Formerly a walled city, Kizimkazi is today a historic village with plenty of fascinating cultural attractions and outdoor activities. It is popular with sightseers as the best spot on the island of Unguja for spotting and swimming with bottlenose dolphins. Admire the nearby mosque and explore the charming village for a glimpse into its history.
The shallow water at the southern cape of Zanzibar is a hotspot for bottlenose and humpback dolphins. The former can be found here year-round, while the latter’s schedule is more varied. Embark on a dolphin tour in a boat to learn about these splendid creatures. The trips last for 2 or 3 hours, with a chance to go snorkeling and sometimes swim with the dolphins.
Take advantage of the year-round hot weather with a trip to the white-sand stretch of Kizimkazi Beach. April and May are the rainy months. Rise early to catch the sunrise and see the early auction of fish from the previous night’s catch. The beach areas here are even more secluded and serene than on the eastern coast, with fewer lodges and a raised waterfront. Hike through the nearby Jozani Forest to see monkeys.
Make sure to wear fairly formal clothes in this Muslim village. Meet locals and learn to cook with famous Zanzibar spices. The 12th-century Kizimkazi Dimbani Mosque is a 20-minute walk north. Snap photos of the whitewashed façade and inspect the artifacts inside. The mosque is one of the earliest examples of Islam religion and architecture in East Africa.
Find the village on the southern coast of the island of Unguja in the Zanzibar archipelago. Fly to the Zanzibar international airport or take a ferry across to the island from mainland Tanzania. Drive south from Zanzibar City for 36 miles (58 kilometers) to reach Kizimkazi in about 1 hour. Explore the small city on foot.
