Ghana: Larabanga Mosque
Northern Ghana is the doorstep to Sahel (the arid ring below the Sahara). The Larabanga mosque is the oldest mosque in the country and one of the oldest in the entire Africa, dating back to 1421, when an Islamic trader founded it here after being told to do so by “mystic stone”. The mosque is truly stunning albeit not big – made of mud and reeds and painted sparkling white. Supposedly, there is an ancient Koran from 16th century inside but non-Muslims are not allowed in, you can just walk around to take pictures. A donation to the mosque is required, as is the ticket to see it, as well as a mandatory guide fee, and a mandatory tip.
