Excursion Kilwa kisiwani ruins with kilwa masoko tour at Kilwa Kisiwani

Explore the Tanzanian island of Kilwa Kisiwani on this half-day archeological adventure. In 1981 the entire island was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO to preserve the area's history as the seat of the medieval Kilwa Sultanate that held authority over the entire Swahili Coast and as a prosperous center of the gold, ivory, and slave trade. The culture thrived because the reliability of the monsoon winds made navigation easy and predictable.  

Transfer by Zodiac to Kilwa Kisiwani pier. Your two-hour sightseeing “history crawl” begins here as your guide briefs you on the site's historical significance before together you set out on foot for the Kilwa Ruins.

Meander among the coral and lime mortar ruins that include the Malindi Mosque and cemetery. Explore the Gereza (prison) or Arab Fort constructed on the remains of the Portuguese fort, that still can be seen from afar. Experience the site of the eighteenth century walled Makutani Palace complex that housed the main palace, residences, and private mosques. Discover the unusual tombs of the sultans. Walk among the remains of the fifteenth century Jangwani Mosque and its contemporary, the Small Domed Mosque. Explore the Great Mosque, with its sixteen vaulted and domed bays, dating to the eleventh century. See what is left of the fourteenth century Great House thought to be the home and final resting place of Sultan Sulaiman. Despite the buildings being in various states of deterioration and excavation, you may be astounded by how well preserved some are. Imagine the wealth of the Sultans as you envisage the royal lifestyle and the splendor of the time.  

Note

Please note: There is about two to three hours of walking on this excursion over unpaved, uneven surfaces for approximately 1.5km (0.93 mi), making this tour unsuitable for those in wheelchairs or for guests with walking difficulties. Guests are recommended to wear flat, comfortable non-slip walking shoes and should also bring sunhats, sunglasses and sunscreen as there is little shade on the island.