• Bagamoyo - Bagamoyo’s unique architecture and rich coastal culture are a testament to its pre and post-colonial past. Discover its many layers of history.
  The Old Fort in Bagamoyo holds a dark history as a marketplace for Arab traders, dating back to the early 1860s it was established as a market by Abdallah Suleiman Marhabi, an Arab trader. It was later used for illegal slave trade in 1870 under Sultan Said Barghash. From 1896, the Germans took over the fort and transformed it into a garrison with soldier barracks and a wall. In 1919, after World War I, the British converted it into a prison and added a roof. After Tanzania gained independence in 1974, it became a police station. Today, it stands as a reminder of its complex and turbulent past. Join us on a guided tour to explore its many layers of history.

• Old Boma - The Old Boma of Bagamoyo is a significant historical building located within the Old Town conservation area of Bagamoyo. Constructed in 1895 by the Germans, it served as the administrative headquarters for German East Africa until 1919 when it was taken over by the British following the end of Germany’s rule after the Versailles Treaty. From then on, it was used as the District Commissioner’s office until its decommission in 1997 due to structural issues. The building still holds an old iron safe left by the Germans, which remains locked and holds secrets from its past

• Kaole Ruins - Located 3 miles/4.8 km east of the Indian Ocean, this national historic site was founded as a trading town in the 8th century. The name Kaole was given by the Zaramo people, meaning “Go and See”. Today, the site contains two mosques, one of which was built in the 13th century by the Sultan of Kilwa and is considered the oldest in Tanzania and perhaps East Africa. The other mosque dates back to the 15th century and is accompanied by around 30 tombs, some of which are believed to belong to local rulers known as “diwanis”. The site also houses a small museum showcasing artifacts found in the ruins, including evidence of ancient trade relationships with China. Visit this fascinating site and take a journey back in time to the days of ancient trade and culture.

• Bagamoyo - Holy Ghost Mission Bagamoyo, Mango Tree Drive, Bagamoyo. This missionary complex is located on 1.2 miles/2 km nothern to the Old Bagamoyo town. It contains several buildings and historical features.
  In 1868, Father Antoine Horner of the Holy Ghost Fathers came to Bagamoyo looking to establish a mission here. The land required for the mission was gifted by Muslims under the leadership of Sultan Majid in 1868 itself. Soon thereafter, the first church (Holy Ghost Church) was built in 1872, after establishing the mission, making it not only the very first church in the area but also the mainland of East Africa. In 1874 the famous explorer Daving Livingstone was interred for the night at the Holy Ghost Mission; the Livingstone Tower, a part of the original church, is named in his honor.

• Bagamoyo - Old Fathers’ House
  Constructed in 1873, this three-story building in the pre-colonial mission style was intended to serve as the Holy Ghost Fathers’ residence. The building was completed in three phases, beginning with the ground floor in 1873, followed by the first floor in 1877 and the second floor in 1903. It features a broad balcony that adds to the charm of the structure.

• Bagamoyo Museum - Constructed in 1876 as The Sisters’ House, the Catholic Mission Museum houses a collection of poignant exhibits, including photographs of enslaved individuals bound by chains around their necks, relics of missionary activities and Christian conversion, historical books and booklets on the prehistory of Bagamoyo, Indian and Arab door frames, as well as shackles, chains and whips utilized during the transatlantic slave trade. Additionally, the museum showcases various locally crafted wooden artworks.

• Bagamoyo - Holy Ghost Church
  Sewa Haji, a wealthy Muslim trader and philanthropist, gifted the mission with 49,000 acres of land in 1892. The New Holy Ghost Church, which is larger than the original church, was built between 1910 and 1914 using coral stone blocks.
  Holy Grotto
  The Holy Grotto, located near the new Pilgrimage Chapel, was built by the “emancipated slaves” who lived in the mission. The construction began in 1876 and it was opened and consecrated in 1879 by Pope Leo XIII. This sacred place is visited by several thousand Catholics from all over Tanzania every year, who come to make pilgrimages to the holy site of Bagamoyo. The Holy Grotto is a testament to the strong faith of the local community and its enduring commitment to the Catholic Church.

• Bagamoyo - The Historical Baobab tree
  The massive Baobab tree in the churchyard is a popular attraction for visitors. It has an interesting story attached to it as a small piece of iron chain is attached to the tree. Legend has it that a French nurse, Madam Chevalier, once tied her donkey to the tree with the chain and forgot to remove it. As the tree grew to an enormous size of 7 meters (23 ft) in diameter over the centuries, the chain was left behind as a small piece of its history. In 2012, an additional 34 chain rings were added to preserve the tree’s legacy.

• Bagamoyo - Stop at: Old Market:
  The site now houses a small art gallery, but in the past, it was known as the Bagamoyo slave market. The slaves were brought here and kept under the shade of a group of trees before being transported to Zanzibar. It is said that there was an underground tunnel that led to the beach, allowing the slaves to be taken to the large slave market during high tide. Despite many attempts, the exact location of the tunnel has never been found. The customs house, located nearby, played a role in the slave trade as a bounty was paid for every slave exported from the port

• Bagamoyo - Bagamoyo Fish Market, near Bagamoyo beach, is a bustling seafood market where fishermen sell their daily catches. It offers a wide variety of seafood, including fish, crab, lobster, prawns, and octopus. The market is busiest in the morning when fishermen bring their catch, and customers can buy fish whole or in portions, even getting them cleaned and prepared on site. The old auction hall has historical significance from German colonial times.

Dhow Harbour in Bagamoyo is a historic trading port, once used for the ivory and slave trades during the 19th century. Today, it serves fishing boats and tourist excursions. Visitors can also enjoy beautiful sunrise and sunset views over the Indian Ocean at the harbor.

• Private transportation
• Alcoholic beverages (18+)
• Snacks
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• All fees and taxes
• Bottled water
• Lunch

• Breakfast
• Dinner
• Tips and Gratuities

The Bagamoyo tour stands out as a remarkable experience due to its captivating blend of history and culture. In this town, you can delve into the intertwined histories of both Islam and Christianity, with historical sites and stories from both religions. Moreover, Bagamoyo served as a significant old trade center for commodities like slavery, ivory, gum, and spices. This exceptional combination of historical and cultural elements makes the tour an extraordinary and enriching journey.

• The time missing in the itinerary corresponds to the time spent on trips between attractions.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.