Kilwa Kisiwani is a small island off Tanzania's southern coast, and its ruins tell the story of a wealthy medieval trading town that minted its own coins. Together with nearby Songo Mnara it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. This is not a park and there is no game to watch; instead you walk among coral-stone mosques, palaces and forts with a local guide. It suits travellers with a feel for history who are happy with simple, slower travel.

Exploring the ruins

The Great Mosque was begun in the 12th century and enlarged in the early 14th, its domes and arches built from coral stone. The traveller Ibn Battuta came here in 1331, a sign of how far Kilwa's name had spread. Husuni Kubwa, a 14th-century sultan's palace, stands on a clifftop above the sea, while the Gereza fort was built by the Portuguese and later held by the Omanis. The Portuguese sacked Kilwa in 1505, and the town was finally abandoned in the 1840s. The site spent ten years on UNESCO's danger list, from 2004 until it was removed in 2014.

Songo Mnara

A second ruined town lies on the neighbouring island of Songo Mnara, dating from the 14th to the 16th century. Its remains include six mosques, a palace and more than 40 houses, laid out closely enough that you can picture the streets. The trip takes about an hour and a half by motorboat, and depending on the tide you may need to wade through the mangroves to land, so wear shoes you do not mind getting wet.

Guided ruins visits on both islands
Dhow trips along the coast
Village and mangrove walks around Kilwa Masoko

When to go

June to October brings calmer seas, which makes the boat crossings more comfortable. Avoid the March to May rains, when travel is harder and the sea can be rough. See our Tanzania weather guide for the full picture.

Getting there

The base for visits is Kilwa Masoko on the mainland, a long day's drive south from Dar es Salaam. There are no reliable scheduled flights, though charters are possible. From Kilwa Masoko a boat reaches Kilwa Kisiwani in about 20 minutes. A permit and a guide are required, both arranged through the tourist office in Kilwa Masoko, and we can sort these out before you arrive.

How it fits your trip

Kilwa pairs well with Mafia Island and with a safari in Nyerere, making a southern loop of wildlife, reef and history. After a Kilimanjaro climb in the north, a flight to Dar es Salaam puts the south coast within reach. Two nights in Kilwa Masoko allow time for both islands without rushing.

Where to stay

Accommodation in Kilwa Masoko is simple and small-scale, mostly close to the shore. Expect friendly service rather than luxury. Send us your dates and we will see how Kilwa fits your plans.