BAGAMOYO: LAY DOWN YOUR HEART

Bagamoyo is a historical town in the Tanzanian coast. It is the capital of the Bagamoyo district and it is a hub for artists and the perfect place to get to know about some very important parts of the Tanzanian history.

This is a guide to Bagamoyo where you can find all the best acitivities to do in the area and all you need to know about Bagamoyo historical sites. I stayed in Bagamoyo for a whole month and I know the town pretty well. I am sharing some of my photos and tips about the place to help you make the best of your stay in this lovely town, that has remained an off the beaten path destination, despite its proximity to famous Zanzibar.

Let’s jump into this guide and get to know the best things to do in Bagamoyo.

TIP: If you would like to see the main attractions in one day this highly rated historical tour of Bagamoyo will bring you to the best sites in the town.

For trip organizaon of some of the activities contact Bakari Hoya ( Trip Advisor ) on What’sApp +255 655 385 109.

ABOUT BAGAMOYO

Bagamoyo is a town in Tanzania which great historical importance. The town is mainly known for its role in the East Africa’s slave trade. The name Bagamoyo means in Swahili “lay down of the heart”. Bagamoyo was the place where the slaves who had been brought from far away locations in mainland will be sent to Zanzibar, where they were sold to be shipped to far away locations. Bagamoyo was the point of not return for the slaves and it was here where they needed to lay down the heart and give up all hope that they would see family members ever again.

Bagamoyo served also as the capital of German East African during the colonial period. From the late 19th centry until the World War I the town was an important administrative center for German colonial authorities.

👉 I recommend this historical tour of Bagamoyo

There are several testimonies in the town of the German invasion. Like the monument in the photo below:

WHERE IS BAGAMOYO LOCATED

Bagamoyo is located on the Tanzanian coast, in front of the Unguja island, in the Zanzibar archipelago and  just 59 Km from Dar Es Salaam and, the main business center in Tanzania.

Find here a pin with the Bagamoyo’s location:

HOW TO GET TO BAGAMOYO

There are several transportation options to get to Bagamoyo, depending from your departure point.

By Road: Bagamoyo is accessible by road from various parts of Tanzania. If you’re already in Tanzania, you can take a bus, minibus (dala dala), or hire a taxi from nearby cities such as Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar. The road journey offers scenic views of the Tanzanian countryside.

By Air: The closest major airport is Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. From there, you can take a taxi or arrange for a private transfer to Bagamoyo, which is approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive depending on traffic. You can book your Dar Es Salaam airpot transfer to Bagamoyo online.

By Ferry: If you’re coming from Zanzibar, you can take a ferry from Stone Town to Dar es Salaam and then proceed to Bagamoyo by road as mentioned above.

By Tourist Shuttle: Some tour operators offer shuttle services from popular tourist destinations like Dar es Salaam to Bagamoyo. These shuttles typically provide a convenient and comfortable option for travelers.

BAGAMOYO HISTORICAL SITES AND THINGS TO DO

Bagamoyo is home to some of the most important historical sites in Tanzania and to some other outdoor and art activities that will make your time in this town unforgettable.

OLDEST CHURCH IN EAST AFRICA

The Holy Ghost Mission , which is the oldest standing church in East Africa, in Bagamoyo stands as a testament of the missionary work in East Africa. It was established in the late 19th century by French missionaries and it served as a center to spread Christianity in the region.

The mission played a central role in education, healthcare and social welfare and contributed to the development of Bagamoyo communities. It also played a crucial part in helping freed slaves during the abolitionist movement. When slavery was abolished in East Africa, the mission served as sanctuary, shelter and assistance to those who had been freed.

KAOLE RUINS

The Kaole ruins are located just 6 Km from Bagamoyo center and they are an archeological site rich in historical cultural meaning. They date back to the 13th century and they are a complex of tombs, mosques, and structures made of coral stone.  They are belieived to have been part of a Swahili trading settlement.

👉I recommend this historical tour of Bagamoyo

CARAVAN SERAI

The Caravan Serai is a historical site that served as a stop place for caravans traveling along the East African cost. It was built during the era of the slave trade and it was shelter for traders, porters and travelers.

It provided a central rold in facilitating the trade between the interior of East Africa and the coast and it was a hub for exchange of goods. Today it can be visited as a museum where you can find the original routes and an exhibits of the slave trade routes.

👉I recommend this historical tour of Bagamoyo

500 + YEARS OLD BAOBAB

At the entrance of the Kaole ruins there is a Baobab tree estimated to be more than 500 years. The tree is believed to be sacred by the local people and they come to walk around and seek healing from the spirits that inhabits it.

It is the biggest Baobab I have seen in all my travels around Africa and it has really some power. Ideal to practice some tree hugging.

BAGAMOYO MUSEUM

The Bagamoyo museum is location inside th Catholic mission in and it is a testament of the historic events that happened in the town. A visit to the museum will bring you on a journey backwards in time, exploring the region’s rich heritage. You will learn a lot about the slave trade and the events that happened at Bagamoyo through photographs and artifacts located inside the museum.

OLD BOMA

The old or German boma in Bagamoyo was erected in the late 19th century. It was the  resident of regional leaders before the capital to Mzizima, now Dar es Salaam, due to shallow port waters.

Later the British used it for other purposes from 1919 to 1961 qnd it stopped functioning as a state house once the trasition to Tanzanian government happened. The Old Boma was designated as a heritage site.

SAADANI NATIONAL PARK

Saadani national park is located locatred just 75 Km from Bagamoyo and it is a very special place as you can have the safari and coast experience at the same time. From beaches to savannas and dense mangrove forest, it is one of the most unerrated national parks in Tanzania.  You can expec to ecounter elephants, lions, buffaloes, and an array of bird species. The magic of this park is that you will be able to encounter lion, elephants and other sort of animals at the beach.

For Saadani safari  organizaon from Bagamoyo contact Bakari Hoya ( Trip Advisor ) on What’sApp +255 655 385 109.

COLLEGUE OF ARTS

The Collegue of Arts in Bagamoyo is the top place for cultural and artistic education in Tanzania. It is located in the historical town in Bagamoyo and it is famous for its programs in performing arts, mucis and cultural studies.

Many Tanzanian celebrities have studied in this school and as a foreign visitor you can also take some lessons at this school. The place is a hub for creativity anc cultural understanding.

WALK AT THE BEACH

Taking a walk at the beach is a look into the Bagamoyo cultural life. You will encounter transport boats, fisherman and even cattle walking in the sea.

One of my favorite things to do when I was in Bagamoyo was to walk at the beach and just observe all the activities taking place there.

VISIT THE BAGAMOYO ART MARKET

The Art Market is pretty unique and you will find some really special artworks that you will not find anywhere else in Tanzania. The quality and originaly of the paintings in this market is remarkable compared to those of other markets in Tanzania. You will not only find paintings but , sculptures, jewelry, textiles, and traditional crafts, all reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The market offers a unique opportunity to interact with artists, learn about their creative processes, and purchase authentic handmade souvenirs. With its lively atmosphere and authentic offerings, the Bagamoyo Art Market is a must-visit when in the town.

ZARANINGE FOREST RESERVE

The Zaraninge forest  is a forest very close to Bagamoyo with a very strong magrove system. Its lush greenery and waters are home to a rich biodiversity of plant and animal life, including some mangrove speices. The forest is home to a diversity of plant and animal life.

The forest is the perfect place to hike and unplug in an idyllic setting.

FIRST FACTORY BUILDING

The first factory in Bagamoyo has a significant importance, being a cornerstone in the town’s industrial development. It was likely established by German colonizers in the 19th century.  There are not clear specific details available on what it was produced in the factory.

The factory represents the beginnings of modernization and economic growth in Bagamoyo, laying the groundwork for the future as a center of industry and trade.

VISIT THE FISH MARKET

The fish market in Bagamoyo was one of my favorite places to eat fresh fish. I am in love with Tanzanian fish markets and I can tell you, even if they look dirty and shabby the food is cooked with a lot of care and I never got sick.

You can walk around the market just when the boats come from the sea and get the most fresh fish you can imagine. From prawns, to squids, and sometime even some delicious lobster.

If you do not have kitchen in your hotel you can always tell one of the mammas in the market to cook it for you with some “Kachumbari” ( salad ) and fries or rice.

Be prepare to negotiate the price as it is a custome in Tanzania to negotiate for everything.

WHERE TO STAY IN BAGAMOYO

I have stayed in several places in Bagamoyo and I am recommending you here my top picks:

Firefly:  This is the most popular place to stay for foreign tourists in Bagamoyo. The place features shared dormitory rooms and also private rooms, a round pool with some lounge tables and a beautiful decorated garden.

Mikoko Bungalows: This places along the cost line has stunning sea views and an array of amenities. This property has also a beautiful garden with an outdoor fireplace and picnic area. This place is very close to the Kaole ruins and bit far from the center but in a very quiet area.

WHERE TO EAT IN BAGAMOYO

There some very nice places to eat in Bagamoyo. Find here my favorites:

• Poa poa restaurant: This place does not only offer good food but also a great setting and decoration to eat. If has a lovely roof terrace where you can enjoy magical dinners. They have really nice tomato and onion soup if you are missing some European food.
• D’Z restaurant: This restaurant serves only swahili food and it is really good quality. I used to come here for breakfast or lunch many days. They have delicious samosas and soup.

• Nashe’s café: This place is located in front of the Poa Poa and it has also some western delicacies and really nice decorated place.

BAGAMOYO FAQs

IS BAGAMOYO WORTH VISITING?

Yes, Bagamoyo is really worth a visit and you will for sure have an unforgettable culturally immersive experience in the Tanzanian culture and the arts scence in the country.

WHAT IS BAGAMOYO FAMOUS FOR?

Bagamoyo is famous for being a former trading port and a center of the East African slave trade. It has stunning beaches and a vibrant art scene in a cultural diverse environment.

WHY IS BAGAMOYO REMEMBERED?

Bsgamoyo is remembered for the slave trade activities that happened in the town and it also gained recognition for being the starting point for famous explorers like David Livingstone.