• Bagamoyo - Embark on a day trip from Dar es Salaam to Bagamoyo and explore the rich history of the Old Fort, a key heritage site. Constructed in the 1860s by Arab trader Abdallah Suleiman Marhabi, this coastal fortress was a hub for the slave trade, a German garrison in 1896, and a British prison by 1919. After gaining independence in 1974, it became a police station. Now a preserved heritage site, it symbolizes resilience and historical change. Join a top Bagamoyo tour to walk its corridors and connect with the stories that shaped Tanzania’s history.

Your journey will also lead you through the town’s serene streets, lined with coral stone buildings, ancient mosques, and colonial relics that reflect Bagamoyo’s diverse cultural heritage. This full-day tour combines education, emotion, and stunning coastal views, making it a must for history enthusiasts and curious travelers.

• Old Boma - The Old Boma in Bagamoyo is a notable historical building within the Old Town conservation area. Built in 1895 by the Germans, it served as the administrative center for German East Africa until 1919, when the British took over following the end of German rule after the Versailles Treaty. It was then used as the District Commissioner’s office until 1997 when structural issues led to its decommissioning. The building still contains 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, the Kaole Ruins are a cornerstone of Bagamoyo heritage and a national historic site established as a trading town in the 8th century. Named “Kaole” by the Zaramo people, meaning “Go and See,” this site is a must-visit for top Bagamoyo activities. It features two historic mosques, including one built in the 13th century by the Sultan of Kilwa, potentially the oldest in Tanzania and East Africa. The second mosque, from the 15th century, is surrounded by approximately 30 tombs, some belonging to local rulers called “diwanis.” A small museum on-site displays artifacts, including evidence of ancient trade with China, showcasing the rich Bagamoyo cultural legacy. Embark on a Bagamoyo historical tour to explore this captivating site and step back into the era of ancient trade and culture.

• Bagamoyo - Holy Ghost Mission Bagamoyo, Mango Tree Drive, Bagamoyo. This missionary complex is located 1.2 miles/2 km north of Old Bagamoyo town. It contains several buildings and historical features. In 1868, Father Antoine Horner of the Holy Ghost Fathers came to Bagamoyo to establish a mission. The land for the mission was gifted by Muslims under Sultan Majid’s leadership in 1868. Soon after, the first church (Holy Ghost Church) was built in 1872, making it the first church in the area and on the mainland of East Africa. In 1874, the famous explorer David Livingstone was interred for the night at the Holy Ghost Mission; the Livingstone Tower, 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 - As part of the best Bagamoyo tours and excursions, the Catholic Mission Museum stands out as a deeply moving historical site. Established in 1876 as The Sisters’ House, it’s located in the heart of historical Bagamoyo town—a former hub in the East African slave trade. The museum showcases emotional exhibits: images of enslaved individuals, chains and whips, and rare religious artifacts. It also includes Indian and Arab architectural pieces and local wooden artwork. Visitors can explore rooms once used by missionaries and learn about the region’s role in trade, religion, and resistance. A visit here, often featured in a well-curated Bagamoyo historical tour, offers a powerful perspective on the region’s cultural and colonial past—making it an essential stop for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Tanzania’s heritage.

• 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, larger than the original, 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. Construction began in 1876 and it was opened and consecrated in 1879 by Pope Leo XIII. This sacred place is visited by thousands of 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. 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

This Bagamoyo tour stands out as it provides a rare chance to delve into the rich history and culture of a town designated as a Bagamoyo UNESCO Heritage site. Unlike many other places, Bagamoyo showcases the intertwined legacies of Islam and Christianity through its ancient mosques, mission houses, and sacred landmarks. Strolling along the Bagamoyo slave trade route, visitors gain a profound understanding of the region’s past and its involvement in the trade of ivory, gum, and spices.

A Bagamoyo Day Trip from Dar es Salaam offers travelers a comprehensive exploration of this vibrant town, revealing its historical significance beyond surface-level attractions. For those seeking meaningful activities in Bagamoyo in 2025, this tour provides an emotional and educational experience that highlights the town’s cultural heritage and colonial history in a way few others can match.

• 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.