We will see:

• the Kaole ruins dating back to the 12th century thought to mark one of the earliest contacts of Islam with Africa
• the Old Fort built in 1860 for holding slaves for shipment to Zanzibar
• the first Roman Catholic Church in East Africa built around 1868 used as a base to run a camp of about 650 freed slaves
• the German colonial administration headquarters, the Boma, in the first capital of German East Africa
• the Mission Museum displaying history of Bagamoyo
• the Livingstone Memorial Church among others
• Bagamoyo white sand beaches are considered some of the finest on the whole of the East African coast

This is a tour of the historical and cultural town of Bagamoyo. You will be picked up in the early morning from your accomodation in Dar Es Salaam. It is about one hour drive to Bagamoyo.

Bagamoyo is surrounded by old buildings of the previous generation, beautiful Arab architecture with thick walls of Earth fitted with well-carved doors made of thick African hardwood. On your walk through narrow streets between old buildings of Bagamoyo you will visit the German Colonial Administrative block, Art market, Old post office, 1st Tanzania Primary School, Old Mosques, Hanging tower, Caravan Serai Museum and the fish market. On your walk along the Indian Ocean beach visit a center for dhow sailboat building and get to know how local people build boats.

We will visit Kaole village it is a ten minutes drive outside of town along the ocean front. The Kaole village formerly known as ‘Pumbuji’ is one of the oldest villages that immigrants from Arabic countries choose as they landed on East Africa’s coast. The village has ruins dating back to the 13th Century. It is in this village where Sultan of Oman preferred to settle and construct administrative and military headquarters. Today the ruins made-up of earth and corals and the Kaole Museum tells volumes of stories about Ivory trade, movement of traders, cruel slavery and the living culture of today’s Kaole people majority originating from Asia. Beyond the ruins, there is an old port surrounded by a Mangrove forest where you can go closer to nature and enjoy fresh air.

We will visit the Old tower of the first Catholic Church in East Africa, one of the Oldest Baobab tree, Cemeteries (Catholic, German and Indian), Dr. Livingstone tower, Old Fathers’ house and the Cross at the beach. Explore the museum with information about the slave trade, missionaries, life of the people and some collections of artifacts of the indigenous tribes.

No visit to Bagamoyo is complete without indulging in the flavors of Swahili cuisine. Sample mouthwatering dishes such as biryani, pilau, and freshly caught seafood. Explore local restaurants and street food stalls to savor the authentic flavors of Bagamoyo. Don’t miss the chance to try grilled mishkaki (meat skewers), samosas, and vitumbua (rice pancakes). Exploring the local cuisine is a delicious way to immerse yourself in the culinary traditions of Bagamoyo.

Add on a little extra: 

Experience a romantic sunset dhow cruise along the coast of Bagamoyo. Climb aboard a traditional sailing dhow and set sail as the sun begins to descend. Admire the stunning colors of the sunset reflecting on the water while enjoying the gentle breeze and the sound of lapping waves. It’s a magical experience that captures the essence of Bagamoyo’s coastal charm.