Kilwa

Kilwa is a historic coastal town in Tanzania, known for its rich history and stunning natural beauty

Perfect

 4.8/5

from 5 reviews

About the National Park

Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara are two of the most important historical sites in Kilwa. Kilwa Kisiwani is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its well-preserved ruins of mosques, palaces, and houses, showcasing the town’s former glory. Songo Mnara is another archaeological site, featuring ruins of a Swahili stone town.The Kilwa Kisiwani site covers approximately 30 hectares, while Songo Mnara covers around 15 hectares.

Adventures

Exploring the ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara is an adventure in itself, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich history. Visitors can also enjoy boat trips along the coast, snorkeling, and diving in the clear waters of the Indian Ocean, discovering vibrant marine life and ancient shipwrecks.

Tourism

Kilwa is a relatively quiet and off-the-beaten-path destination, perfect for travelers looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in history and nature. The town offers a few guesthouses and lodges for accommodation, along with local restaurants serving delicious Swahili cuisine.

Additional Activities

Apart from exploring the historical sites and enjoying water activities, visitors to Kilwa can also visit nearby fishing villages, interact with the local communities, and experience traditional Swahili culture. Sunset cruises along the coast are also popular among tourists.

Wildlife

Kilwa is not known for its wildlife, but visitors might spot some bird species along the coast and in the nearby mangrove forests. The vegetation in Kilwa consists of coastal vegetation, including mangrove forests and palm trees. Kilwa has a tropical climate with hot and humid conditions throughout the year. The rainy season typically occurs from March to May and October to December.

Accessibility

Kilwa is accessible by road from Dar es Salaam, but the journey can be long and bumpy. It’s also possible to reach Kilwa by boat from nearby coastal towns.

Activity details

Kilwa Kisiwani

Situated off the coast of Tanzania, the island of Kilwa Kisiwani (“isle of the fish”) was once the center of one of the greatest empires in East Africa. From the 9th century all the way up until the 19th century, Kilwa Kisiwani was a wealthy and powerful port, reaching its peak around the the late-Middle Ages

Kilwa Kivinje

The quiet town of Kilwa Kivinje became the terminus of the southern slave caravan in the early 1800s. The mainland port of Kilwa Kivinje is a wide sandy port, which is still an ideal landing beach for wooden boats. By 1850, Kivinje had grown into a settlement of 12-15,000 inhabitants, including many wealthy families of Indian descent, and the regional center of the slave trade.

Rukila Island, Kilwa

Early morning walking safari into the Nyerere National Park, usually start at 6-6.30am after early morning tea or coffee, accompanied by an armed ranger and it will take around 2-3 hours long. Walking safari is a fantastic way to experience more about the Selous Bushes.