Tourist Places to Visit in Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania, East Africa, Africa

Tourist Places to Visit in Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania, East Africa, Africa

Kilwa Kisiwani is a historical town in the southeastern part of the African country Tanzania, located between 8°57′35″ S latitude and 39°30′46″ E longitude. It was earlier the capital of the influential Medieval sultanate, Kilwa Sultanate. The town of Kilwa Kisiwani falls under the Kilwa District of the Lindi Region, is situated around 330 km south of Tanzania’s largest city, Dar es Salaam.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, Kilwa Kisiwani is one of the renowned historic tourist destinations in Tanzania, housing many landmark historic structures, including the Great Mosque and the Mkutini Palace.

History of Kilwa Kisiwani:

There are many proved and unproved theories about the origin of the Kilwa Sultanate, although one theory strongly claims the Persian prince of Shiraz, Ali ibn al-Hassan was the founder of Kilwa Sultanate in the 10th century and his family was in reign until 1277. Later Kilwa fell under the rule of the Arab family Abu Moaheb, who left the region with the invasion of Portuguese in 1505. Kilwa Kisiwani also witnessed the rule of the Germans and British from the late 19^th century until Tanzania’s independence.

How to reach Kilwa Kisiwani?

There is an airport, situated within the town premise, with name Kilwa Masoko Airport, connecting Kilwa Kisiwani to Dar es Salaam, Mafia Island, Pemba, Selous, Tanga, Zanzibar and many other Tanzanian destinations, catered by Coastal Aviation.

Kilwa Kisiwani is reachable by bus from the country’s largest city, Dar es Salaam. Trip may take 6 plus hours. Taxis and tuktuks are the convenient options to get around Kilwa Kisiwani.

Food and Shopping in Kilwa Kisiwani:

There are all sorts of shops and restaurants in Kilwa Kisiwani, mainly offering local specialties that are affordable and worth a price. Keep some cash in pocket as most shops in Kilwa don’t accept cards.

Things to do in Kilwa Kisiwani:

Cultural tours
Traditional shopping
Walking

What to see in Kilwa Kisiwani?

Kilwa Kisiwani:

Kilwa Kisiwani itself is an excellent tourist attraction, listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list in 1981. The most famous sites on Kilwa Kisiwani are the Great Mosque and the Mkutini Palace, both of these hold strong historical background that attract tourists from all around the country. The island of Kilwa Kisiwani can be reached by boat from the mainland town Kilwa Masoko.

Selous Game Reserve:

Established in 1922, the Selous Game Reserve is recognized as one of the largest wildlife centres of the globe. Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, the reserve is spread over an area of 54,600 sq. km, home to a substantial number of animals than any other game reserves in Africa. Some larger species include Cape buffalo, elephants, hippopotami and African Wild Dog. The reserve is situated around 40 km from Kilwa Kisiwani.

Kilwa Kivinji:

Kilwa Kivinji is one of the Kilwa towns, well known for its traditional structures that are charming and eye-catching. There are sightseeing options less in number but town has a very pleasant environment. It is worth a trip.

List of other places of interest in and around Kilwa Kisiwani includes:

Mikumi National Park
Kilwa Masoko Airport
Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve
Dar Es Salaam Botanical Garden
Benjamin William Mkapa Pension Tower
Makumbusho Village Museum
Beaches of Dar es Salaam
Azania Front Lutheran Church
Karimjee Hall
Mbudya Island
Askari Monument
National Museum of Tanzania
Wonder Workshop
Zoological Gardens in Dar es Salaam

When to visit Kilwa Kisiwani?

As like most parts of Tanzania, from June to October is the best time to visit Kilwa Kisiwani in Tanzania.

Where to stay in Kilwa Kisiwani?

Being a famous tourist destination, Kilwa Kisiwani holds many well facilitated hotels with upgraded amenities like AC, airport shuttle, TV and food on request service. Here are some nice hotels in and around Kilwa Kisiwani: