Bagamoyo City Tours

Bagamoyo

Bagamoyo is a town in Tanzania. The most recent history has it as a terminal point on the coast for Arab trading caravans. It was also used as a holding point for slaves brought from the interior and awaiting transportation to Zanzibar. During German colonial times, it was the economic and administrative capital of German East Africa. Since the capital was moved to Dar Es Salaam, Bagomoyo has been in decline. Architecture of European origin is slowly falling down, but still beautiful to see. The Arabic influence on local architecture is also significant.

There is a lot of poverty and unemployment in Bagamoyo, so be aware from muggings and robberies. Don’t leave your resthouse or hotel alone at night and don’t walk on the beach at night. There are also a lot of scams, keep your eyes open. Unfortunately, as of February 2008, robbery at daytime in the harbor area doesn’t seem to be too exceptional either. Be very aware of people monitoring you while standing somewhere or sitting in a restaurant. Don’t expect any help of the police, they don’t care about you and even discourage you from opening a case. However, if you loudly scream for help, locals will quickly gather and help you. The Swahili word for thief is “mwizi”, shouting it will get you a lot of attention, but might get the thief into serious trouble, since self-justice is widely spread in Tanzania.

History. Stand at the portal outside the old German headquarters from which many of the European explorers entered the hinterland, amongst them Burton, Speke and H.M. Stanley. Imagine the excitement as the caravans of men strode off to a land hetherto unknown to Europe.

Respect. Visit the Catholic mission north of the town. Pay homage to Dr. David Livingston whose body last rested here on African soil before being transported to London to be buried at Westminster Abbey.

Ruins. Visit the medieval Kaole ruins five kilometres south of Bagamoyo. The ruin of the mosque dates to the 13th and 14th centuries. Be aware that the entrance to the ruins is (as of 2013) 20.000 shillings (the ruins, although kind of nice, are not worth that amount of money). You might be able to “bargain” entrance at half price or even less. But even at that price, this is expansive for what there is to see.

Crocodile Farm. Visit the Crocodile farm 3km from bagamoyo right on the road to Kaole ruins.

Bagamoyo Excursions 

• Bagamoyo City tour
• Kaole ruins tour
• Crocodiles farm tour
• Visits to Caravan serai Museum
• Visits to Catholic Old church & Museum
• Visit to the Old port
• Fish market tour
• Visit Slave prison
• Visit Art market
• Hair braiding
• Cultural celebrations and events
• Swahili music performances and Traditional dances
• Local traditional games