Historic Bagamoyo

Swahili Coast

Cultural

from USD$ 110.00

Designated as Tanzania’s seventh UNESCO world heritage site, Bagamoya is the oldest town in Tanzania. Situated just 45km north of Dar es Salaam, it makes a fascinating day excursion for city visitors and those from docking cruise ships.

Historically, it was one of the most important trading ports along the East African coast and is rememberd as the legendary ivory and slave trading port for east and central Africa during the late 19th century.

Under German Colonial rule it became the capital of Tanzania (until 1892) and was the a starting point for renowned European explorers like Richard Burton and John Speke, who were in search of the source of the River Nile. It was also the last resting place of the legendary explorer Dr David Livingston until his body was shipped back to be buried in Westminster Abbey.

Today, Bagamoyo is a centre for dhow sailboat building and is home to many ethnic groups, including maasai, indian, chinese and people of arab descent.

PRICING

USD$110 per person for 3 persons or more
USD$150 per person for 2 persons
USD$250 for 1 person

We can offer groups of 15 people or more a special discounted rate.

PACKAGE DETAILS

MORNING TOUR

Departing Dar es Salaam early morning, we drive 45km up the coast to this historic seaside town. Upon arrival, your first stop is at the Kaole Ruins, where you can see the first Arab settlements. Here you will find the remains of a 13th century mosque (thought to be the oldest in Tanzania) and other historic structures of interest. Next you will explore the old town with its cobbled portals, crumbling colonial buildings and 19th century school which was the first multi-racial school in Tanzania. Onwards to the beach you will visit the German Customs House (1895), the port (where you can watch boat builders at work) and a busy fish market (once the old slave market). Finally you will visit the white-washed Old Fort, one of the towns oldest surviving buildings.

AFTERNOON TOUR

After lunch within the town, we drive along the mango shaded avenue to the Catholic Mission, which was one of the first of its kind in East Africa. Though initially built to provide a home for children freed from slavery, it later became a church and school. Within the compound is the main church and cemetery, a stone memorial tower dedicated to the explorer David Livingstone and other buildings used as residences by the missionaries. We finally visit the Caravan Serai Museum, which has exhibits on the town’s history and its slave trade. We shall return to Dar es Salaam late afternoon, in time for dinner.