Tippu Tip's House

Tippu Tip's House is a three-story building in Stone Town with black and white marble steps and a large carved wooden door. The structure sits in the Shangani district and features rooms with high ceilings and decorated interior details.

The residence belonged to Hamad bin Muhammad bin Juma, known as Tippu Tip, who was one of the most powerful traders in 19th-century East Africa. His home reflects the wealth and influence he gained through controlling major trade routes in the region.

The house displays a blend of Zanzibari, Indian, and Arab architectural styles that reflect the trading practices of the era. This design mixture shows how different communities lived and worked alongside each other in Stone Town.

The house is located in the Shangani area near several other historical sites and is easily accessible on foot. The surrounding streets are narrow and easy to walk through, with local shops and cafes along the way.

The house is now divided into residential flats, giving it the feeling of a lived-in home rather than a museum exhibit. The handcrafted wooden staircases and balconies inside showcase the skill of local builders from that era.

GPS coordinates: -6.16401,39.18704

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:23