Bagamoyo

Bagamoyo

Around 80 kilometres distance north of Dar es Salaam lies Bagamoyo, once the embarkation port for slaves from the hinterland, and later the first German colonial capital in Tanzania. It is a place of considerable significance to the world history, both as an entry point for Arab and European missionaries, explorers, and traders in East and Central Africa, and in the history of the infamous slave trade.

Fortunately Today, the town of Bagamoyo is a home to world class Historical sites and considered as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites with rich cultural heritage, fascinating Gothic and Afro-Arabic architecture in this coastal settlement steeped in history waiting for you to explore.

This town was once a most important trading port along the East African Coast and a German East Africa Capital. It holds the most history for Arab trading caravans that had business along this hot oceanic coast. During the colonial times, it was the economic and administrative capital of Germans. Since administrative offices were  moved to Dar es Salaam, Bagomoyo has been in decline. Architecture of European origin is rarely maintained and thus slowly falling apart, while still often beautiful to see. This region is a home to many ethnic groups, including the Wakwere, Wazaramo and Wazigua. Different cultures including people of Arab descent coexist here, making the town a peaceful and friendly place for visitors from all over the world.

Tourist attractions include 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; and the Livingstone Memorial Church among others. Bagamoyo white sand beaches are considered some of the finest on the whole of the East African coast.