Kilwa (Kisiwani) – Lindi

Welcome to Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara ruins which are UNESCO’s World Heritage sites which was once the East Africa trading city port linking Mwanamutapa Kingdom (Zimbambwe) with Middle East, Persia, Indonesia and China. The cultural influence of all these communities can be witnessed at Kilwa today. Kilwa is located 300Km South of Dar-es-salaam.

Option 1: Tour of the Ancient ruins and slave market: (half day)

Visiting the ruins where you will see German, Indian, English and Arabic architecture, the slave market, slave prison and the loading bay for slaves. Then proceed to Old port and a slaves hanging tree also used in German colonial times to hang rebels. Finally visit hippos where you will be given a welcome by hippo’s water splash.

Option 2: Mangrove forest: (half day)

Take a canoe tour to see how and where traditional fishing can be practiced. Get magnificent view of Kilwa ruins from the ocean, while canoeing near the Mangrove forest you can explore water birds, Kingfishers and many other bird species found in the area. Then proceed to Salt farm and learn how locals harvest salt from the Indian Ocean water. After your half day tour, you will relax and take a delicious local lunch with a lot of sea food.

Kilwa Tour Full Day:

Visit the ruins and the village where you will freely interact with local people and then proceed to the hippo pool for watching hippos and birds. Canoe down the Indian Ocean to experience a nice view for the Kilwa Island decorated by Mangroves, Coconut, palm trees and the ruins that will take your memories back to explorer’s time. Learn local ways of timing and locating fish, actual fishing and try to catch a fish that will be prepared for your lunch or dinner. Enjoy coffee with local people under the Fig tree during the evening hours while listening to stories and get a real touch of authentic Swahili culture.