The palace remains include an old reception hall, palace gardens, and the remnants of ancient Persian baths, but there's little context or signage. To get a complete understanding of the palace and its significance, it's wise to hire a guide. Some tours of Stone Town include a guided visit to the ruins, and if you opt for a customizable tour, you can request a stop at the palace.
The Mtoni Palace ruins are a fantastic spot for photographers looking for excellent shots of historic architecture.
Sun protection, comfortable shoes, and bottled water will make visiting the ruins more comfortable.
Mtoni Palace is not wheelchair-accessible, and travelers with reduced mobility might find it challenging to get around.
Mtoni Palace is just off the main thoroughfare in Zanzibar City, around a 10- to 15-minute taxi ride up the coast from Stone Town. Regular dala-dala (shared minibus taxis) service also connects Zanzibar City with Stone Town and other destinations across the island.
If you want to explore the ruins and potentially get some great photographs, it’s best to visit Mtoni Palace first thing in the morning, when the light is ideal, and crowds are few. The palace has also hosted many live music performances and dinners over the years, but it’s best to check with a local guide for up-to-date details.
Just down the road from the palace sits another set of 19th-century sultanate ruins: the Maruhubi Palace. Constructed in the late 19th century by Sultan Barghash Bin Said, the palace lasted only 20 years before succumbing to fire. Much of the palace remains in ruin to this day, including remains of a bath complex and massive supporting columns.