Stone Town & Historical Tours
Pemba Island Tours
Ras Mkumbuu Ruins (Ancient Qanbalu Trading Port)
The 9th-century ruins of one of East Africa's largest early mosques, on Pemba's least-visited peninsula
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- Area
- Pemba Island
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Group size
- 1–10
- Activity level
- easy
- Private / shared
- Shared
- Swimming required
- No
Weather dependent
On a narrow peninsula jutting into the Pemba Channel near Chake Chake sit the ruins of Ras Mkumbuu, believed to be the site of the ancient trading port of Qanbalu — a Swahili coast settlement occupied from roughly the 9th to the 16th century. At its height the site held one of the largest mosques in sub-Saharan Africa, and what remains today includes a finely carved coral mihrab, a cluster of elaborate pillar tombs near the adjoining village of Ndagoni, several old wells, and house foundations, with parts of the original settlement now submerged offshore.
It is one of Pemba's least-visited but most historically significant ruin sites. Artu Expeditions runs a confirmed tour specifically to this site, and it is also offered more generically by local guides around Chake Chake.
The setting is as much a draw as the ruins themselves: a quiet, mangrove-fringed peninsula with little else around.
It is one of Pemba's least-visited but most historically significant ruin sites. Artu Expeditions runs a confirmed tour specifically to this site, and it is also offered more generically by local guides around Chake Chake.
The setting is as much a draw as the ruins themselves: a quiet, mangrove-fringed peninsula with little else around.
Highlights
- Ruins of a mosque that was once among the largest in sub-Saharan Africa
- Finely carved coral mihrab and a cluster of elaborate pillar tombs at nearby Ndagoni
- 9th–16th century Swahili trading port site, among Pemba's oldest
- Remote, little-visited peninsula setting near Chake Chake
What is typically included
Guide for the ruins visit.
What is typically excluded
Transport to the Ras Mkumbuu peninsula.
What to bring
Walking shoes, sun protection, water; modest dress recommended.
Safety notes
Ruins are unrestored and uneven underfoot; watch footing around the old wells and tomb structures.
Meeting point / pickup
Arranged pickup from Chake Chake.
Best time of year
Dry season (June–October, December–February).
Cultural guidance
A former mosque and burial site — modest dress and quiet, respectful behaviour are appropriate.
Cancellation
Cancellation terms are set by each provider and shown at booking. No cancellation policy is guaranteed by this page.
This page is an original Zanzibar.today description, researched from public and provider-supplied information. It is not copied from any single operator's marketing material.