DZ07 – Bagamoyo Day Trip tour

Bagamoyo means “lay down your heart” in Swahili. It was formed in 1886 by German as a capital of East Africa. Reputedly this comes from the feelings of the enslaved people when they finally reached the end of their long haul through the interior under the most terrible conditions

We depart early morning and head to Bagamoyo Town, north of Dar es Salaam. You will visit:-

• historic buildings
• a slave port
• Coral Mosques at Kaole
• graves and other relics from the 13th century
• the old ferry at the Great Wami River
• and relics of the slave trade such as shackle rings, and stone pens

Lunch at Paradise Local Restaurant (or similar), then return to Dar late afternoon.

Places to visit:

Kaole Ruins

The oldest ruins of an Islamic mosque in the region stemming from the 13th century, a few km south of Bagamoyo near Kaole, are said to be the oldest mosque in the mainland of East Africa.

Bagamoyo Church

The church was built in 1868 and is considered the first church on the East Coast of Africa. Also, there are:

• a cemetery where the early missionaries were buried and a small shrine built by formerly enslaved people in 1876.
• It is understood that between 1934 and 1991, 35 Dutch priests worked here. The last of this long line of priests was Father Frits Versteijnen, who lived in Bagamoyo for 30 years. He built the first museum in the Old Father’s House in March 1968.
• The Second Father’s House in Bagamoyo, constructed close to the church, has also fallen victim to the corrosive effects of the relentless humid climate in the coastal region. Its ground floor was built in 1873, the first floor in 1877 and the second floor in 1903.

The Old Boma

Built in 1895-1897 as residence and offices for the German colonial governor. In 1998 the roof and the balcony collapsed during the El Nino rains. The building is still fascinating but in a dangerous state.

Chuo cha Sanaa. (College of Arts)

It Is the only major arts college in Tanzania, with faculties for dancing, music, drama and painting. It is situated along the Kaole road, close to Kaole ruins. On weekends students give free performances allowing visitors to acquaint themselves with traditional dances. It is also possible to learn to play various local music instruments with the college, but this has to be arranged and negotiated in advance.

Bagamoyo Museum

In 1886, German East Africa was formed, and Bagamoyo was its capital. Bagamoyo means “lay down your heart” in Swahili. Reputedly this comes from the feelings of the enslaved people when they finally reached the end of their long haul through the interior under the most terrible conditions.

The museum relates the story of slavehood in eastern and central Africa. Bagamoyo was the endpoint of slave caravans from the north, the west and the south. Pictures and old photos depict the slave trade, the routes, markets and famous traders such as Tipu Tipp, as do several relics such as the iron chains and shackles.

Nearby, a small chapel known as the Anglican Church of the Holy Cross is where the remains of David Livingstone were laid before they were taken to Zanzibar en route to Westminster Abbey for burial.

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• All activities as per the itinerary
• All Accommodation as per itinerary – N.B. accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is dependent on availabilty at the time of booking; alternatives of a similar class may be booked instead
• All meals as per itinerary (3 a day unless otherwise stated)
• All transfers to and from agreed pick up and drop off points (e.g. Airport, Bus Station or hotel in town etc)
• All camping gear (if you are camping)
• Service of an English speaking driver/guide
• Safari base 4×4 Vehicle with open roof for game viewing (sometimes a saloon car or other SUV for excursions in town etc.)
• Driver’s salary and allowances and park fees for vehicle and driver
• Bottled mineral water daily
• All Government taxes
• All Museum Fees.
• All Historic and Culture Site or Event Fees

• Extras, personal expenses i.e. drinks, telephone, laundry etc.
• Optional activities not outlined on the itinerary
• International flights & corresponding taxes
• Visa
• Flying doctors rescue services
• Travel, medical, injury and luggage insurances
• Tips to the driver & guides
• Anything else not mentioned in the inclusions (above).