Kilwa

Another old town in East Africa is Kilwa, and is actually divided into three different towns: Kilwa Kivinje, Kilwa Masoko and Kilwa Kisiwani. Kilwa Masoko is the most developed town and the regional hub whilst Kilwa Kivinje and Kilwa Kisiwani have spectacular historical attractions.

Kilwa Kisiwani is an island reached by dhow and has an amazingly well preserved collection of ruins. On arrival, as you sail from the mainland, the most striking sight is the old Omani Fort, which is built on the foundations of an old Portuguese fort.

The Great Mosque dates from the 12th Century and was once the largest mosque in East Africa. The Sultan´s palace is located directly south of the mosque and contains four graves. The small mosque dates from the 15th c. and is still in use today. The large complex of walls in the west of the island is called "Makutani" and contains a palace from the 18th c. another of the Sultan’s palace, and a mosque from the 15th c. . All the way to the east of the island there are the ground walls of the "Husuni Kubwa", once the largest building in tropical Africa.

Local guides give tours of the ruins and dhows can be arranged from the small jetty on the mainland. The site is quite extensive and you can easily spend a whole day walking around the ruins.

It can be very hot whilst touring the ruins, and there is little shade. It is suggested that you take a good supply of water, a hat and sun screen lotion.

Kilwa Kivinje, was an ancient Arabian slave and ivory trading town, where caravans departed for expeditions to the interior. When the Germans assumed control at the end of the 19th c., the colonial government built a fort and extended the town. Today you can still find the Market Hall, the Fort, and two pillars commemorating the dead of the Maji Maji War (Water Rebellion) of the 19th c.

Kilwa Masoko iIs a port town on the Indian Ocean. It is located in southern Tanzania on Mso Bay, about 240 kilometers from Dar Es Salaam.Kilwa is located in the Lindi Region of Tanzania. It is the site of well preserved ruins from the Ottoman Arab era. It is believed that the society that was present in this city later developed into the Swahili society known along the coast of East Africa.

Is the present-day town center and literally translated means "Kilwa of the Market". It lies on a peninsula and is the local area's administrative and commercial center. Having said that the town retains a sleepy, friendly atmosphere and the local people are extremely welcoming.

The harbour at Kilwa Masoko is the starting point for atmospheric dhow trips to the neighbouring Kilwa Kiswani UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also possible to dive and see some of the marine archaeological sites. Trips are arranged with the lodges.

Most of the tourist hotels, lodges and dive centers that are found around Kilwa are located in Kilwa Masoko. You will find that it is the best place to go shopping for souvenirs or food supplies in the area.

Kilwa Masoko is the least interesting of the towns that make up Kilwa today, at least in terms of history. The modern town right now is the center of commerce as well as the location of all the available modern facilities.