Historical & Natural Description — Songo Mnara

• In the 14th century Songo Mnara prospered as an extension of Kilwa Kisiwani under the Shirazi Sultanate of Al-Hasani bin Suleiman. Increased trade and settlement led to many new buildings and a growing merchant population. The town remained occupied until the 18th century, when it was gradually abandoned in favor of Kilwa Kivinje.
• Nature reclaimed the island: baobabs and other trees now grow among palace ruins and houses. About 30 dwelling complexes (some two-storey) and five mosques lie within the town walls, including the Great Mosque, the Sultan’s Office, the Sultan’s Palace, the Great House, and several unexcavated accommodation houses.
• The tower named “Mnara,” built outside the town wall, is a notable landmark. Songo Mnara is among the best-preserved historical sites in Tanzania’s islands.
• The small local community practices fishing; simple coconut-leaf huts form a fishermen’s camp that visitors can observe. Between the camp and the UNESCO ruins is a scenic ~200 m mangrove path teeming with fish, crabs, monkeys and birds.
• The underwater environment supports healthy coral reefs (mushroom, hump, finger acropora, table coral) and abundant reef fish — ideal for snorkeling and diving (Indian lionfish, butterflyfish, bannerfish, trevally, moorish idol, parrotfish, etc.).