Royal Palaces in Africa || African Royal Palaces

A royal palace is a residence of a ruler or monarch. The name originates from latin but has been adopted allover the world in various forms of languages such as palais in French, palace in English, pallazzo in italian, palacio in Spanish among others. Many people know of the impressive large buildings mostly in the European countries that are or were formerly official residences of former kings, queens and royalty.

The African continent currently having only 3 governmental monarchies today, has had many monarchical governments before the colonial period. With colonisation and abolition of most royal societies to create todays country boundaries, these former royal governments are now traditional entities still holding alot of power and respect in their respective communities. Palaces or royal residences therefore exist today in Africa both for kings who reign as governmental monarchs as well as traditional Kings and rulers. The palaces are however called in various forms of Indigenous names.

Kamukuzi Mugaba royal palace, Ankole/Nkore Kingdom, Uganda

Mugaba royal palace located at Kamukuzi hill in Mbarara city, Uganda was the official residence of the king (Omugabe) of Ankole/Nkore Kingdom of Banyankore people of Uganda. Inhabited since 1900 by King Kahaya II, the modern stone palace was built by King Gasyonga II in 1950s. Inside the royal compound is the king Gasyonga modern palace, the king Kahaya stone palace, a milk house, a drum house which housed the royal drums. nearby is also the King’s lake where the King Kahaya II swimmer and bathed. Nkokonjeru royal tombs are also nearby. The palace had been neglected for many years until 2020 when the government of Uganda renovated it to become a royal tourism centre showcasing Nkore royal gallery and throne instruments. The Ankole Kingdom is the only of the five Kingdoms that were not restored by Museveni government due to mixed feelings by the public. Omugabe Gasyonga II heir Prince John Patrick barigye and his family live in their Muhabura private royal palace

Emir of Bauchi Palace, Nigeria

The royal palace of the Emir of Bauchi emirate in Bauchi state, Nigeria is one of the most spectacular features in Bauchi and one of Bauchis architectural wonders. The over 150 year old palace built by his predecessors where the current Emir and royal council hold meetings. It was originally built as a fortress for the Emir and his officials by the famed Babban Gwani, real name Muhammadu Durugu; a 19th century master builder from Zaria. It has tall defence walls and spacious areas for important activities such as Friday prayers and the Durbar during the colonial days.

Photo: The Other Nigeria

The modern palace where the Emir lives

Kumsa Moroda Palace, Naqamte, Ethiopia

Located in Naqamte, East Wallaga, the Kumsa Moroda Palace was the seat of kings of the Leqa Naqamte states Kingdom between the mid to late 19th century. It was built in 1870s and inherits its name from the late and prominent King (Moti) Kumsa Moroda, who was also the last monarch of the Leqa Naqamte states. Multiple buildings occupy the compound and each and every wall speaks to the history of the kings that walked the grounds. It is open to the public

Emir of Gombe Palace, Nigeria

This is the official palace of Emir of Gombe emirate, Gombe state , Nigeria used for royal gatherings, meeting of state officials, royal council and public audeince with the Emir. It was built in early 2000s by Late Dr. Shehu Usman Abubakar, Tenth(10th) Emir of Gombe. Currently his son and heir 11th Emir lives here

Photo: Salisu Kilawa, Hotels. Ng

Azad palace, Ebiraland, Nigeria

Azad palace, termed the most magnificent Palace in West Africa is the official private residence of the King (Ohinoyi) of Ebira kingdom, Ebira people of Nigeria. This palace which is his private residence was named after his late son Azad who passed away years ago.

Photo: Seun James Taiwo

The King ( Ohinoyi) of Ebira kingdom, Nigeria also has another public official residence which is maintained by the Kogi state government.

Palace of the King (Tor) of Tiv people, Nigeria

This palace is the official residence of the King (Tor) of Tiv people of Nigeria. It was built by the Benue state government for the king who also serves as the chairman of the Benue state Council of traditional obas/kings.

Prince Mohamed Ali Palace/ Al Manial Palace, Egypt

A visit to Prince Mohamed Ali palace or Al Manial Palace, Egypt

Chief Mkwawa Palace, Tanzania

Chief Mkwawa Palace located in Iringa is the official residence of chiefs of Hehe people of Tanzania, currently held by Chief Adam Abdul Sapi Mkwawa Mfwimi II. It has been handed down from father to son since 1949. The palace like many others built by Royal tribal monarchs of Tanzania is known locally as ikulu which also means state house.

Sultan of Gaoui Palace, Chad

Official residence of the Sultan (Kotoko) of Gaoui, today in the republic of Chad. The palace is built in the traditional African architectural styles and has existed to date with only a few modern refurbishments. Nearby is also the museum that displays different traditional artefacts including the huge jars that dead people were placed in fetal position.

Emir of Gusau palace, Nigeria

Gusau Emirate palace, the official residence of HRH Emir Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Bello of Gusau Emirate, Nigeria

Sultan of Damagaram Palace, Niger

The Sultan of Damagaram Palace is the official residence of the Sultan of Damagaram. It is located at Zinder, Southern Region of the Republic of Niger. It is a major tourist and historic cultural attraction site due to its old architecture.

Bukumu kingdom, DRC

Buhimba royal residence or palace is one the official residence of the King of Bukumu kingdom (chefferie de Bukumu), Nyirangongo Territory, North Kivu province of Democratic Republic of Congo. It was destroyed during the war in 1996 and is being rebuilt. On the same grounds are some graves of the late kings.

Kazembe kingdom, Zambia

Mwata Kazembe royal Palace, the official residence of the Mwata Kazembe (Paramount Chief or Senior Chief) of Kazembe lunda kingdom of Zambia. It was built in 1950 by the 14th Mwata Kazembe who died before occupying it.

Barotseland/Lozi people, Zambia

The King or Litunga of Barotseland kingdom or Lozi people of Zambia has two official royal residences which he moves to and fro through the famous kuomboka ceremony. The main Palace is the Limulunga royal palace built in 1932. It is called the winter palace located on higher grounds which the king moves to from the Lealui palace (summer palace) located in the floodplains during the rainy season in a ceremony called Kuomboka ceremony meaning to get out of the water.

Biu Emirate, Nigeria

The Emir of Biu Palace is the official residence of the Emir of Biu, Borno state, Nigeria

Nzima Kotoko, Ivory Coast

The King of Nzima Kotoko people of Ivory Coast and Ghana official palace residence is located at Grand Bassam, the capital of the Kingdom.

Oba of Lagos Palace

The Royal palace of the Oba (King) of Lagos, Nigeria. It is usually called Iga idunganran meaning “palace built on the pepper farm”. It is major tourist attraction site in Lagos. It was looted during the End SARS demonstrations in Nigeria but has been fully restored. The ancient palace was initially built in 1670 for Oba Gabaro (1669-1760). It was later refurbished by the Portuguese, with materials especially tiles brought in from Portugal^. The modern part of the complex was completed and commissioned on 1 October 1960 by the Prime Minister of Nigeria, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. Recently modernized by the Obas Adeniji Adele II and Adeyinka Oyekan II, it underwent additional modernization in 2007 and 2008 by the present Oba, Akiolu, in conjunction with the Lagos State government and the Nigerian Museum

Photo; Yeniajayii

Palace of Oba of Egbeda, Nigeria

Palace of Oba of Egbeda located in Lagos State, Nigeria

Photo; Yemi Festus

Loango kingdom, Congo Brazzaville

The royal palace of Diosso, Loango kingdom, Congo Brazzaville is the official residence of HM King Moe Makosso iv of Loango / Lwaagu kingdom, Congo Brazzaville region. It was built by the government of Congo Brazzaville for the late king and his two wives. It is located in the town of Diosso which is also the royal capital of the precolonial kingdom formed in 1600.
It is located near the Loango regional museum and forest

Buganda, kingdom, Uganda

Mengo Palace (Lubiri) – Mengo Palace or Lubiri is the official royal residence of King or Kabaka of Buganda kingdom, Uganda since 1885. The current modern building was built in 1920s to replace the traditional palace located at mengo hill. However it was destroyed during the mengo war and used as barracks from 1966 when Milton obote and idi amin forces overthrew the first president of Uganda who was also King or Kabaka Mutesa ii of Buganda. It has fully been restored since 1997. On the palace grounds are the underground chambers which idi amin turned into torture chambers. Also the Rolls royce used by the late King and burnt by idi amin can be seen here.

Saalama Palace is a private royal residence of the buganda royal family, Uganda.
It was built in 1934 by King Kabaka Daudi Chwa ii, grandfather of the current King.
It was inherited by his eldest son Prince Kiweewa George Mawanda Chwa who didn’t become king as it is tradition. His descendants reside here today. It can be visited with permission

Banda Palace is a private royal residence of HM King (Kabaka) Mutebi ii Ronald Muwenda of Buganda kingdom, Uganda. He built it in 1993 after his coronation from land he had inherited from his late maternal grand father.
It is located in Banda estate and is not open to the public.

Kireka Palace is a private royal residence of HM King (Kabaka) Mutebi ii Ronald Muwenda of Buganda kingdom, Uganda. He built it in 1993 after his coronation from land he had inherited from his late mother lady Sarah Kisosonkole. It contains the private offices of the King, Queen and staff

Nkoni Palace is a private royal residence ofthe King of Buganda kingdom, Uganda.
This palace was built in 1955 by the people of Buddu and was presented to their King late Kabaka Mutesa ii after his return from exile. Currently his son is king Kabaka Mutebi ii Ronald Muwenda. It was recently refurbished

Baamunaanika Palace is a private royal residence of the buganda royal family, Uganda.
It was built in 1934 by King Kabaka Daudi Chwa ii, grandfather of the current King. The Palace is located on Baamunaanika estate at Baamunaanika, Bulemeezi county in Luweero. Kabaka Mutebi II accedded to the throne here on 31 March 1971

Lukunyu Palace is an unoccupied palace of the King or Kabaka of Buganda kingdom, Uganda.
The 48 acre land residence was the beloved private residence of late King Kabaka Mutesa ii, first president of Uganda. It is located in an island on lake Victoria.
It is under renovation by his son the current King or Kabaka Mutebi ii Ronald Muwenda of Buganda kingdom, Uganda.

Morocco

Morocco is one of the three remaining governmental monarchies in Africa. The King of Morocco has 4 official residences he uses with the main one being the Royal Palace at Rabat (El Mechouar Essaid palace), the capital city. The four primarily known as Dar al-makhzen are located at the four different towns. They include

• Royal Palace Rabat – primary residence located at the capital city Rabat
• Royal Palace Fez – located at the city of Fez
• Royal Palace Marrakesh – located at the city of Marrakesh
• Royal Palace Casablanca – located at the city of Casablanca

Eswatini formerly Swaziland

The Kingdom of eSwatini formerly Swaziland is the last absolute monarchy in Africa. The Kingdom is known for its royal culture which attracts tourists from all over the world. The royal family includes the current King’s family, late Kings royal descendants. The official royal palaces and residences include

• Lozitha Palace – official residence of the King Mswati III
• Embo state Palace– official residence of late King Sobhuza II, built by the british for the king. It is not occupied or phographed as it is considered sacred.
• Ludzidzini Palace – official residence of the Queen Mother or Indlovukati, Queen Inkhosikati laMatsebula and Queen Inkhosikati laMotsa. It is the venue for the traditional royal events like the reed dance
• Masundvwini royal residence
• Nkoyoyo palace – residence of Queen Inkhosikati laMbikiza
• Ngabezweni royal residence – Queen Inkhosikati laNgangaza
• Naleni royal residence – Queen Inkhosikati laMagongo
• Phondo royal residence – late Queen Inkhosikati laMasango
• Chibini royal residence – late Queen Inkhosikati laDube
• Lobamba royal guest house
• Buhleni royal residence
• Hlane royal residence
• Mpumalanga royal residence, Siteki

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Nyanza Royal Palace, Rwanda

Nyanza royal palace (Ingoro) or King’s museum located at Nyanza was the official residence of King Mutara iii Rudahigwa of Rwanda and Queen Rosalie Gicanda of Rwanda until his death in 1959. It includes a modern stone palace built in 1932 by the Belgians for the new King and a traditional style palace used by previous kings of Rwanda. Today it is a museum that offers a window into the royal Rwanda past. It includes personal effects of the late King and Queen and the Inyambo long horned royal cattle.

Nearby there is also another palace that was built for the late King Mutara iii Rudahigwa between 1957-1959 but he died before occupying it. It is known as Rwesero art museum.

Queen mother Kankazi of Rwanda also used to have her own residence at shyogwe in the 1939 onwards after she was moved away by the belgians to reduce her infleunce on her son which the belgians did not like. It was detsroyed in 1959 and now it is an empty courtyard with views of the nearby mountains Mushubati & Kanyarira and stone shrine of the virgin . However it attracts local tourists every year.

Palace of the Kings Bell of Douala or Sawa people of Cameroon

Palace of the Kings bell is a former royal residence inhabited by the Kings of Douala or Sawa people of Cameroon. It was constructed in 1905 for King Augustine Manga Ndumbe Bell by the German colonials. The residence still belongs to the royal family

Oba of Benin Palace, Nigeria

The Oba of Benin palace is a newly constructed residence of the King or Oba of Benin kingdom, Edo State in Nigeria. There is also an older traditional style palace that was used by previous kings where thew british looted and stole the famous benin bronze artefacts

Burundi royal residences

The former kingdom of Burundi had royal palaces and residences both traditional and modern that were used by the royal dynasty. The traditional palace (Ingoro) or ibwami (Royal court) was located at Gishora hill in Gitega and is today a museum that showcases Barundi culture such as the royal sacred drums. The sacred drums are today preserved and played by members of the batimbo clan, belonging to the Banyagisaka lineage. The World famous Royal drummers of Burundi have continued this royal tradition. Muramvya, Mpotsa and Nkiko-Mugamba has also been included a UNESCO world heritage tentative list due to its connection with royals, in Mbuye where the coronation enthronement rituals were held and Mpotsa where the Queen mothers were buried.

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King Mwambutsa iv of Burundi had his personal residences which after the abolition of the monarchy in 1966 under his son’s reign King Ntare v Charles Ndizeye were sold or left in inhabitable state. In the 1990s before her death, last Queen Baramparaye of Burundi visited the abandoned palace. Sad affair

Ethiopia Imperial Palaces

Ethiopia, the only country in Africa that was not colonised had been a monarchy that has been linked to having origins from King Solomon and Queen Sheba. The monarchy ended in abolition in 1975 after its existence since 1270s. The emperors of Ethiopia had various modern palaces and residences that mainly sprung after contact with civilization. They include

• National Palace formerly Jubilee Palace – built in 1950, it became the main residence of Emperor Haile Selassie after an attempted coup in 1960. Today it is the president’s official residence. The Unity Park is also located on the palace grounds.

• Imperial Palace / Menelik palace / The Gebi – this is a royal compound that included, palaces, monasteries chapels etc. It was the main seat of government and in 1965 was the venue for the royal banquet during Queen Elizabeth’s ii visit. Today it is the residence of the prime minister

• Guenete Leul Palace – it was a former residence of Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia and his family built from 1930 until an attempted coup in 1960. He later gave the building to Haile Selassie University which is today called Addis Ababa University. The building was renamed Ras Makonnen Hall and is a museum showcasing the late Emperors bedroom, bathroom and changing rooms.

• Bahir Dar or Tana Palace – this is the less known summer palace of the late Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia located on Bezawit hill in the green town of Bahir Dar next to the Lake Tana. It is currently not open to the public.

• Massawa palace – this is the only imperial Palace located outside of Ethiopia today. The damaged palace which was a summer residence for Emperor Haile Selassie is located in the coastal town of Massawa now part of Eritrea but formerly part of Ethiopia and briefly the navy capital of Ethiopia. It was destroyed during the war and bombings and today is easily accessible to anyone.

Royal palace of Tripoli, Libya

• The Royal palace of Tripoli in Libya was the official residence of the first and last King Idris i of the Kingdom of Libya before abolition of the monarchy. After the Coup by Muammar Gaddafi it was turned into a public library.

• Al Manar Palace, Benghazi – this former palace was donated by King Idris i of Libya to the University of Libya as the first campus.

Sultan of Bamoun Foumban Palace, Cameroon

Foumban Royal Palace is the official residence of the sultan of Bamoun people of Cameroon. It was built in 1917 by the 17th sultan Ibrahim Njoya and today is inhabited by his great grandson the 20th sultan Nabil Mbombo Njoya. Nearby also is a snake designed museum for the bamoun script.

Foumban Royal museum located next to the Foumban royal palace of the sultan King of Bamoun people of Cameroon. Built by late HM King Sultan Ibrahim Mbombo Njoya of Bamoun kingdom, It is designed in a snake spider style which is an important animal to the bamoun and part of the emblem used by the monarch. Two headed Snake to symbolise – victory and power, spider to symbolise hardwork and double Bell which was used by king to rally the army for war. The museum contains royal robes, thrones, jewellery, arms, musical instruments, other cultural artefacts and the bamoun script.

Ooni of Ife palace, Osun state, Nigeria

The Ife royal palace, official residence of he current HM 51st King or Ooni Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja ii of Ife, Osun state, Nigeria. Built by his predecessor 49th late King or Ooni Oba Adesoji Aderemi of Ife in 1937, today it has been renovated to a white palace and left and right wings added by Ooni Oba Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II

Wa Naa’s Palace, Ghana

Wa Naa’s Palace is the official residence of the King of the Wala people of Ghana, Upper west region. Built in the 19th century using mud bricked walls and y shaped wwocolumns, it is an important cultural place in the Wa town.

Manhyia Palace, Ghana

Manhyia Palace is the official residence of the King or Asantehene of Ashanti people of Ghana at kumasi the capital of the Ashanti kingdom. The old palace was built in 1925 and became a museum in 1995. A new palace was built by late Asantehene Opoku ware ii which is the residence of the current monarch.

Tooro Kingdom palaces, Uganda

Tooro or Toro Kingdom is a traditional monarchy that is recognised in Uganda. It is mainly inhabited by the Batooro people who are ruled by a King called Omukama in Tooro language. The current King or Omukama is Oyo Rukidi IV who at one time was world’s youngest king when he succeded his later father in 1995 at the age of 3.

Tooro kingdom official palace (Ekikaali) is called Karuziika located on Kabarole hill at Fort portal. It is open to the public except on royal occassions. The palace at Fort portal was destroyed by Idi Amin and his forces in 1970s but was renovated with assistance from Libyan president Muammar Gaddafi. There are also other 6 smaller palaces that were used by former kings around the kingdom.

The King’s private residence – Munyonyo Palace is at Kampala.

Igenge palace, Busoga kingdom, Uganda

Busoga kingdom is a traditional monarchy recognised by the government of Uganda. It is the Kingdom of the BaSoga people who are ruled by an elected King called Kyabazinga. His main residence is Igenge palace or Kyabazinga palace located at Igenge hill in the city of Jinja which was built by the Ugandan government for the monarchy

Budhumbula palace, Busoga Kingdom, Uganda

Budhumbula palace is a royal residence of the King (Kyabazinga) of Busoga Kingdom, Uganda. On its grounds is also the royal farm which is a model for agricultural productvity of various crops and livestock

Akyem royal palace, Ghana

Akyem royal palace is the official residence of the King or Okyenhene of Akyem/Okyeman traditional kingdom, Ghana.

Olofa of Offa Palace, Nigeria

The royal palace of HM King/Olofa of Offa, Nigeria (oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye ii)

Zulu royal palaces, South Africa

Zulu kingdom is a traditional kingdom of the Zulu people in South Africa particularly in KwaZulu Natal region. Zulu kingdom has 8 official royal palaces used by the King, 6 Queens and his family. Most palaces are located at Nongoma with the exception of Ondini palace which is located at Ulundi. They include

• Osuthu Royal Palace – official residence of the late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu of Zulu located at Nongoma. On the palace grounds is also the the huts used by King Dinuzulu Zulu.

• KwaKhethomthandayo Royal Palace – Royal residence of the King Zwelithini’s first wife Queen Sibongile Dlamini Zulu and family. The late King Goodwill Zwelithini funeral service was held here.
• KwaDlamahlahla Royal Palace – Royal residence of the King Zwelithini’s second wife Queen Buhle Mathe Zulu and family.

• KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace – Royal residence of the King Zwelithini’s third and great wife Queen Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu and family. Queen Mantfombi is sister to King Mswati iii of Eswatini

• Linduzulu Royal Palace – Royal residence of the King Zwelithini’s fourth wife Queen Thandekile Ndlovu Zulu and family

• Enyokeni Royal Palace – Royal residence of the King Zwelithini’s fifth wife Queen Nomphumelelo Mamchiza Zulu and family. It is located a few metres from Osuthu Palace. This royal residence is also the traditional palace of the Kingdom where the traditional royal ceremonies and festivities take place e.g the zulu reed dance or umkhosi womhlanga, Coronation/ukungena esibayeni. King Misuzulu was crowned here

Photo ; Sihle Mavuso

• Ondini Royal Palace – Royal residence of the King Zwelithini’s 6th wife Queen Zola Mafu Zulu and family. This royal residence is located at Ulundi and was previously the residence of his great grandfather late King Cetshwayo Zulu. His palace was burnt by the British in 1897 as retaliation after Zulu army defeated them at the battle of Iswandlana.

• eMachobeni / ingwavuma Royal Palace – this is also another Royal residence of the King of Zulu Kingdom, South Africa. In 2022 , the first phase of Umkhosi Womhlanga/zulu reed dance took place here

Photo Sihle Mavuso

Oba Elegushi Palace, Nigeria

Oba Elegushi Royal Palace is the residence of the King or Elegushi of Ikate kingdom, Nigeria. This modern palace was built by the late King Elegushi Oba Yekini Adeniyi Elegushi Kunsela ii to update from the old traditional palace used by his predecessors. It is currently the residence of his son King or Elegushi Oba Saheed Elegushi Kunsela iii. This is a private residence

Karuziika Royal Palace, Bunyoro Kitara, Uganda

Karuziika royal palace is the official residence of the King or Omukama Solomon Iguru i of Bunyoro kitara kingdom, Uganda, Queen (Omugo) Margaret Adyeri of Bunyoro kitara kingdom and their children. It is located at Hoima city, the Kingdom’s capital.

Olugbo of Ugbo Palace, Nigeria

The Olugbo is the King of Ugbo kingdom or Ugboland in Ondo state, Nigeria. The modern palace is currently inhabited by the King (Olugbo) oba Akinruntan, who is also has been rated the richest King in Nigeria and second in Africa.

Emir of Gumel Palace, Nigeria

Gumel Royal Palace is the residence of the Emir of Gumel Emirate, Jigawa state, Nigeria. The current Emir is Dr Alhaji Dr Ahmed Muhammad sani ii.

All photos courtesy of Gumel Royal Palace

Bokassa Berengo Royal Palace, Central African Republic

Berengo palace was the famous Royal residence of the self proclaimed Emperor Jean Bedel Bokassa of Central African empire now central African Republic. It was famously said to have been his residence with his only crowned wife Empress Catherine Denguiade.

Today the palace is abandoned but there have been efforts from the Bokassa family to turn it into a museum with help from the government. On the grounds lies his grave.

Sultan Ali Dinar of Darfur Palace, Sudan

Sultan Ali Dinar palace museum was the residence of the last reigning Sultan Ali Dinar of Darfur sultanate before its incorporation into the British colony of Sudan. The late Sultan Ali Dinar died in battle fighting the British in 1916.

Today a modern palace has been built in Darfur which is a museum showcasing his relics and personal artefacts.

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Sultan of Zanzibar Palace

Zanzibar was a sultanate off the coast of Tanzania before the monarchy was overthrown and zanzibar incorporated into tanganyika to form Tanzania. The zanzibar royal family were descendants of the sultans of Oman and built many palaces along the east African coast. Among the most famous ones include:

• Sultans Palace – This palace was the official residence of the sultans of zanzibar until 1964 when the zanzibar revolution led to the end of the monarchy. Located at stone town near the ocean, it was renamed peoples palace and is now a royal museum dedicated to the zanzibar royal family especially sultan Khalifa bin Harub and princess Sayyida Salme or Emily ruete who escaped to Europe with her German husband.

• Palace of Wonders (Beit Al Ajab) – located at stone town zanzibar, it was built in 1883 by the second sultan of zanzibar who also built 5 other palaces. It currently houses the Museum of History and Culture of Zanzibar and the Swahili Coast. Truly a house of wonders, it is the tallest building in stone town and was the first building in zanzibar to have electricity and the first in East Africa to have an elevator.

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