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Mosques & Muslim traveller notes

Halal food finder

Zanzibar is about 98% Muslim, with mosques in every lane of Stone Town and every coastal village. Local food is halal and the call to prayer carries over the rooftops.

Historic mosques

Stone Town

Malindi Mosque

Completed in the 1830s near the harbour, with one of only three conical minarets in East Africa.

Dimbani, south Zanzibar

Kizimkazi Mosque

One of the oldest mosques in East Africa: a Kufic inscription dates it to 1107. Rebuilt in the 18th century and still in use, in Dimbani at the island’s southern end.

Prayer & practicalities

Prayer is easy

There are small mosques throughout Stone Town and in every village; ask your hotel for the nearest one and the qibla.

Friday timings

Jumu’ah is around midday, and Stone Town’s mosques fill for it. Plan sightseeing around the prayer.

Visiting a mosque

Mosques are for worship, not sightseeing. Muslim visitors are welcome to pray; dress modestly and remove shoes.

Ramadan is not this month

Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin around 8 February (subject to moon sighting), so January has normal daytime hours.

Good to know

Halal by default

Local Swahili restaurants and street food are halal. International resorts may serve pork; ask if unsure.

Alcohol

Served in tourist hotels, beach bars and some restaurants; local places are alcohol-free.

Modest dress matters

Cover shoulders and knees away from the beach, especially in Stone Town. Authorities can fine visitors for inappropriate clothing in public.

03 Where to stay

05 Eat Zanzibar

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