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,[3] about 15-25 minute walking time from the Old Fort and Forodhani Gardens.[4] 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. 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".[5] 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.[5]