Sight guide · Zanzibar · Tanzania
Visiting Kizimkazi
A fishing village on the south coast where boats take visitors to look for bottlenose and humpback dolphins, and where the Kizimkazi mosque has Kufic inscriptions dated to the early 12th century, among the oldest on the East African coast.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: O.Mustafin, CC0
Quick answer
Kizimkazi is a neighbourhood in Southern Unguja, Zanzibar. Allow half a day; it is mid-priced. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Neighbourhood
- Area
- Southern Unguja
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- nature, history and outdoors
- Best months
- June–August
About Kizimkazi
A fishing village on the south coast where boats take visitors to look for bottlenose and humpback dolphins, and where the Kizimkazi mosque has Kufic inscriptions dated to the early 12th century, among the oldest on the East African coast.
Tip: Choose a dolphin operator that does not chase or crowd the animals, and do not jump in on top of a pod.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: Half a day.
- Cost: Mid-priced.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Southern Unguja, a long fishing village of seaweed farms and quiet guesthouses.
Best time to visit Kizimkazi
Kizimkazi is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- June: 28°C (82°F) highs, about 5 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- July: 28°C (82°F) highs, about 5 rainy days, very busy crowds.
- August: 28°C (82°F) highs, about 5 rainy days, very busy crowds.
When to visit Zanzibar has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Kizimkazi is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen Stone Town and Forodhani Gardens night market.
- No. 12 of the 17 sights in our Zanzibar things-to-do list.
- Day 5 of the 5-day plan.
- One of the picks in outdoors in Zanzibar.
- One of the picks in historic sites in Zanzibar.
If you like Kizimkazi
- Prison Island (Changuu) — Off Stone Town, Half a day
- Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park — Central Unguja, 2 hours
- Mnemba Atoll snorkelling — Matemwe, Half a day
Staying near Kizimkazi
Stay in Jambiani ($$) to walk here: a long fishing village of seaweed farms and quiet guesthouses. All areas to stay in Zanzibar.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Kizimkazi?
Plan half a day.
+Is Kizimkazi free?
No, it is mid-priced. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Kizimkazi?
June–August for the most comfortable weather. Choose a dolphin operator that does not chase or crowd the animals, and do not jump in on top of a pod.
+Do I need to book Kizimkazi in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.