Historic Mosque in Mombasa

Mandhry Mosque: Oldest Mosque in Mombasa

The Mandhry Mosque, close to the Old Port Mombasa, is a Shafi’ite mosque with a foundation date of 1570/ 1 which makes it the oldest mosque still in continuous use in Mombasa. Predating Fort Jesus, and showcasing Swahili architecture with a blend of Arabic and African elements, it appeared on early Portuguese maps of Old Town. Mandhry Mosque, however, been rebuilt several times and none of the present structure dates back to the 16th century. On evidence of the fine carved doors and windows, the oldest existing part probably dates to c. 1830. The simple rounded minaret and plain white lime-washed walls, typical of Shafi’ite Mosques along the East Africa coast of that period, are conspicuous as you enter Old Town.

The mosque is called the Mandhry Mosque because the Mandhry family, originally from Oman, have long been the custodians of the old mosque and continue to be responsible for its upkeep. Omanis were of the puritanical Ibadhi sect of Islam that disapproved of minarets, but the Mandhry, one of the old settled Arab families of Mombasa, were amongst the first to turn to Shafi’is, the form of Islam followed by the Swahili, giving up the puritanical belief, intermarrying, and identifying with the Swahili. It was a Mandhry who was the last liwali of the Sultan before the Kenya government took over control of the coastal strip in 1963. A vital part of Old Town, it is one of only two mosques in the world with two mihrabs pointing to Mecca.

Islam first arrived in the coastal regions of Kenya through Arab and Persian traders, by the 8th century. At the prominent city-states such as Mombasa, Malindi, and Lamu that emerged along the Kenyan coast are many historic mosque from different eras. Islam in Kenya today represents a diverse and dynamic part of the country’s fabric, represented in beautiful mosque.

Index of Historic Mosques Around Kenya

Isiolo County - Isiolo Jamia Mosque , Kilifi County - The Great Mosque at Gede, Qubba Mosque , Kisumu County - The Arab, Nubian and Swahili Mosques, Kwale County - Kongo Mosque, Diani Mosque, Kirinyaga County - Mosque of Jesus Christ Son of Mary, Lamu County - Khoja Ithnasheri Mosque , Riyadha Mosque , Friday Mosque at Shela , Mombasa County - Badala Mosque , The Mandhry Mosque , Burhani Mosque , Musa Mosque, Muranga County - Mjini Mosque, Nairobi County - Khoja Mosque, Jamia Mosque, Ahmadiyya Mosque, Wajir County - The Noor Mosque, Eldas Jamia Mosque

Well-famous for its rich Swahili culture, stunning beaches, and vibrant nightlife – acclaimed as one of the top destinations in Kenya – Mombasa County is home to Mombasa City, Kenya’s second-largest city and a primary port town that has been a key trade center for centuries. Mombasa County is more than just beaches—it’s a cultural melting pot with history, adventure, and guaranteed coastal vibes.

You Are Here: Mandhry Mosque

Where to Next?

Explore Destinations Nearby Mandhry Mosque

A Guide to Mombasa County

A Summa Digest of Mombasa

About Mombasa Way Back When

80 Destinations in Mombasa County , arranged as one would visit these - south, north then east - with the aid of in-depth narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:

Arab Rifle's Monument , Buli Monument , Fort Jesus Curio Shop , Camel Joint, Old Town Mombasa , Fort Jesus Museum I World Heritage Site , Mombasa Butterfly House , Santo Antonio de Tanna , Swahili Cultural Center , Sanaa Gallery , Old Port Mombasa , Leven House I Steps , Forodhani Restaurant , The Mandhry Mosque , Burhani Mosque , Tulia Backpackers , Bahdala Mosque , Mazrui Cemetery , Old Law Courts , Treasury Square , Africa Hotel , Kizingo BBQ, St. Joseph's Fort , Ras Serani Lighthouse , Kizingo War Camp , Mombasa Golf Club , Mama Ngina Waterfront Park , Shelly Beach , The Likoni Floating Bridge , Mbaraki Creek, Mombasa Yatch Club , Mbaraki Pillar , The Mombasa Mbaraki Cemetery , The Little Theatre Club , Kilindini Harbour , The Mombasa Memorial Church , The Holy Ghost Catholic Cathedral , Lord Shiva Temple , The Old Mombasa Railway Station , Railways Park , Mombasa African Memorial , Mombasa’s Tusks , Fort Makupa , Kibarani Recreation Park , Akamba Handicraft Shop , Manyimbo War Cemetery , Tudor Water Sports Marina , Nyali Bridge , ACK Emmanuel , The Kengeleni Monument , Bahari Beach Resort , Tamarind Dhow Cruise , Krapf Memorial Heritage Park , Kenyatta Public Beach , Bombolulu Workshop , Haller Park , Mombasa Butterfly Pavilion , Bamburi Rifle Range , Mombasa Go-Kart , Suli Suli Fishing , Nguuni Nature Sanctuary , Mamba Village , Nyali Golf & Country Club , Wild Waters , Nyali Shopping Mall , Mombasa Marine Park I Reserve , Ngomongo Village , Shimo la Tewa Site , The Moorings , La Marina Restaurant

Know More About Mombasa County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - with the aid of a distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments

What’s The Lay Of The Land In C.01?

Mombasa County can be split into 3 zones: 1. Coastal plain, covering parts the Island; 2. The hilly areas rising gently from 45 ms to 132 ms asl in the west; and 3. The Indian Ocean and the shoreline.

What’s The Air Like In Mombasa?

May is generally the wettest month, then April and June. Average temperatures are always high, rarely falling below 24 o C across the year.

Know More About Mombasa County…

Bri