Ras Mkumbuu Ruins
Magofu ya Ras Mkumbuu
The ruins of a medieval Swahili city-state at the tip of the Ndagoni Peninsula, with the remains of an 11th-century Great Mosque and pillar tombs.
Ras Mkumbuu lies at the tip of the Ndagoni Peninsula west of Chake Chake. It is believed to have been a thriving Swahili port city-state between the 9th and 14th centuries. Some scholars think it may be the “Kanubaluu” mentioned in ancient texts. The site preserves the remains of an 11th-century Great Mosque, several pillar tombs and stone house foundations scattered between coconut palms and the coast. It is hard to reach by land. Most visitors take a boat from Chake Chake, which takes about 40 minutes. It is often combined with snorkelling at Misali Island as a day trip. Admission is about US$5.
Opening hours
Daytime
Nearby sights
- Misali Island Marine Conservation Area
- Pemba Museum (Nanzim Fort)
- Chake Chake
- Pemba Clove Plantations
- Kidike Flying Fox Sanctuary
- Mkoani
- Mtambwe Mkuu
- Pujini Ruins