Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe)

The Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe) is centrally located in Stone Town, Zanzibar. You can easily reach it by taxi or by walking if you are staying nearby. If you have a hired car, there is plenty of free or cheap parking available.

Yes, parking is available near the Old Fort. It is often free or available for a small fee, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.

Absolutely! If your hotel is in Stone Town, walking to the Old Fort is a pleasant and easy option. It's a great way to experience the city's atmosphere.

For the evening market, taking a taxi is a convenient option as it drops you right at the entrance. Walking is also great if you're in Stone Town and want to soak in the ambiance.

While direct public transport might be limited, local dala-dalas (minibuses) can get you close to Stone Town, from where you can walk or take a short taxi ride to the fort.

Currently, the entrance to the Old Fort is free. However, this may change in the future, so it's always good to check upon arrival.

The Old Fort is generally accessible during daylight hours for exploring the grounds and shops. The evening food market typically starts around sunset.

Yes, for special events like film festivals or performances, tickets are usually available for purchase. Keep an eye on local listings or the ZIFF festival website.

No advance booking is required for the evening food market. It's a walk-in affair, and you can purchase food directly from the vendors.

Generally, entry is open. However, the fort is not wheelchair accessible, so visitors with mobility issues should be aware of this limitation.

During the day, you can explore the historical architecture, browse the souvenir shops selling spices and local crafts, and enjoy a quieter atmosphere before the evening buzz.

In the evening, the fort transforms into a vibrant food market with numerous stalls offering delicious local food. It's a popular spot for sunset views and a lively cultural experience.

While children can explore the grounds and shops, the main draw for families might be the evening food market. It's a relatively safe and contained area.

Official guided tours are not widely advertised, but local vendors or guides might offer informal insights into the fort's history.

The Old Fort is a venue for various events, most notably the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), as well as cultural performances and movie premieres. +1

The evening market offers a variety of local street food, including delicious shawarmas (especially chicken tikka), grilled meat and fish skewers, and other Zanzibari specialties.

Yes, the food at the evening market is generally very affordable. Shawarmas are particularly cheap and well worth the money. Meat and fish skewers might be slightly more expensive.

While the focus is often on grilled meats and fish, you might find some vegetable-based dishes or sides. It's best to inquire with individual vendors.

The primary dining experience is the street food market. While there might be some small eateries or cafes within the fort complex, the main attraction is the open-air market.

The food market typically comes alive after sunset. Arriving around dusk allows you to experience the transition and secure a spot before it gets too crowded.

Capture the sunset over the ocean from the fort walls, the bustling evening food market with its vibrant stalls, and the historical architecture of the fort itself.

Yes, photography is generally allowed within the Old Fort. Be mindful of vendors and other visitors when taking pictures.

The golden hour just before sunset offers beautiful lighting for photography. The evening market also provides dynamic scenes with its lights and activity.

There are no specific mentions of drone restrictions for the Old Fort, but it's always advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone in Zanzibar.

It's polite to ask permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their products. Many are happy to oblige, especially if you are a customer.