Sadly, the area surrounding this important building is extremely deprived relative to other villages in Larabanga. Visitors should also take the canoe tour in the nearby village. This is where you can purchase pure Shea butter. There should be some boundaries for visitors in terms of respect for villager privacy and interactions with their children. At the moment, it doesn’t seem like these aspects of ‘tourism’ have been carefully thought through.

It was a good visit to the oldest mosque here in Ghana. It's definitely a very unique mosque I've ever seen. Great experience. And in the end, we paid 20cedis, which was totally okay. We weren't allowed to go inside.

I was actually quite surprised by my visit to the Larabanga Mosque. For years the Bradt Guide had warned of the unscrupulous guides that ruined the experience by "worrying" you endlessly. But when we went, after a guide was assigned, no one bothered us and we received a reasonably coherent history of the mosque. After the tour we were pressured to contribute to the educational fund, and write our comments in the book, which we were happy to do. I enjoyed my visit so much, I went back the next day to take more pictures and received a similar history lesson, and again was not bothered. When pressured to contribute to the educational fund, I asked to see the previous day's book to show them my gift, but they could reproduce the book. One must conclude that the post tour contribution is a sham and continues the disreputable reputation this historical site has earned over the years, albeit in a less obvious way. Still the Larabanga Mosque is one of the "must see" sites in Ghana, but I've been to the Wa Naa Palace and Nakore Mosque south of Wa, and both are better examples of this historic period, and much less trouble.

The architecture is impressive and I love the fact that it's still being used. My advice to the community would to go easy on how often they ask for donations otherwise perfect combination for a visit to mole national park

Interesting place - Mosque built in the Sudanese architectural style. It is the oldest mosque in the country and one of the oldest in West Africa. It was as the "Mecca of West Africa" and was founded in 1421.

Am old mosque 🕌 with a rich history. A true historic site to visit. 👍🏾

It's a nice place and our tour guard did a great history telling. We couldn't enter because we are not Muslims

BE AWARE: It is an amazing building and piece of history, however there are guides forced onto you who then bring out a scam book to put a “donation” to there pocket in. Very disrespectful and aggressive guides, also they present you with historically inaccurate history of the mosque. Definitely a warning to not travel all the way to see the site if you don’t want to have Ghana soured for you. Stay away and visit a different mosque that is old with welcoming people in its community. This is definitely a bad one which seems to have a consistent experience with backpackers and western tourists.

The Larabanga Mosque is an ancient mosque built in the Sudanese architecture style in the northern regions in Ghana. It is the oldest mosque in the country and one of the oldest in West Africa, and has been referred to as the "Mecca of West Africa". it was founded in 1421

historical mosque in Ghana laribanga mosque good place to visit

It was a brief stop to take a photograph but the caretakers of the place were really nice and the few community folks I met on the way to the place were really nice. I’d recommend you pass through if you have the chance.

The Mosque is very beautiful to look at from the outside, the inside of course can’t be visited. To take pictures you have to pay apparently, I snatched a couple of pics and then they started shouting at me, telling me I have to pay, I said sorry and I ran away :D

Larabanga old mosque is the oldest in Ghana and for sure is worth a visit. It is also the most important of only six (now) remainìng sudanosahelian mudmosques in the country. Though you pay 20 Gh cedis visitors are not allowed to visit the interior that is only for moslems. Self appointed "guide" who took the 20 cedisgave no receipt, so I am not sure where this money ended. Rude commercialisation of a religious place, it is a shame!

Very unpleasant environment. Just for one look you are pressured to pay money.

So many residential structures close to such a historical site

This ancient mosque is the main highlight in the Larabanga township. The architecture of the mosque is very interesting and so is the history. Female tourists are not allowed in the mosque but can take a look from the miniature doors of the mosque that is a unique part of its design. The history of the mosque is closely linked to the mystic stone which is about 500m from the mosque. So if you are visiting this ancient mosque you might as well want to check out the mystic stone. You can freely take pictures from the outside of the mosque. Since this mosque is still in use, Friday noons may not be an ideal time to visit because of the Muslims prayer. Maybe a little earlier or later. But if you are a Muslim visitor why not use that opportunity to explore the most at that time. Larabanga is very close to the Mole game reserve. You might as well take the opportunity to explore the reserve and see some elephants. Travel time to Larabanga may depend on where you are coming from but the road is in good condition.

This mosque is an old ancient one with rich history... The story behind it is interesting and worth visiting.. the mosque is easy to locate and has good road access apart from the pathway to the mosque... However, only true Muslims are allowed into the mosque but everyone else is allowed to touch and take images with and of the building... The architecture style is unique and the people around are quite friendly too... Worth visiting indeed

Good tourist attractions there.

Very historic side

A very historic place with well guided tours.

Great

They make you pay before telling you non muslims are not allowed in. Thus, you pay to see a building from the outside, which you could do for free. The building itself is a 15th century one, but not worth paying the scam.

Very interesting but be careful: ONLY Muslim people have access to this building. Nevertheless my wife went in because we were not informed about the situation. Nothing special inside but people were very angry about this break of their rules with endless palaver and excuses from my side

Nice history to learn

It is what I expected.

We came there as a group of 10 people. The sign son the street said 10 cedis. When we were at the mosque prices doubled. What followed was people returning to the bus, because naturally they felt ripped of, endless discussions and they would not let us go unless we pay 5 cedis each person at the end. So for me a rather negative impression. This is not about money, but about treating people fairly.

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Cool place of worship

The Larabanga Mosque was built around 1400 AD by a Arab trader who was passing through the area and saw a dream and was instructed to build the mosque. It is built with locally available material viz. mud and reeds. This is the oldest Mosque in West Africa and is known as the "Makkah of West Africa" The architectural style is Sudanese. Must visit.

Nice place

It's history is revealing.

Oldest Mosque in Africa

Cool

It was a really bad experience, we were charged 20 cedis just to look at the mosque. It was also a very intimidating experience. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone, you might as well just look at the pictures on Google and it would be a better experience. Also, only Muslims can enter the mosque.

Great historic site. The oldest mosque in West Africa built with mud and supported with bamboo sticks. Will recommend everyone who visits the Northern Region to visit the place

You have to pay the local to see it, it’s in the middle of people’s homes and there isn’t a way to see it without paying them. Not expensive though. Interesting small building

The historical story behind the mosque is fascinating. And the fact that it's been maintained and kept looking nice for centuries is impressive.

Mole is an interesting place to visit. There are a lot of wild life .

Fascinating mystic architect and history

Great historical place. You get to see a mosque was spiritually constructed without any physical interventions. You get to see an over 400years old tree to also germinated and sprung out without being planted. Very friendly people around to lead you as guide on your tour. Located in the northern region of Ghana.

Ancient Mosque. Preserved as culture and religious heritage

Access only for Muslims. Impressing little mosque.

This structure is one of the most beautiful and oldest in the region. According to our guide it is the oldest mosque in West Africa being over 400 years old. Its history is fascinating and takes you on a journey of what life was back in the 1600's. According to history the founder of the mosque stood where the mystic stone was and threw a spear vowing that wherever the spear landed that is where he will build a Mosque. Remember it is a holy and respected place for Muslims so don't be disrespectful to them or their customs. It is amazingly tha this structure has been able to stand for this long even though there are some renovations made to it yearly. Also a perfect place to take pictures after the history lesson. The guides were so friendly and even helped us get a car to our next destination, carried our bags because they thought it was so heavy and never even asked for any payment after. We were amazed at their hospitality and generosity. Everything was just perfect.

This mosque is one of the oldest in West Africa and the oldest in Ghana. It's the highlight in larabanga township in the Savannah Region of Ghana. Though one is not allowed to enter if not a Muslim, you can have access to the rich history shared by the guides and create some beautiful memories by taking some pictures and videos. However, its advisable to go to "reception" which needs a total revamp to avoid being duped. Generally a great experience and was worthwhile.

The mosque is a beautiful piece of history. It's in the centre of the community and is an actual place of worship, so be mindful and respectful when you visit. To get the full experience, I'd recommend getting a guide. We visite the mosque with Abusco, a guide from Leclara a local community initiative that does tours of the mosque, mystic stone and Larabanga community. Out guide was knowledgeable and from the area, so he showed is around and also explained to us about the community, the challenges they are facing and the folklore around the attractions.

A must see if you're in the area. This is a unique piece of architecture that was very impressive to see. You can buy the tickets at a tourist office next to the mosque, even though you can't enter it; we came to the town with our host from Savannah lodge, so he arranged for the local guide of the mosque.

This mosque represents in some ways the emblem of this city. There are guides present to explain the history and you can then take pictures. If you want, you can visit the women who produce shea butter just a few steps from the mosque. I didn't really visit the city but if you go there, plan other itineraries because apart from the mosque, there isn't much to visit. ( la Pierre mystique par exemple) It's very hot, so bring sunscreen, light clothing and fresh water.

The mosque was cool, but the local guides were very aggressive and pushy. I visited the mosque with a couple of friends as part of a trip to the Mole National Park in 2017. At the time, I think that it costed 10 cedis per person. There is an official tourism office that you can pay at. If any of the guides hassle you for money, ask to be taken to this office so that you can pay and at least write your name in an official-looking ledger book. The mosque is pretty cool looking and was well preserved in 2017. You aren't allowed inside unless you are Muslim.

A very beautiful tourist site. It is eye catching

Nice historic site and affordable place to tour. I will visit again.

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Great history behind this building!

This is one of the oldest mosques in West Africa with a unique architecture and history.

The mosquee is really beautiful and interesting! But after they make you sign a book and ask a donation for the community ... just like that... it's just a scam.

Beautiful, historic building with mystic story.

Larabanga Ancient Mosque located in Larabang, a town 20 minutes drive from Damongo - regional capital of the Savanna region of Ghana. The mosque is said to be the oldest in Ghana. Roads leading to the mosque are very good to ply. My first time visit to the tourist site/mosque was enjoyable. No fixed/heavy site visit charges. There was a good your guide who gave us a talk about the edifice. The mosque is still in use since it was built at an estimated date of around the 15C. Next time, I'll plan to visit the site at exactly one of the 5 daily Muslim prayers as tourist are allowed access to the premises but not the inside unless it was time for prayer.

A historic mosque and a fascinating history. I was captivated

I really loved the story of the mosque and its very old architecture

A part of Ghana everyone should try and visit. So much history

We stopped off at Larabanga on the way to Mole national park - really glad we did. We were shown around by a really knowledgable and kind guide. Definitely worth a visit to this unique site!

It was a nice experience, didn't get the opportunity to go inside but the place's history is one of a kind

I did not get to see the Masjid, did not feel safe visiting the community on my own so I rather went back to my accommodation at the Mole Park. Not recommended for solo travellers, go there in group and/or hire a local guide in advance.

The oldest mosque in Ghana and I love the art

The mosque is very nice, but the locals are horrible. The moment we came they swarmed us and wanted to take us to the mosque (it is clearly visible, no need for a guide). They demanded we pay 20 cedis for just being there. And when you pay you can't enter the mosque if you are not a muslim. They ruined our experience.

One of Ghana's most cherished artifacts

Touching the walls of that ancient mosque, filled me with a spirit of invincibility.

WARNING! The people around the mosque try to rip you off with some strange stories by letting you sign in a book and donate for some fake school or other development projects. If you refuse to donate, they become quite molesting. DO NOT go with them, it is all fake!! Your money will just go to a local chief!!! The mosque itself is nice, but because it's only visible from the outside it's also not super exciting. Make sure you have a knowledgeable guide, otherwise it's a waste of time.

A historical mosque with the Mystery stone about half a kilometer away and also Mole National Park is about 6km away. Check out my YOUTUBE channel @edmundarmah to see more

It's a place of rich history

An place full of history and an interesting folklore around the Mosque the big tree supporting it

Visit and learn about one of the oldest mosques in Ghana. Master class architecture from back in the days.well maintained and exciting to see with great people.

Nice tourist centre.

Don't go!. Intimidating and almost aggressive (male) residents prevent you from having a nice visit to larabanga and the mosque. In my experience, over the years, about 15 years, it has also become much worse. Advice, don't go