Kizimkazi · South Unguja
Kizimkazi Mosque
The oldest Islamic building on the East African coast — a modest coral-stone mosque at the southern tip of Unguja, anchored by a mihrab carved over nine centuries ago.
Founded
1107 CE (500 AH)
Known for
Oldest mosque in East Africa
Location
Kizimkazi Dimbani
Status
Active & visitable
History & Significance
Nine centuries of continuous worship
Kizimkazi Mosque sits in a quiet fishing village at the southern tip of Unguja, Zanzibar's main island — far from Stone Town's tourist trail. What draws historians and travelers alike is a single carved coral mihrab, whose surviving Kufic inscription records a founding date of 1107 CE, making it the oldest confirmed Islamic building on the entire East African coast.
The mosque you see today isn't a single moment frozen in time. While the original mihrab and some of its coral-carved decorative elements date to the 12th century, the bulk of the surrounding structure was rebuilt in the 18th century — a reminder that this has remained a living, working mosque for its community rather than a museum piece.
Its remote setting, on the same stretch of coast known today for dolphin tours off Kizimkazi's beaches, only adds to the sense of discovering something that predates almost every other structure on the island.
What to expect
- A small, modest prayer hall — the highlight is the carved mihrab, not scale or ornamentation.
- A quiet village setting, roughly an hour's drive south of Stone Town.
- Local caretakers who are often happy to point out the inscription if you ask respectfully.
Gallery
Photos coming soon
Plan Your Visit
Visiting information
Dress code
Shoulders and knees covered; a headscarf for women is appreciated near the prayer hall.
Hours & fees
Open outside prayer times; a small voluntary donation is customary. Confirm current hours locally before you go.
Getting there
Roughly 55–60km south of Stone Town by road — often combined with a Kizimkazi dolphin tour.
Nearby
Round out your visit
- Kizimkazi dolphin tours along the southern coast
- Menai Bay Conservation Area
- South coast beach villages of Kizimkazi Mkunguni & Dimbani