Culture & Heritage · Southern Tanzanian Coast
Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani
The remains of a major medieval Swahili trading city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, that once dealt in gold, ivory and Chinese porcelain.
How to get there
By road and boat from the southern coastal town of Kilwa Masoko.
What to find
Ruined mosques, palaces and fortifications testifying to centuries of Indian Ocean trade.
Overview
Kilwa Kisiwani is an island off Tanzania's southern coast, and was once one of the richest Swahili trading cities, controlling much of the gold trade from southern Africa between the 13th and 15th centuries. The traveller Ibn Battuta visited in 1331 and called it one of the most beautiful towns in the world.
Together with nearby Songo Mnara, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. Its ruins include the Great Mosque, the palace of Husuni Kubwa and a later Omani fort.
Highlights
- The Great Mosque of Kilwa
- The Husuni Kubwa palace ruins
- The Gereza fort
- The ruins of Songo Mnara on a nearby island
Things to do
Guided ruins tour
A short boat ride from Kilwa Masoko, then a guided walk.
Best time to visit
June to October is driest.
Getting there
By road from Dar es Salaam to Kilwa Masoko (about 5 to 6 hours), then a short boat crossing. Visits need a permit from the local antiquities office, which we arrange.
Where to stay
Simple lodges and guesthouses in Kilwa Masoko.
See accommodation options in Tanzania →
Good to know
- A rewarding detour for history lovers, and very few visitors.
Permit prices, park rules and access can change. We always confirm the latest details when we plan your trip.