Bagamoyo
Begins on Endless Adventures
Discover the historical significance of this town, known for its role in the slave trade.
Bagamoyo, a historic coastal town in Tanzania, offers a rich blend of culture, history, and scenic beauty. Once a major port and trading center during the 19th century, Bagamoyo is now a peaceful town known for its well-preserved heritage. Stroll through narrow streets lined with colonial-era buildings, visit the Bagamoyo Museum to learn about its vibrant past, and explore the Kaole Ruins, which date back to the 13th century. The town’s beautiful beaches and vibrant arts scene, with local artists showcasing their works, add to its charm.
The town of Bagamoyo was one of the most important trading ports on the East African coast and the penultimate stop of slave and ivory caravans travelling on foot from Lake Tanganyika on their way to Zanzibar. Missionaries active in abolishing the slave trade made Bagamoyo, whose name means ‘bury my heart’ in Kiswahili, a centre for their activities.
Bagamoyo is a quiet village with a few German colonial buildings still standing. In the past, the town of Bagamoyo was one of the most important trading ports on the entire East African coast. Its port was the penultimate stop of slave and ivory caravans that travelled on foot all the way from Lake Tanganyika. Once the caravans reached Bagamoyo, the slaves and ivory were shipped by dhow to Zanzibar, where they were then dispatched all over the world. These days, Bagamoyo is a centre of dhow building in the region and along the Tanzanian Coast.
Key Highlights
- Historic sites including colonial buildings and the Bagamoyo Museum.
- Kaole Ruins, dating back to the 13th century.
- Beautiful beaches and a vibrant local arts scene.
