Kilwa Kivinje was a prominent maritime city-state that flourished between the 11th and 15th centuries, dominating the Swahili Coast and becoming a centre for trade in gold, ivory, and slaves. In the 19th century, the town was a terminus of the southern slave caravan route and served as a...
We sailed to the tiny island of Songo Mnara, about 8km south of Kilwa Kisiwani, for about one and a half hours. It contains ruins at its northern end – including a palace, several mosques and numerous houses built from coral and mortar – that are believed to date from the 14th and 15th...
Today, ‘Kilwa on the Island’ is a quiet fishing village. Still, in its heyday, it was the centre of a vast trading network linking the old Shona kingdoms and the goldfields of Zimbabwe with Persia, India and China. While these days are now well in the past, the ruins of the...
We got unexpected heavy rain for the whole day, when we were trying to reach Kilwa Masoko through terrible roads full of potholes, with missing bridges and long muddy stretches, especially around the Rufiji River Delta and the Marandu River Delta. Kilwa Masoko is the gateway to the...
Bongoyo Island is a small, uninhabited island located approximately 2.5 km north of Dar es Salaam, known for its pristine white sandy beaches, coral reefs, and diverse marine life, making it a popular spot for day trips for swimming, snorkelling, and relaxation. Geographically, it...
We took a private trip (60 USD for two) to a Zanzibar spice garden. It was a multi-sensory experience that offered us a deep dive into the island’s rich history as the “Spice Island.” It allowed us to see, smell, touch, and taste fresh spices, fruits, and local remedies...
As a primary trading post on the spice, silk, and slave trade routes for over a millennium, Mji Mkongwe, known as Stone Town, has been a unique meeting place for centuries and is now one of the few remaining ancient towns in Africa. We wandered for hours through a maze of narrow streets...
Aldabra tortoises on Prison Island are a famous tourist attraction, known for their longevity, impressive size, and docile nature, allowing visitors to interact and feed them. Originally gifted from the Seychelles, they were introduced as part of a conservation effort to protect the...
We took a half-day boat trip (🎟️15 USD + 23 USD conservation fee) to the famous Prison Island, or Changuu Island. It has a history rooted in controlling and isolating people. Initially, a holding ground for rebellious slaves by Arab traders, it became a quarantine station for infectious...
We spent a few days in Nungwi, a highly popular and well-regarded destination located on the northernmost tip of Zanzibar Island. It’s known for its stunning white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a vibrant atmosphere that balances a traditional village feel with...