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Malindi Mosque

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Malindi Mosque (Tanzania)

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The Malindi Mosque is one of the oldest and most architecturally unique mosques in Stone Town, Zanzibar. Located in the Malindi quarter near the port, its origins are believed to date back to the 15th century, though the current structure was primarily developed in the 18th and 19th centuries. The mosque's most striking feature is its unusual conical minaret set upon a square base, a design rarity in Zanzibar, where most mosques either lack minarets or feature square ones. Built by the Sunni community, the building represents the understated and functional style of early Swahili Islamic architecture. Unlike the ornate palaces of the Omani Sultans, the Malindi Mosque focuses on simplicity and spiritual utility. It remains an active place of worship today, standing as a significant testament to the long-standing Islamic traditions and the maritime history of the island's coastal communities.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272727272524242425262727
Rain mm1188916327917128212741111164141

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Malindi Mosque in Stone Town, Zanzibar, is an active mosque and can be visited. Non-Muslims may view the courtyard and minaret from outside, but cannot enter the prayer hall.
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Typical hours
The mosque is typically open during the day except during prayer times. The best time to visit is late morning or early afternoon.
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Photography
The unusual conical minaret is a distinctive photo subject from the surrounding alley. Photograph the facade with its intricate decorations from different angles.
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Time needed
Allow about 15 to 20 minutes to visit the exterior and courtyard. If also exploring the surrounding old town streets, budget half an hour.
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Combine with
Combine the mosque with other Stone Town sights, such as the Slave Market Museum and the House of Wonders. The nearby spice markets are also a must.
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Getting there
The mosque is located in the heart of Stone Town, a short walk from the harbor and Mkunazini Street. It is easily reachable on foot as the area is car-free.
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Insider tip
Dress modestly covering shoulders and knees as it is a religious site. Combine the visit with a guided old town tour to learn about the slave trade and spice route history.

Geography

Coordinates
-6.15810, 39.18920

Facts

  • Origins date back to the 15th century
  • Features a unique conical minaret
  • Located in the Malindi district near the harbor
  • Established by the Sunni Muslim community
  • Prime example of Swahili Islamic architecture
  • One of the oldest surviving mosques in Stone Town

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Old DispensaryOld Dispensary<1 km · NExplore →
Maruhubi Palace RuinsMaruhubi Palace Ruins3 km · NEExplore →
Prison IslandPrison Island4 km · SEExplore →
Chumbe IslandChumbe Island10 km · WExplore →
UngujaUnguja12 km · NExplore →
Zanzibar Spice FarmZanzibar Spice Farm13 km · NExplore →
Mangapwani Slave CavesMangapwani Slave Caves15 km · EExplore →
KiwengwaKiwengwa26 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Malindi Mosque (10)

Sunset Jump Spot

Popular spot in Stone Town where locals jump into the sea at sunset.

Old Cannons

Historic cannons in Stone Town, from the Portuguese occupation period.

Sultan's Palace🏛 museum

Museum in Zanzibar, former palace of the Sultan. Displays the island's history.

Night Food Market

Night market in Stone Town, with stalls for local dishes like Zanzibar pizza.

House of Wonders🏛 museum

Landmark in Stone Town, former sultan's palace. Largest building in the old town.

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Old Fort🏛 museum

Fort in Stone Town, built in the 18th century. Now a cultural venue.

Friday Mosque

Mosque in Stone Town, also known as Malindi Mosque. Oldest mosque in the city.

Zanzibar Art Studio

Gallery in Stone Town, showcasing contemporary art by Tanzanian artists.

Real Art

Gallery in Stone Town, specializing in traditional and modern Tanzanian art.

Dr. Bulugu Gallery

Gallery in Stone Town, exhibiting works of the artist Dr. Bulugu.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can visitors enter the mosque?
As with all mosques: exterior view only for non-Muslims.
What is special about this mosque?
It has a very long history and unique architecture.
Is it easy for tourists to find?
It is located in the middle of Stone Town and is part of many city tours.
Is it good for photography?
Yes, the historical facade is a very nice photo subject.
Do I need a city guide?
Recommended to learn about the hidden details of the architecture.
Malindi Mosque: where is it located?
Malindi Mosque is located in Tanzania.
Malindi Mosque: what is there to see?
Highlights include Sunset Jump Spot, Old Cannons, Sultan's Palace.
Malindi Mosque: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Malindi Mosque: why is it worth visiting?
The Malindi Mosque is one of the oldest and most architecturally unique mosques in Stone Town, Zanzibar.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Sumbawanga — Malindi Mosque (Tanzania)
Sumbawanga
A regional center in the Ufipa Mountains, known for its isolated location.

History & landmarks

Old Dispensary — Malindi Mosque (Tanzania)
Old Dispensary
A magnificently decorated building in Stone Town that reflects Zanzibar's multicultural architecture.
Forodhani Bandstand — Malindi Mosque (Tanzania)
Forodhani Bandstand
A historic pavilion in the Forodhani Gardens, where the famous night market takes place in the evening.
Christ Church Cathedral — Malindi Mosque (Tanzania)
Christ Church Cathedral
A historical Anglican church in Stone Town, built on the site of the former slave market.
Hamamni Persian Baths — Malindi Mosque (Tanzania)
Hamamni Persian Baths
Historical public baths in Zanzibar, built in the late 19th century for the elite.
Peace Memorial Museum (Beit el Amani) — Malindi Mosque (Tanzania)
Peace Memorial Museum (Beit el Amani)
A significant museum in a circular building documenting the history of Zanzibar.

More places

Stone Town of Zanzibar — Malindi Mosque (Tanzania)
Stone Town of Zanzibar
The historical center of Zanzibar City, renowned for its rich Swahili culture and unique coral stone architecture.
House of Wonders (Beit al-Ajaib) — Malindi Mosque (Tanzania)
House of Wonders (Beit al-Ajaib)
A former sultan's palace in Zanzibar, known as the tallest building in Stone Town and the first in East Africa to have electricity and an…
Malindi Port (Zanzibar) — Malindi Mosque (Tanzania)
Malindi Port (Zanzibar)
The main port of Stone Town, managing passenger and freight traffic to the island of Zanzibar (Unguja).
Old Fort of Zanzibar — Malindi Mosque (Tanzania)
Old Fort of Zanzibar
The oldest surviving structure in Stone Town, built by Omani Arabs to defend against the Portuguese.
🗺️
Maruhubi Palace Ruins
The remains of a large palace in Zanzibar, built for the concubines of Sultan Barghash bin Said in the 19th century.
🗺️
Mtoni Palace Ruins
The oldest palace ruins in Zanzibar, built in the 1820s for Sultan Seyyid Said and described in the memoirs of his daughter, Princess Salme.
Unguja — Malindi Mosque (Tanzania)
Unguja
The main island of Zanzibar.
Mangapwani Slave Caves — Malindi Mosque (Tanzania)
Mangapwani Slave Caves
Natural and artificial caves on Zanzibar that served as a secret hiding place for slaves in the 19th century after the open slave trade w…