Bagamoyo

Bagamoyo is steeped in history, as it was the original main port for the region, used until the harbour silted up and the Germans moved their base of operations to what is now Dar es Salaam. The name Bagamoyo itself has many meanings, among which is 'Lay down your heart' thought to originate from the days when the slave caravans stopped here to load their human cargo aboard ship - this was the last many slaves saw of their homeland. It is estimated that at the height of the slave trade during the mid-19th century approximately 50,000 captives arrived in Bagamoyo each year.

These days, Bagamoyo has several popular beach resorts, and is only 70km north of Dar es Salaam on a tarmac road. There is a range of accommodation available here, mostly along the beach looking out over the clear blue water of the Indian Ocean.

Bagamoyo has a lot of historical and cultural features, such as old colonial German ruins, the church in which the body of Livingstone was kept when it was brought out of the heartland of Africa, traditional beautifully intricately carved wooden doors, and crumbling old architecture. The main Town Museum is well worth a visit, staffed by proud local people who will give you the tour and give you all the local background - legend, gossip and history! The Kaole Ruins, which date back to the 12th century, are a rare relic of ancient culture on the shoes of Africa - situated to the south of the town center, they are easily reachable and anyone in town can direct you.

For more information on staying in Bagamoyo contact us.