Tippu Tip's House is a historical building in Stone Town, Zanzibar, located in Suicide Alley[1] in the Shangani ward[2] near the Africa House Hotel and Serena Inn, about 15–25 minute walking time from the Old Fort and Forodhani Gardens. It is the house where the powerful merchant and slave trader Tippu Tip (1837–1905) lived. The building was a private residence until the Zanzibar Revolution and was later converted into a block of flats.

Tippu Tip's House
Tippu Tip's House
Tippu Tip's House is located in Tanzania
Tippu Tip's House
Tippu Tip's House
Location within Tanzania
General information
LocationStone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Coordinates6°09′50″S 39°11′13″E / 6.1640°S 39.1870°E / -6.1640; 39.1870

Despite being a tourist attraction, it is not formally open to visitors, and it is in such a state of decay that it has been described as "the most magnificent squat in all of Africa".[3] The large decorated carved wooden door, as well as the black and white marble steps,[1] still testify the great wealth of the historical owner of the house.[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b J. Finke, The Rough Guide to Zanzibar, Rough Guides 2002, p. 71
  2. ^ See map in Keith Bain et al., Frommer's Kenya and Tanzania, Frommer 2009, p. 345
  3. ^ a b Chris McIntyre and Susan McIntyre, Zanzibar, Bradt Travel Guides 2009, p. 171