Plizio Visual Lab
Maruhubi Palace Ruins
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Historical site
The ruins of Maruhubi Palace are located about four kilometers north of Stone Town on Zanzibar and reveal the extravagance of the Omani sultans. The palace was built between 1880 and 1882 by Sultan Barghash bin Said to house his harem of 99 concubines. The estate was originally surrounded by lush gardens and parks, fed by a sophisticated irrigation system using water from the Chem-Chem springs. Architecturally, the palace featured Persian and Indian influences, visible in the large aqueducts, water basins, and massive pillars that remain standing today. In 1899, the magnificent wooden structure was almost entirely destroyed by a devastating fire, leaving only the stone foundations and pillars. The ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into the domestic architecture of Zanzibar's elite in the late 19th century and emphasize the historical importance of water as a decorative and functional element in palace design.
- Location: Tanzania
- Nearby: Prison Island (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 118 | 89 | 163 | 279 | 171 | 28 | 21 | 27 | 41 | 111 | 164 | 141 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Maruhubi Palace ruins in Zanzibar are freely accessible in a public park. You can see the remains of the former harem and baths; entry is free.
Typical hours
The grounds are accessible during the day as it is a public park. There are no fixed opening hours, but a visit in daylight is recommended.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the grounds as it is a public park. The ruins with the sea in the background make particularly beautiful subjects.
Time needed
Allow about 20 to 30 minutes for a stroll around the grounds. The ruins are small but offer an interesting glimpse into Zanzibar's history.
Combine with
Combine your visit with the nearby Mtoni Palace ruins or the Livingstone House. Both are close and complement the picture of sultanate history.
Getting there
The ruins are located in northern Stone Town, about a 15-minute walk from the city center. A taxi will take you there in a few minutes.
Insider tip
Visit the ruins in the late afternoon to enjoy the beautiful sunset light. Bring insect repellent as there may be mosquitoes.
Geography
Facts
- The palace was built by Sultan Barghash between 1880 and 1882.
- It was designed to accommodate the Sultan's harem of 99 concubines.
- A fire in 1899 destroyed the majority of the wooden upper floors.
- Water was supplied to the palace via a complex system of aqueducts.
- The standing ruins include large coral stone pillars and bath basins.
- The surrounding park once contained rare mango trees imported from India.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Maruhubi Palace Ruins (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth visiting the ruins?
Yes, for history lovers, the ruins are very interesting due to their architecture and location.
What is the best way to get there?
It is best to reach the ruins by taxi or rental car from Stone Town.
Is there an entrance fee?
Yes, there is usually a small entrance fee to access the palace ruins.
Is the place good for photos?
Very much so, especially the remains of the pillars and the view of the sea offer great subjects.
Do I need a guide?
A local guide helps to better understand the history and background of the ruins.
Maruhubi Palace Ruins: where is it located?
Maruhubi Palace Ruins is located in Tanzania.
Maruhubi Palace Ruins: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Maruhubi Palace Ruins: why is it worth visiting?
The ruins of Maruhubi Palace are located about four kilometers north of Stone Town on Zanzibar and reveal the extravagance of the Omani sultans.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Tanzania →
Nearby cities
History & landmarks
Old Dispensary
A magnificently decorated building in Stone Town that reflects Zanzibar's multicultural architecture.
Malindi Mosque
One of the oldest mosques in Stone Town, known for its unusual minaret.
Christ Church Cathedral
A historical Anglican church in Stone Town, built on the site of the former slave market.
Hamamni Persian Baths
Historical public baths in Zanzibar, built in the late 19th century for the elite.
Forodhani Bandstand
A historic pavilion in the Forodhani Gardens, where the famous night market takes place in the evening.
Peace Memorial Museum (Beit el Amani)
A significant museum in a circular building documenting the history of Zanzibar.
More places
Stone Town of Zanzibar
The historical center of Zanzibar City, renowned for its rich Swahili culture and unique coral stone architecture.
🗺️
Mtoni Palace Ruins
The oldest palace ruins in Zanzibar, built in the 1820s for Sultan Seyyid Said and described in the memoirs of his daughter, Princess Salme.
Malindi Port (Zanzibar)
The main port of Stone Town, managing passenger and freight traffic to the island of Zanzibar (Unguja).
House of Wonders (Beit al-Ajaib)
A former sultan's palace in Zanzibar, known as the tallest building in Stone Town and the first in East Africa to have electricity and an…
Old Fort of Zanzibar
The oldest surviving structure in Stone Town, built by Omani Arabs to defend against the Portuguese.
Unguja
The main island of Zanzibar.
Mangapwani Slave Caves
Natural and artificial caves on Zanzibar that served as a secret hiding place for slaves in the 19th century after the open slave trade w…
Pemba Island
A spice island in Tanzania.