Kizimkazi
The southernmost village on Zanzibar's main island — known for two things: wild dolphins in the bay most mornings, and the oldest Islamic inscription in East Africa on the wall of a mosque dating its building to 1107. Quiet, undeveloped, and well off the main tourist trail.
Tim Hennig — Zanzibar South Coast
| Kizimkazi — at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Location | Southern tip of Unguja · ~56–57 km from Stone Town · ~80–90 min by car 2 sources |
| Dolphins | Indo-Pacific bottlenose + spinner dolphins, year-round, best June–October 2 sources |
| Tour depart | Boats depart 6:00–9:00 AM; USD 85–100 per person half-day 2 sources |
| Mosque | Kizimkazi Dimbani Mosque — Kufic inscription dated 1107 CE, oldest in East Africa 1 source |
| Two villages | Kizimkazi Dimbani (mosque) and Kizimkazi Mkunguni — 2–3 km apart along the coast |
| From Jambiani | 20–30 min south — can combine Jambiani + Kizimkazi in one east/south coast day |
| Crowd level | Very quiet by Zanzibar standards — limited accommodation, mainly day visitors |
| Best for | Dolphin encounters · historic mosque · alternative to north coast itineraries |
Last verified: June 2026
The dolphins — and the ethics of the tour
Two resident species, year-round presence
- Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) and spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) both live in the waters off Kizimkazi year-round; the bay is one of the most reliably productive dolphin observation areas in Tanzania
- Best season: June–October when the sea is calmer and visibility is higher; dolphins can be seen year-round but sea state affects tour quality in other months
- Tours depart between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM — early morning is when the sea is calmest and dolphin activity is highest; afternoon tours are less reliable
- Most tours allow snorkelling in the water when dolphins are nearby; sightings are not guaranteed but success rate is high — most operators report dolphins on the majority of mornings
- Boat time is typically 2–3 hours for a half-day trip; combine with the mosque visit for a full south coast day
Dolphin tour ethics — what to look for in an operator
- Ethical guidelines (and some operators do follow them): do not chase dolphins, do not enter the water more than once per sighting, do not touch, do not feed, maintain distance of at least 50 metres when possible
- Chase-boat behaviour — multiple boats surrounding and pursuing dolphin pods — has been documented at Kizimkazi and has raised welfare concerns; some research suggests stress indicators in frequently-chased populations
- To identify a more ethical operator: ask directly how they respond when dolphins dive and swim away (answer: they leave); ask how many boats typically go out together (fewer is better)
- Tripadvisor reviewers highlight "Ethical Dolphin Safari Tours" as a specific operator with better-reviewed practices — pickup from accommodation reported as standard
- World Adventure Tours advertises from USD 85; Viator lists from USD 100 including transport from Stone Town
Kizimkazi Dimbani Mosque — 1107 CE
The Kizimkazi Dimbani Mosque holds a Kufic inscription on its northern inner wall dated to 1107 CE — making it the oldest known Islamic inscription in East Africa, and one of the oldest pieces of dated Islamic architecture south of the Sahara. The inscription records the construction of a mosque on this site over 900 years ago.
The current building is not 12th century — it has been rebuilt and extended multiple times over the centuries. What remains from the original structure is primarily the carved inscription panel itself, which was incorporated into successive rebuilds. The architecture you see today is mostly 18th-century Swahili-coastal style with later modifications.
Visiting the mosque:
- The mosque is an active place of worship — visit outside prayer times and ask the caretaker at the entrance to arrange entry
- Dress conservatively: women should cover hair, arms, and legs; men should have covered legs
- Remove shoes before entering
- A small donation to the mosque is customary
- Photography of the inscription panel is generally permitted but confirm with the caretaker
The site is modest in scale — this is not a grand cathedral experience. The significance is historical and scholarly: a 900-year-old inscription is extraordinary in context. Pair it with the dolphin trip for a morning that covers two very different reasons to come to the south coast.
Getting there and combining the south coast
Transport from Stone Town
Stone Town to Kizimkazi is approximately 56–57 km, taking 80–90 minutes by car. The southern road is longer than the east coast route because it routes inland and then loops to the coast. Allow more time than maps suggest — the road can be slow in its final sections.
A private return taxi from Stone Town costs approximately USD 50–80 depending on waiting time. Most dolphin tour operators arrange transport from Stone Town or other areas for around USD 95–100 all-in including the dolphin trip.
Cyclists report the roads from Jambiani to Kizimkazi are mostly rideable, with only occasional rough patches.
Combining south and east coast
The most efficient combination from Stone Town:
- Early departure (6am) to Kizimkazi for the morning dolphin tour (2–3 hours)
- Visit the mosque at Kizimkazi Dimbani (30 min)
- Drive north to Jambiani or Paje (~20–30 min) for lunch and a beach afternoon
- Optionally add Jozani Forest (~35 min from Jambiani) on the return
- Return to Stone Town or north coast by late afternoon
This is a long day — allow 10–12 hours total for the full combination. It is best done with a hired driver rather than public transport.
Accommodation in Kizimkazi
Kizimkazi has limited accommodation compared to Paje or Nungwi. A handful of boutique eco-resorts and guesthouses operate in the village — suitable for those who specifically want a south coast base rather than transit accommodation. Most visitors come as a day trip from elsewhere.
Kizimkazi — questions answered
What dolphins can you see at Kizimkazi?
Two resident species: Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) and spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris). Both live in the bay year-round. Best season is June–October. Tours depart 6–9am when sea is calmest.
How much do dolphin tours cost at Kizimkazi?
Approximately USD 85–100 per person for a half-day trip. All-inclusive tours from Stone Town (transport + boat + guide) run USD 95–100. Book in advance during peak season (July–August).
What is the Kizimkazi mosque?
Kizimkazi Dimbani Mosque has a Kufic inscription dated 1107 CE — the oldest known Islamic inscription in East Africa. The current building has been rebuilt over centuries; the inscription panel itself is what survives from the 12th century. Visit outside prayer times; dress conservatively.
How far is Kizimkazi from Stone Town?
Approximately 56–57 km, around 80–90 minutes by car. Further than the east coast villages because the road routes around the island interior. A private return taxi from Stone Town costs ~USD 50–80.
Are there ethical dolphin tours at Kizimkazi?
Some operators have better practices than others. Look for operators who: don't chase dolphin pods, limit boat entry to once per sighting, keep distance when dolphins dive and swim away. Ask operators directly about their approach before booking. "Ethical Dolphin Safari Tours" is specifically mentioned in positive reviews for responsible practice.
Continue exploring Zanzibar
Tim Hennig, General Manager, Boutique Hotel Matlai, Michamvi Pingwe, Zanzibar.
I live and work on Zanzibar's east coast year-round — managing Matlai, diving the reefs, watching the seasons. If you have a question the guides don't answer, I'm happy to help.
Get in touch