Historic Bagamoyo
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Port
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$380
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 8 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Bagamoyo -- a mainland port close to Zanzibar -- has a checkered history indeed. It once served as a crossroads for trade caravans and for markets dealing in slaves and ivory. It was the terminus of missions and the site of the first Roman Catholic Church in Tanzania. The body of David Livingstone was brought here, carried for hundreds of miles from the interior, in 1874. European explorers such as Speke, Burton, Stanley, Peters and Emin Pascha all visited Bagamoyo at one time or another.
Your tour begins with the drive north. You'll stop at the Kaole Ruins to see the remains of mosques and tombs thought to have been in use between the 3rd and 4th centuries. From here, continue your drive to Bagmoyo.
Enjoy a buffet lunch at a local restaurant, followed by traditional dances performed by students from Bagamoyo College of Art.
Explore the sites of Bagamoyo. The Holy Ghost Mission consists of several buildings, including the First Church, which was established in 1872, the Father's House, the Mission Museum and the New Church, constructed from coral bricks in the early 1900s.
You will have a brief stop at the Old Fort for photos. Dating from around 1860, the initial purpose of the Old Fort was to hold slaves until they could be shipped to the larger market at Zanzibar. With its three stories, buttresses and battlements, it is quite an impressive sight. The building was used as a police post until 1992.
At the conclusion of your visit, relax for the return journey to Dar es Salaam.
Please note:
Shade is limited; please dress accordingly. Bring a hat and wear sunscreen. Bring bottled water. Do not take photos of police officers or military personnel; ask before taking a photo of a local person. You must obtain a yellow fever certificate prior to travel.