Swahili Coast

Bagamoyo

Description: Bagamoyo is gaining ground as a popular alternate to Zanzibar. It is here that you will find similarities to Zanzibar (beautiful beaches and historic sites) without the large numbers of tourists.

Bagamoyo is now little more than a small town, but it used to be one of the most important ports in East Africa. It was a leading port for the ivory and slave trade. The area around Bagamoyo features a number of ancient buildings, some dating back more than 800 years.

These days, Bagamoyo is known as the ‘arts capital’ of Tanzania. It boasts an annual arts festival from the end of September into early October. There are an increasing number of good beach resorts to choose from, though be aware that sometimes security on the beach can be an issue.

Location: Less than 2 hours north of Dar es Salaam

Things 2 Do: Dance & Drum Classes, Diving, Snorkeling, Windsurfing, Fishing, Bagamoyo Historical Town Tour, Boat Trip

Time: A minimum of 2 nights.

Accommodations

$
Badeco Beach Hotel
Palm Tree Village Beach Resort

$$
Livingstone Club
Millennium Sea Breeze Resort
Oceanic Bay Hotel
Travellers Lodge

$$$
Lazy Lagoon Island Lodge

Kilwa Kisiwani

Description: At its height, Kilwa Kisiwani was the single most important trading center on the East African coast, and the ruins here include several mosques, a fourteenth-century palace (in its time the largest stone structure in sub-Saharan Africa) and a well-preserved Omani fortress. This is also a terrific place to go game fishing.

Location: Southern coast, reached by daily flights from Dar es Salaam.

Things 2 Do: Game Fishing, Snorkeling, Diving, Sunbathing, Swimming, Birding

Time: Minimum 3 nights.

Accommodations

$$
Kilwa Ruins Lodge
Kilwa Seaview Resort

Pangani

Description: Although it is not well known as a coastal destination, this small and historic town has attractive sandy beaches, a friendly and laid-back atmosphere, and a wealth of decaying colonial buildings dating from the slave trade and the German occupation. It is also a good place for cultural visits. All this makes it a great place to get away from it all and just relax. For those who like a beach without the crowds, this is a good alternative to Zanzibar.

Location: Northern Tanzania coast, south of Tanga, can be reached by flight to Tanga or in conjunction with a trip to the Usambara Mountains and/or Amani Reserves.

Things 2 Do: Diving, Snorkeling, Boat Rides, Fishing, Wind Surfing, Bird Watching, Cultural Tours, Walking and Spelunking.

Time: Spend at least 3 nights.