Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe)
A 17th-century fort in Stone Town, transforming into a lively evening food market and cultural hub.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Transforms into a food market
Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe)
Best Time
Transforms into a food market

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 17th-century fort in Stone Town, transforming into a lively evening food market and cultural hub.
"The fort transforms into a food market at night, offering cheap and well-worth-the-money shawarma."
🌅 Catch the Sunset
Arrive before sunset to enjoy the beautiful views and the fort's transformation into a lively market.
💰 Bargain for Souvenirs
Haggle respectfully with vendors for spices and local crafts; prices are negotiable.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sunset Food Market
Fort Grounds
As dusk settles, the fort buzzes with a lively food market offering delicious and affordable local delicacies.

Souvenir Shopping
Fort Interior
Browse numerous stalls selling spices, crafts, and local souvenirs. Haggling is part of the experience!

ZIFF Festival Venue
Fort Amphitheater
The fort hosts the Zanzibar International Film Festival, showcasing local and international cinema.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Evening Entertainment Hub
Historical Site & Shopping
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Catch the Sunset
Arrive before sunset to enjoy the beautiful views and the fort's transformation into a lively market.
💰 Bargain for Souvenirs
Haggle respectfully with vendors for spices and local crafts; prices are negotiable.
🍢 Try the Shawarma
Don't miss the chicken tikka shawarma from the food stalls; it's cheap and delicious!
🎬 Check for Events
The fort hosts various events, including film festivals and cultural performances.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Catch the Sunset
Arrive before sunset to enjoy the beautiful views and the fort's transformation into a lively market.
💰 Bargain for Souvenirs
Haggle respectfully with vendors for spices and local crafts; prices are negotiable.
🍢 Try the Shawarma
Don't miss the chicken tikka shawarma from the food stalls; it's cheap and delicious!
🎬 Check for Events
The fort hosts various events, including film festivals and cultural performances.
🚶♀️ Easy to Navigate
The fort is compact and easy to explore on foot; you won't get lost.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Old Fort a great spot for evening entertainment, especially the vibrant food market offering affordable and delicious local eats. While its historical significance is noted, the primary draw for many is the lively atmosphere, souvenir shopping, and sunset views. Some reviewers mention it can be a bit run-down and not particularly wheelchair accessible.
"Absolutely great place to walk around and do shopping, a lot of spices and they are so cheap, nice places to eat, you can’t get lost in there walking around, friendly people, just take a taxi or if you already have a hired car drive there plenty of free or cheap parking."
mohamed elkassas
"Not really worth the visit, fortunately it's free.
There's a story behind the fort's construction, extensions etc which is of minor interest.
A few market stalls are set up inside the grounds which don't actually hassle too much. It's all just fairly quiet.
Lots of rubbish and rubble strewn around and the remains of a large fire. But this isn't really that different to most villages I've seen on the island."
Gary Bowdery
"During the day it's just another beach front walk, but night you get to watch the sunset, and the area transforms into a food market. Try the shawarma stalls, cheap and well worth the money. We really liked the guy asking chicken tikka shawarma. The guys selling mixture of meat and fish stick are more expensive."
Azizul Goni
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
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.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
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.
📸 📸 Photography
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🎬 Film Buffs & Culture Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
The fort's architecture reflects its defensive origins, with thick stone walls and strategic positioning. Although parts of the structure show signs of age and the remnants of past fires, its historical essence is palpable. Visitors can explore the grounds and imagine the fort in its prime, a silent guardian of Stone Town's harbor.
The Evening Transformation: A Culinary Delight
Visitors rave about the affordable and delicious options available. The chicken tikka shawarma is a particular favorite, praised for its flavor and value. While meat and fish skewers are also popular, the shawarma often steals the show. It's an ideal spot to sample a variety of local dishes in a lively and social atmosphere, making it a must-visit for any foodie exploring Zanzibar.
Shopping for Treasures
While the vendors are generally friendly and not overly pushy, haggling is an expected part of the shopping experience. Visitors are encouraged to engage respectfully with the sellers to negotiate prices. This interaction adds to the cultural immersion and ensures you get a good deal on your chosen items. The convenience of free entry and ample parking further enhances the appeal of shopping at the Old Fort.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit