Zanzibar: Kizimkazi Old Mosque and Village Tour
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Activity
Official tickets via GetYourGuide
Explore the Kizimkazi Old Mosque and Village on Zanzibar's southern coast. Visit the mosque, watch dolphins, snorkel in coral reefs, and immerse yourself in local culture.
Highlights
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant village life of Kizimkazi
- Visit the Kizimkazi Mosque, one of the oldest Islamic structures in East Africa
- Observe the mosque's coral walls, carved prayer niches, and nearby tombs
- Enjoy a dolphin watching excursion and see bottlenose and humpback dolphins
- Snorkel in the area's vibrant coral reefs and encounter diverse marine life
Description
Begin your tour with a visit to the Kizimkazi Mosque, one of the oldest Islamic structures in East Africa, dating back to 1107 CE. Admire the mosque’s simple, whitewashed architecture and Kufic Arabic inscriptions, reflecting the island's early Islamic heritage and the arrival of Shirazi-Persian settlers. Observe its coral walls, carved prayer niches, and nearby coral tombs. Then, explore the vibrant village life of Kizimkazi, known for its tranquil atmosphere and coastal scenery. Next, head out on a dolphin-watching excursion, as Kizimkazi is famous for its resident populations of bottlenose and humpback dolphins. Snorkel and dive in the area's vibrant coral reefs, encountering diverse marine life such as reef fish, sea turtles, and even occasional humpback whales or dugongs. Explore coconut grove paths, observe ancient baobab trees, and learn about local practices like seaweed farming. Engage with local culture by trying Swahili cuisine, visiting the Dimbani Market, or joining local fishing experiences.Includes
Visit to Kizimkazi Mosque Dolphin watching excursion Snorkeling and diving Exploration of coconut grove paths Observation of ancient baobab trees Learning about local practices like seaweed farming Engagement with local culture Swahili cuisine tasting Visit to Dimbani Market Local fishing experiencesImportant Information
- Dress modestly, especially when visiting the mosque