If you want a peaceful place in Zanzibar with something special to see, Kizimkazi is a great choice. You can take a boat trip early morning and watch dolphins swimming near the shore. Also, you can visit the Kizimkazi Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in East Africa. It was built in the 1100s and is made from coral stone. To make your Kizimkazi road trip easy, think about renting a car in Zanzibar. With your own car, you can stop when you want, take photos, and explore nearby beaches.
UK tourists can easily book online and pick up the car from several convenient spots. Most travelers choose Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, Downtown Zanzibar, or the Ferry Terminal as their starting points. Booking early is always better, especially during holidays, as vehicle supply can be limited.
To rent a car, you need a valid UK driving license, a passport, and an International Driving Permit (IDP). Most rental companies also require that you be at least 21 years old and have held your license for at least one year. A credit card is usually needed for the security deposit. Before you drive off, ensure the car has insurance documents, a spare tire, and a jack.
For driving around towns or short day trips, a compact car or small sedan is enough. These vehicles are easy to park and fuel-efficient. But if you're heading to places like Kizimkazi or driving on rougher roads, you should consider renting a 4x4 SUV. These are more stable on dirt tracks and coastal routes.
Driving from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport covers about 60 kilometers. It takes 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic. You will follow Kibele Road, a main route that cuts through central Zanzibar and leads you toward the island’s southern coast.
As you leave the airport, head north for about 4.5 kilometers, then turn left. After about 27 kilometers, you'll reach a roundabout where you exit at the second turn. Continue on Kibele Road for nearly 3 kilometers, then follow a series of slight left and right turns, passing through local villages and green countryside. These small roads are scenic but can get busy with pedestrians and motorcycles, so stay alert and drive slowly. The last part of your journey brings you through smaller roads with limited signage, so using GPS or an offline map is helpful. You’ll pass traditional homes, seaweed farms, and baobab trees as you approach Kizimkazi Mkunguni.
Seeing dolphins in Kizimkazi is one of the most exciting things you can do in this village. The dolphins often stay close to shore because the water is calm and full of food. Local guides know where to find them and take travelers out on boats early in the morning. Bottlenose dolphins are easy to spot; sometimes you might see humpback dolphins too.
Most trips start around sunrise. This is when the sea is still, and the dolphins in Kizimkazi are more active. The boat ride is about 2 or 3 hours, and you will get clear views of the open sea. You may see dolphins jumping, swimming in groups, or even swimming close to your boat. Guides often point out special moments, but the best way to enjoy it is to stay calm and quiet.
Swimming with dolphins in Kizimkazi offers a safe, warm-water experience that lets you connect closely with marine life. Once dolphins appear, the guide may stop the boat for snorkeling. As you enter the water, their clicks and sounds create an unforgettable experience. These are wild animals. They are not trained to perform. Sometimes they come close and play, and other times they swim away. Unlike many places, the dolphins in Kizimkazi are not trapped or handled.
Seeing dolphins in the wild comes with responsibility. In Kizimkazi, ethical tourism helps protect marine life and supports the local community.
The Kizimkazi Mosque was built in 1107. Inscriptions carved in coral stone prove its age. The building has been repaired many times, but you can still see parts of the original walls and prayer areas. The mosque is made of coral stone and has Arabic writing on the walls. Inside, there are old prayer niches and nearby tombs that connect you to centuries of worship.Some of the carvings are over 900 years old. The mosque is still used for daily prayers. You should dress modestly, cover your shoulders and legs, and remove your shoes before entering. If you are not Muslim, ask a local guide to go in with you.
The mosque’s architecture is not grand but powerful in its own way. Carefully carved coral stone has survived centuries of weather, sea air, and time. It is a great place for those who love old buildings. The mosque has undergone many repairs, a big one in 1772. Today, it has a newer roof and extra walls to help it last. Even with changes, most of the building stays true to its original look and spirit.
The mosque was built using thin pieces of coral rock. Some are carved with cables and floral patterns. The prayer hall is lined with columns, and the direction of prayer (the mihrab) shows the way to Mecca. This mihrab is decorated with shapes found in other old mosques along the East African coast. Historians believe the Kizimkazi Mosque was built by Shirazi settlers from Iran. Some carvings are similar to those found in Iran’s ancient port cities. Local villagers even celebrate the Persian New Year. These small links show how Zanzibar was once part of a busy world of sea trade and cultural sharing.
This mosque is a part of daily life in the village. People gather here to pray, celebrate holidays, and preserve old traditions. The mosque brings people together. It is not just for Friday prayers. It is also a place for weddings, funerals, and teaching children about faith. The mosque helps keep the community connected.
The mosque's stle and the people’s customs are examples of Swahili Islam, a blend of African, Arab, and Persian cultures that grew along the coast. The mosque stands as a living link to this past. People from many countries come to see the Kizimkazi Mosque. Its quiet beauty, old carvings, and peaceful setting draw them. It gives travelers a deeper view of Zanzibar’s culture and history.
Kizimkazi’s history is closely tied to the Persian world. The Shirazi people who came here long ago left strong marks on religion, design, and village life, which are still visible today. The Shirazi came from southern Iran and settled along Africa’s east coast. They helped spread Islam, built cities, and shared their architecture. Kizimkazi is one of the few places where this past is still easy to see.
Inside the mosque, carved inscriptions show the date it was built. One is from 1107, and the other from 1772, when the mosque was repaired. These writings are similar to those found in Iran, linking the site to its founders. Even today, nearby villagers call themselves Shirazi. They keep Persian customs alive, like celebrating Noruz in July.
Beyond the dolphins and the mosque, Kizimkazi offers other experiences. They show what life in a coastal Zanzibari village is like.
From the shore, you can look out over the protected waters of Menai Bay. The sea is blue and calm, and fishing boats float along the horizon. You may see traditional wooden dhows resting near the beach. In the distance, small islands rise from the water.
As you walk through the area, you will see baobab trees over 500 years old. These large trees stand tall and silent, watching over the land. Around them are sandy paths, where chickens scratch and coconuts fall from above. You might walk past people drying seaweed on the ground or carrying water in large jugs.
If you want to connect more with the people, spend time near the fishing boats. You can see how fishermen prepare their nets or return with their catch. Local guides may share stories about the village’s past, the meaning of the mosque, or tales about the sea.
After your dolphin tour, you can stay out at sea for a little longer. The shallow reefs near Kizimkazi are full of bright coral and reef fish. The water is warm and clear, making it a good place for snorkeling. You do not need to go far, just put on a mask and float. You may see colorful shoals, sea urchins, or coral fans moving with the tide. This part of the Indian Ocean is still rich in marine life.
Walking through Kizimkazi village is like stepping back in time. The streets are unpaved. The houses are built with coral and clay. Children play in the dust while goats wander freely. You may pass small shops selling snacks, or see women tending fires for lunch. Along the beach, others are working with seaweed—gathering it, sorting it, and laying it out to dry under the sun. This traditional farming supports local families and gives you a look at another side of Zanzibar’s economy.
Near the mosque, you will find old tombs built from coral stone. They date back to the 1600s and belong to past religious leaders, including Sheikh Ali bin Omar. One of the tombs marks a man remembered for having only one arm and one leg. Around these graves, you may see prayer flags tied by visitors.
Kizimkazi is a place that gives you more than you expect. You come for the dolphins, but you leave with memories of coral mosques, quiet beaches, and kind people. It is calm, real, and full of history. If you want to see a deeper side of Zanzibar, Kizimkazi is the perfect stop on your road trip.
Final Rentals is a car rental company in Zanzibar offering low rates, online booking, and airport pick-up. You can choose from compact cars for village roads or larger vehicles for longer drives. It’s a good option if you want control over your schedule while exploring places like Kizimkazi.
