Bagamoyo Historical Tour Day Trip

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.