Bagamoyo is the oldest town of Tanzania and was founded in the end of 18th
century. It is designated as a world heritage site by UNESCO. This tourism
destination has a very attractive natural beauty, pristine beaches and a
pleasant downtown.
The Bagamoyo (Tanzania) locals are unbelievably friendly, and are eager to share their stories with visitors. The town has some historic ruins and Ruvu river delta where you can often find wildlife such as hippos. A visit to Bagamoyo offers a glimpse into Tanzania’s past. Bagamayo's history has an influence of Arab and Indian traders, later by German colonization and Christian missionaries. The main trading goods were fish, salt, and gum, among other agricultural goods. In the first half of the 19th century, Bagamoyo became a trading port for ivory and the slave trade. It is located fifty five kilometers north of Dar-es-Salaam, Bagamoyo (“Lay down your heart”) was the original capital of German East Africa, and was, in its heyday, one of the most important slaving towns in East Africa.
Bagamoyo (Tanzania) has several travel points of interest, which can be visited over the course of two days. The best way to see Bagamoyo is on foot, and the ideal first stop after arriving is the Department of Antiquities office, located in an old German fort. A guide will join you at the fort, and will be your companion for the entire time you are visiting the sites.
A must see is the Roman Catholic Mission, a picturesque mission which is home to the oldest Roman Catholic Church in East and Central Africa. The first Catholic church at the mission was built in 1868 and in 1874, Dr. Livingstone’s body stayed at the Catholic mission before being sent to England for burial. Today, Bagamoyo (Tanzania) is a centre for dhow sailboat building.
The best time for Bagamoyo Tanzania travel is during the dry season between January-February and June to October. Bagamoyo is a very peaceful place, and offers a refuge from the bustling cities of Dar-es-Salaam and Arusha.
