Kilwa Kisiwani is an island reached by dhow and has an amazingly well preserved collection of ruins. On arrival as you sail from the mainland the most striking sight is the old Omani Fort, which is built on the foundations of an old Portuguese fort.
The Big Mosque dates from the 12th Century and was once the largest mosque in East Africa.
The Sultan´s palace is located directly south of the mosque and contains four graves.
The small mosque dates from the 15th Century is still in use today.
The large complex of walls in the west of the island is called "Makutani" and contains a palace from the 18th Century, another Sultanas palace, and a mosque from the 15th Century.
All the way to the east of the island there are the ground walls of the "Husuni Kubwa", once the largest building in tropical Africa.

Local guides give tours of the ruins and dhows can be arranged from the small jetty on the mainland. The site is quite spread out and you can easily spend a whole day walking around all the ruins. It can be very hot whilst touring the ruins and there is not much shade so take lots of water, a hat and suntan lotion.

Kilwa Kivinje, was an ancient Arabian slave and ivory trading town, where caravans departed for expeditions to the interior.
When the Germans assumed control at the end of the 19th century, the colonial government built a fort and extended the town. Today you can still find a Market Hall, the Fort, and two pillars commemorating the one for the dead of the Maji Maji War.

KILWA PHOTO GALLERY

ACTIVITIES IN KILWA

In addition to visiting the ruins at Kilwa Kisiwani there are several other enjoyable excursions in the vicinity.

There are some good snorkelling and diving sites close to Kilwa Masoko Bay.

The mangrove forests along this section of coastline provide fantastic birding expeditions which are conducted sailing by dhow or powerboat.

Kilwa is world famous for some of the best Big Game Fishing grounds along the East African Coast.
Fully equipped big game fishing vessels are available with expert crews.

A full- day trip into the Matumbi Hills can be arranged to visit the Matumbi cave complex. The caves were used as a hide- out during the 1905 to 1907 Maji Maji Uprising. The caves are however now used as a place of worship.

Try our Wilderness Safari and Swahili Coast Itinerary