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Bagamoyo Historical Tour Day Trip

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10183
1 Day 0 Night
Availability : Jan 1’ - Dec 31’
Min Age : 10+
Max People : 20
Tour Details

Bagamoyo Historical Tour: Discover the Legacy of East Africa’s Premier Trading Port

Commence an enriching journey through Bagamoyo, a city steeped in history and culture, and once the most pivotal trading port on the East African coast. This captivating Bagamoyo Historical Tour offers a deep dive into the city’s storied past and its significant role in regional trade.

Explore Historical Sites in Bagamoyo

Begin your tour with a visit to the ancient Kaole Ruins, home to the Coral Mosque and centuries-old graves dating back to the 13th century. These remnants provide a glimpse into Bagamoyo’s rich history and its significance as an early Arab settlement. The ruins, including the Coral Mosque and the remains of the Shirazai trade town, offer a tangible connection to the city’s past.

Next, head to the historic Old Ferry on the Wami River. This site serves as a poignant reminder of Bagamoyo’s role in the slave trade era. As your guide recounts the harrowing tales of this period, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the city’s complex history.

Cultural Insights and Historical Significance

Bagamoyo, whose name translates to “lay down your heart” in Swahili, reflects the desperate hope of those captured as slaves. This expression poignantly captures the uncertainty faced by these individuals, underscoring the city’s profound historical legacy.

During your tour, you will also visit the Catholic Mission, one of the earliest of its kind in East Africa, and explore the Caravan Serai Museum, which houses exhibits dedicated to Bagamoyo’s history and its role in the slave trade.

The Old Fort, a whitewashed building with a varied history—from a provision house to a slave holding facility—serves as a testament to the city’s multifaceted past.

Tour Highlights:

  • Catholic Mission: One of East Africa’s pioneering missions.
  • Kaole Ruins: Ancient mosques and tombs from early Arab settlements.
  • Caravan Serai Museum: Exhibits focusing on Bagamoyo’s slave trade history and cultural heritage.
  • Old Fort: A historical building with diverse past roles, including a slave holding area.
  • Stone Town (Mji Mkongwe): A glimpse into the city’s traditional architecture and historical significance.

Enjoy a Traditional Lunch

Savor a traditional lunch, offering a taste of local cuisine and culture, before continuing your exploration. The tour concludes with a visit to the Wami River for a photo opportunity at the Old Ferry.

Discover More

For a comprehensive view of what Bagamoyo has to offer and to plan your visit, click here for additional details and insights.

Begin this historical adventure and immerse yourself in the fascinating heritage of Bagamoyo, a city that continues to echo the legacy of its remarkable past.

Bagamoyo Historical Tour

Day 1Tour Itinerary

Day Trip to Bagamoyo Historical Tour Itinerary

08:30 Hours: We will collect you from your hotel or residence after breakfast and drive 75 kilometers north of Dar es Salaam. The journey will take approximately 1.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

10:00 Hours: Arrive in the historic town of Bagamoyo. Established in the late 18th century, Bagamoyo has a rich and multifaceted history, having once served as a major Arab trading port and later as the capital of East German Africa.

Begin your tour with a visit to the Kaole Ruins, located about 3 kilometers from Bagamoyo town. This site features remnants of early Arab settlements, including a 13th-century mosque, which is considered one of the oldest in Tanzania, and a later mosque from the 15th century. The ruins also include several ancient graves, tombs, and a small museum showcasing various artifacts.

Explore the ruins with your guide, who will provide insights into the history of these sites, including the use of coral stones in their construction. After visiting the museum, take a stroll to the impressive baobab tree nearby.

Next, head to the Old Fort, a prominent historical structure in Bagamoyo. Built in 1860, this fort has served various purposes, including as a provision house, a slave holding facility, and a military camp during colonial times.

En route back to Bagamoyo, stop at the Crocodile Ranch, where you can view and learn about these reptiles, which are kept for show and sale. Proceed to the Slave Market, which houses a small museum displaying Bagamoyo’s history related to the slave and ivory trades. The museum features old photographs, documents, and relics marking Bagamoyo as a significant terminus for Nyamwezi caravans.

Continue to the Catholic Mission, one of the earliest Catholic institutions in East Africa. Originally established in the late 1800s to support children freed from slavery, the mission later evolved into a church and school. The compound includes the main church, a stone memorial tower dedicated to explorer David Livingstone, a mission cemetery, and various buildings used by missionaries.

Visit the Caravan Serai Museum, which offers exhibits on Bagamoyo’s history and culture, particularly focusing on the slave trade.

Explore Stone Town (Mji Mkongwe), where buildings from the German era, such as the old German Boma (colonial administrative offices), Post Office, and Liku House, are still visible. Also, visit the beach to see the local fish market and the remnants of the German Customs House (1895) and Old Bagamoyo’s port. If time permits, observe the vibrant fish auctions on the beach.

13:00 Hours: Enjoy lunch and some relaxation at one of the town’s resorts. Spend the afternoon enjoying the resort facilities, beach, and ocean.

16:00 Hours: Return to Dar es Salaam.

Bagamoyo Historical Tour Prices

Notes:

  • Duration: The tour lasts approximately 4 to 5 hours.
  • Mode of Tour: The tour involves both walking and driving, as the sites and buildings are spread apart, except for those in Stone Town.

Departure & Return Location

Dar Es Salaam

Departure Time

08:30 am EAT

Price
Number of People Cost Per Person in US($)
1 Pax 380
2 pax 250
3 Pax 220
4 Pax 200
5 Pax 160
6+ pax 140

Price Includes

  • All entry fees, guide fee, service charge and taxes
  • Driver guide
  • Lunch box
  • Bottle of water
  • Pick up from your hotel in Dar-Es-salaam and drop-off at your hotel

Price Excludes

  • Personal items
  • Gratuities / “tip” for driver guide
  • No accommodation in Dar Es Salaam
  • Travelers insurance
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