Husuni Kubwa
The ruins of a 14th-century sultan's palace and trading lodge on a headland overlooking the Indian Ocean, once the largest building on the East African coast.
Husuni Kubwa is a palace and trading lodge built in the early 14th century by Sultan Hassan bin Suleiman. It stands on a headland northeast of Kilwa Kisiwani island and covers a large area, with an audience courtyard, an octagonal bath, residential quarters and storage rooms. It is considered the largest single structure in sub-Saharan Africa before the colonial era. A coastal walk of about 20 minutes from the Great Mosque takes you past the smaller Husuni Ndogo ruins nearby. The island has no shade, so bring plenty of water and a hat.
Opening hours
Daytime (guide required)
Nearby sights
- Gereza Fort
- Small Domed Mosque
- Great Mosque of Kilwa
- Makutani Palace
- Mavuji River Mangroves
- Jimbizi Beach
- Kilwa Masoko Market & Harbour
- Masoko Pwani