The Kizimkazi Dimbani mosque, in southern Zanzibar, is famous for a Kufic inscription dated 500 AH, that is 1107 CE, which would make it one of the oldest known Islamic buildings in East Africa. Guides point out that the building you see was largely rebuilt in the 18th century. It is a small coral-stone mosque, a protected monument, visited in 15 to 30 minutes, almost always combined with a dolphin trip. Entry fee and opening hours could not be confirmed: a local keeper opens the site.
Highlights
The mosque's front
A low white building in the village of Kizimkazi Dimbani, by the sea.
The Kufic inscription
The carved stone dated 1107 is why the place is famous; ask the keeper to show it to you.
The fishing village
Kizimkazi is also where the Menai Bay dolphin trips start.
Practical info
Tips
- Cover shoulders and knees, take your shoes off at the entrance and respect prayer times. No official fee found: carry a little cash for a small contribution and ask the amount first. The mosque is part of a living site, not a museum: be discreet with photos. The easiest way is to see it before or after a dolphin trip from Kizimkazi, which leaves in the morning.
How to get there
Kizimkazi is about an hour to an hour and a quarter by road from Stone Town (estimate), by private taxi or with an excursion transfer: see getting around Zanzibar. Jambiani beach is the nearest on the east coast.
Opening hours
Nearby
See on the map →
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