KILWA, BAGAMOYO, STONE TOWN
Duration of stay 3 days / 3 nights
Period All year (April, May further reduction of the price for the low season, possible daily rains).
Ideal for those who want to relive a thousand years of history in the ancient cities of the coast of Tanzania
A BIT OF HISTORY
The Swahili coast also offers you a journey through history: Kilwa, Bagamoyo and Stone Town plunge us into a past of millennia of trade and intertwining between Africa and the Orient!
Sumerians, Phoenicians, Assyrians, Greeks and Romans went by sea to the coast of Tanzania.
Starting from the 8th century, Arab and Persian traders settled permanently in Zanzibar (Zang-i-Bar sea of blacks) and in Kilwa.
The Moroccan traveler Ibn Batouta spoke of his stopover in Kilwa in 1331.
Vasco da Gama made a stop on the Tanzanian coast and shortly thereafter the Portuguese settled in Kilwa, building forts there. Even the Chinese got this far.
From 1600 onwards, the Omani Arabs gained supremacy over trade, which was mainly based on the slave trade. Their main ports were Tanga and Bagamoyo (literally letting go of the heart) from which the slaves were sent to Zanzibar, from which there was no longer any hope of escape.
It was the Omani people who made the town of Pietra the center of all their trade and imported the spice plantations to the island.
In 1800 European exploration began, which followed the caravan routes. The most famous explorers stopped in Bagamoyo, Burton, Speke, Stanley. Of Livingstone only the embalmed body saw Bagamoyo.
Belgians, Germans and British divided Tanzania, leaving only the sultanate of Zanzibar independent.
The Kiswahili language testifies to this melting pot of races and trades, with the Bantu origin, a third of Arabic words, and the numerous Portuguese, German and English loans.
KILWA
The Shirazi Persians made Kilwa a thriving gold trading center in the first half of the second millennium. Even the famous Arab traveler Ibn Battuta was fascinated by it. The Omanite sultanates followed and in 1500 the Portuguese, with whom the decline of Kilwa began.
Kilwa is indicated as a SEA EXTENSION IN SOUTH TANZANIA, especially for those arriving from Selous.
BAGAMOYO
Bagamoyo is now a large fishing village, but numerous buildings are reminiscent of its past as the nerve center of Africa-East trade. Its name means "greet your heart". From Bagamoyo the slaves left for Zanzibar and the East, a point of no return is sure. The ancient ruins on the beach are very suggestive, as well as strolling through the historic streets. In the months when it is open, it is worth visiting the art school and the numerous craft shops along the way.
Bagamoyo is located a few hours from Dar Es Salaam, traveling along the coast to the north, it is worth stopping one day.
STONE TOWN
At the heart of the trade routes of the ancient kingdoms of Persia, Zanzibar is the symbol of the meeting between Africa and the East. Between the twelfth and fifteenth centuries, the trade in slaves, gold, ivory and wood was already flourishing with the whole of the East, up to India. For centuries sultans from the Arabian Peninsula reigned and the atmospheres and scents of the ancient buildings, the cobbled streets of Stone Town and the spice plantations can still be breathed.
Stone Town is the ancient city of the island of Zanzibar, it is located in the south-central area, is home to the port and is close to the airport. Kili Sky always offers it in stays in Zanzibar because it really has the ability to make a splash in history, despite the presence of many tourists and some slightly decadent buildings. For us it is a real gem. We therefore recommend a guided tour of the city, preferably in the morning, to also visit the fish market, and at least one dinner at the outdoor kitchens of Forodhani Gardens or in one of the many restaurants in the city. If you are lucky there may also be some musical spectacle.
KILWA
Confort
KILBILIO LODGE
In Kilwa you can stay overnight in a beautiful African-style lodge with beach houses on the Kimbilio Lodge.
BAGAMOYO
Confort and Wild
TRAVELLERS LODGE
The Travelers Lodge is on the sea, refreshed by a luxuriant garden, where you can also go camping.
STONE TOWN
Gold
ZANZIBAR SERENA HOTEL
Located in a historic building in the most central place of the ancient city of Stone Town, on the sea, it is the most exclusive and renowned hotel in the city. President Clinton is staying there. It offers spa and swimming pool.
STONE TOWN
Confort
MIZINGANI SEAFRONT HOTEL
Many palaces of the ancient sultans have become hotels, furnished in a Zanzibari style, and full of charm. The Mizingani hotel is excellent value for money and is located in front of the sea, slightly moved compared to Forodhani, near the port. Managers are very attentive to hospitality and quality.
STONE TOWN
Wild
MANCH VUGA LODGE
Manch Vuga Lodge is located in Stone Town, in the Vuga area. It is a historic area, 10 minutes walk from Forodhani Gardens, that is, from the center. The Manch Vuga Lodge is a B&B, with rooms equipped with private or shared bathroom. It is frequented by young people from all over the world, it is very nice to have breakfast in the tree-lined courtyard.
Tanzania Mini Safaris
Complete your beach holiday with 2/3 days of Safaris
Tanzania Mini Safaris
Complete your beach holiday with 2/3 days of Safaris