Forodhani Gardens
Zanzibar, Tanzania

The Forodhani Gardens are situated along the seafront in front of the Old Fort. The gardens were laid out in 1935-1936 to celebrate the Silver Jubilees of King George V and Sultan Khalifa. There is a bandstand in the center of the site, and a white concrete arabesque arch near the sea that was erected in 1956 for the visit of Princess Margaret.

The garden was called Jubilee Gardens until the 1964 Revolution. "Forodhani" means "customs," and the gardens are close to the original Zanzibar Customs House. The Aga Khan Historic Cities Program restored the gardens from 2002-2009. The original layout was retained, and upgrades such as a new seawall, cafes, a playground and plantings were added.

Sources:

Archnet. "Forodhani Park Rehabilitation." Accessed March 27, 2015. http://archnet.org/sites/6420.

McIntyre, Chris, and Susan McIntyre. Zanzibar, 186-187. Chalfont St. Peter: Bradt Travel Guides, 2013.

Location

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Images & Videos

Waterfront promenade, looking east, with House of Wonders partially visible at right
35 mm color slide
View looking west across Forodhani Gardens from near the House of Wonders
35 mm color slide
View within Forodhani Gardens looking south to fort
35 mm color slide
View looking west across park, with bandstand at right
35 mm color slide
Waterfront promenade, looking east, with House of Wonders partially visible at right
35 mm color slide

Associated Names

Zanzibar City
Tanzania
place

Events

1935-1936

Additional Names

Forodhani Park
Variant
Jubilee Gardens
Formerly known as

Site Types

garden
landscape
park
landscape

Related Sites

Forodhani Park Rehabilitation
Zanzibar, Tanzania