later served as a ladies' club. It became a cultural center in the 1990s after an amphitheater was added. Nowadays it hosts festivals such as Sauti za Busara and the Zanzibar International Film Festival. There are also many small shops mostly selling clothes and works of art. Entrance is free of charge.
EXCELLENT Based on 6 reviews
James M
James M
5. January, 2022.
Absolute Paradise & Friendly Staff My wife and I stayed at Five Palms Zanzibar on honey moon - we arrived to drinks on arrival, had our bags drop off at our room and when entering our room had a very romantic surprise of flowers on our bed and "Happy Honeymoon" written in palm leaves. We had an amazing private romantic beach dinner with drinks at the beach bar after making it an unforgettable experience! The staff are extremely helpful and accommodating which added to our 10 day trip. The hotel has a private tour guide who is extremely knowledgeable and really goes to extra lengths to make your day trip one to remember. Great value for money and highly recommendable. We will be back!
Beatrice S
Beatrice S
6. September, 2021.
Nice Hotel A nice clean modern hotel with friendly staff and child friendly. The food was prepared quickly and tasty. We had sea view. The cocktails were delicious. Can only recommend the hotel. There you can enjoy your vacation. Hope that we can book the hotel again.
Highgrade56
Highgrade56
30. August, 2021.
Would recommend to anyone visiting Zanzibar The hotel has a great position being very close to the beach. The staff is willing to accomodate your every need if you simply tell them what you want. Overall it was a very good experience and I would visit again.
AndreiS.
AndreiS.
30. August, 2021.
10 of 10 I start by saying that it is an excellent location, located on the beach! The staff is very friendly and kind, and the atmosphere is even holiday. The rooms are clean and recently renovated! Worth a visit!
Bigklau25
Bigklau25
11. August, 2021.
Excellent Beach Hotel with great service! Excellent hotel, right on the beach! New remodel big rooms, comfortable bed. Pool and beach bar. Good wifi. Good breakfast. The personal is very attentive and always ready to exceed expectations! They can organize different excursions for guests, including Safaris!
Adrian M
Adrian M
11. August, 2021.
Holiday We stayed at this hotel in August. The bar is very nice directly on the beach. Attentive staff, clean rooms. The location is directly on the beach. I recommend this location.The excursions offered by the hotel and the guide is very ok. The guide speaks German and English.