Travel to Bagamoyo

a fabulously atmospheric place to explore

Set on the mainland coast of Tanzania opposite Zanzibar Island, Bagamoyo is an ancient port, a slave-trading and missionary centre of significant historical interest.

For centuries Bagamoyo served as the main base for Arabic slave and ivory trade in the interior of Africa.

The great trading caravans that passed through here were later joined by European explorers including Livingstone and Stanley.

The Holy Ghost Mission Station was established in 1871 as part of a concerted European campaign to end slavery in East Africa. The main buildings contain an excellent and very informative museum.

The avenue of mango trees which leads to the mission is a powerful symbol of the old slave route from the interior. There is a corresponding avenue almost 1000 km east at Ujiji on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

The church here is reputed to be the earliest Christian building on the East African mainland.

The modestly impressive thirteenth century Kaole Ruins are located on the coast around 4 km south.

Modern day Bagamoyo has a reputation for being something of a centre for the arts. However, the place remains way off the radar for the vast majority of international travellers.

Bagamoyo can be explored at any time of year. Although it can experience high rainfall in Nov-Dec and Mar-May, this tends to fall in dramatic downpours, with lots of sunshine in between.

Getting there

Bagamoyo is usually reached by road from Dar es Salaam, a journey of around three hours. It may be possible to visit when travelling by road between Dar es Salaam and Saadani National Park which lies further north up the coast.

Where to stay

The best accommodation in the Bagamoyo area is at Lazy Lagoon, some 10km to the south.

sometimes visited when driving from Dar es Salaam to Saadani