When you travel to Dodoma, the capital of Tanzania, you will find the impressive Gaddafi Mosque (known in Arabic as مسجد القذافي and in Swahili as Msikiti wa Gaddafi). This remarkable pink structure holds an important place in the region, standing as the largest mosque in the entire country of Tanzania and the second-largest mosque in East Africa, right behind the Uganda National Mosque. When you visit this landmark, you are seeing a massive house of worship that can accommodate at least 3,000 worshippers at a time.
The mosque carries a unique history that you can reflect on as you take in its distinctive pink exterior. It was named after the former Libyan Brotherly Leader and Guide of the Revolution, Muammar Gaddafi, who provided the necessary funds for its construction through the World Islamic Call Society. The building was officially inaugurated by Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete back in 2010.
Whether you are exploring Tanzania's national capital or taking in regional religious landmarks, seeing this prominent pink structure offers you a direct look at an architectural site of immense scale and historical significance in Dodoma.
What to see at Gaddafi Mosque
- The largest mosque in Tanzania, located in the capital city of Dodoma
- The second-largest mosque in East Africa, behind the Uganda National Mosque
- Distinctive pink structure with capacity for at least 3,000 worshippers
- Inaugurated in 2010 by Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete
- Funded by Muammar Gaddafi through the World Islamic Call Society
Visiting tips
Take time to admire the distinctive pink structure when you visit this major site in Dodoma.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Gaddafi Mosque is easy to reach on Dodoma’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Dodoma travel guide.
See the full Dodoma travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.