Dar es Salaam , Tanzania

Full Day Bagamoyo City & Ruins Tour

Active

8h - 10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Some 75 kilometres to the north of Dar es Salaam lies Bagamoyo, once the embarkation port for slaves from the hinterland, and later the first German colonial capital. It is a place of considerable significance to world history, both as an entry point for Arab and European missionaries, explorers, and traders in East and Central Africa, and in the history of the infamous slave trade.

Tourist attractions include the Kaole ruins dating back to the 12th century thought to mark one of the earliest contacts of Islam with Africa; the Old Fort built in 1860 for holding slaves for shipment to Zanzibar; the first Roman Catholic Church in East Africa built around 1868 used as a base to run a camp of about 650 freed slaves; the German colonial administration headquarters, the Boma, in the first capital of German East Africa; the Mission Museum displaying history of Bagamoyo; and the Livingstone Memorial Church among others.

Available options

Full Day Bagamoyo City & Ruins Tour

What's included

All Fees and Taxes

Bottled water

Lunch

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Bagamoyo is surrounded by old buildings of the previous generation, beautiful Arab architecture with thick walls of Earth fitted with well-carved doors made of thick African hardwood. On your walk through narrow streets between Old buildings of Bagamoyo stone town you will visit the German Colonial Administrative block, Art market, Old post office, 1st Tanzania Primary School, Old Mosques, Hanging tower, Caravan Serai Museum and the fish market. On your walk along the Indian Ocean beach visit a centre for dhow sailboat building and get to know how local people builds boats.

Kaole village formally known as ‘Pumbuji’ is one of the oldest villages that immigrants from Arabic countries choose as they landed on East Africa’s coast. The village has ruins dating back to 13th Century. It is in this village where Sultan of Oman preferred to settle and construct administrative and military headquarters. Today the ruins made-up of earth and corals and the Kaole Museum tells volumes of stories about Ivory trade, movement of traders, cruel slavery and the living culture of today’s Kaole people majority originating from Asia. Beyond the ruins, there is an old port surrounded by a Mangrove forest where one can go closer to nature and enjoy fresh air.

You will visit the Old tower of the first Catholic Church in East Africa, one of the Oldest Baobab tree, Cemeteries (Catholic, German and Indian), Dr. Livingstone tower, Old Fathers’ house and the Cross at the beach. Explore the museum with information about the slave trade, missionaries, life of the people and some collections of artifacts of the indigenous tribes.

Visit Old Boma and a crocodile farm and learn how these wild predators are kept. Get to know their social behaviors, growth, live capture techniques, feeding/hunting techniques and local uses of various products.

What's not included

Alcoholic Beverages

Breakfast

Items of a personal nature.

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Amani Place - Ohio street opposite Dar Es Salaam Serena Hotel.

About Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam is Tanzania's largest city and its commercial hub, offering a vibrant mix of cultural heritage, bustling markets, and beautiful coastal scenery. As the gateway to Zanzibar and the southern circuits of Tanzania, it combines modern urban life with Swahili coastal charm.

Top Attractions

Coco Beach

A popular beach in Dar es Salaam with a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying local seafood.

Beach Half day Free (Food and activities extra)

Mbudya Island

A small island located just off the coast of Dar es Salaam, offering pristine beaches, snorkeling, and a peaceful escape from the city.

Nature Full day Moderate (Boat ride and activities)

Dar es Salaam National Museum

A museum showcasing the history and culture of Tanzania, including exhibits on natural history, ethnography, and the country's struggle for independence.

Historical 2-3 hours Moderate (Entry fee)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Ugali and Nyama Choma

Ugali is a staple food made from maize flour, often served with grilled meat (Nyama Choma).

Main Course Vegetarian options available (Ugali with vegetables)

Pilau

A fragrant rice dish cooked with spices, meat, and vegetables.

Main Course Can be made vegetarian or vegan

Mishkaki

Grilled skewers of marinated meat, often served with kachumbari (a fresh tomato and onion salsa).

Snack Contains meat

Popular Activities

Snorkeling and diving Island hopping Beach relaxation Spa treatments Visiting museums and historical sites Attending local festivals and events Boat tours and fishing excursions Spice tours in Zanzibar

Best Time to Visit

June to October

This is the dry season with pleasant weather, making it ideal for exploring the city and its attractions.

22-30°C 72-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Swahili, English
Widely spoken: Swahili, English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)

Time Zone

GMT+3

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Dar es Salaam is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious, especially in crowded areas and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious with valuables, especially in crowded areas.
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-hailing apps.
• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in isolated areas.

Getting there

By air

Julius Nyerere International Airport • 12 km from city center

By train

Dar es Salaam Central Station

By bus

Ubungo Bus Terminal, Tegeta Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Dala Dala are minibuses that are the most common and affordable way to get around the city. They can be crowded and chaotic.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Kariakoo Oyster Bay

Day trips

Zanzibar Island

60 km from Dar es Salaam • Full day or overnight

Zanzibar offers a rich history, beautiful beaches, and a unique blend of African, Arab, and Indian cultures.

Bagamoyo

60 km from Dar es Salaam • Full day

A historic town with a rich cultural heritage, known for its role in the slave trade and as a center for Swahili culture.

Festivals

Dar es Salaam International Film Festival (DIFIFF) • July Sauti za Busara • February

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Swahili phrases to enhance your interactions with locals.
Use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Bolt for safer and more convenient transportation.
Visit the Kariakoo Market early in the morning for the best selection and to avoid crowds.
Try local street food for an authentic culinary experience, but choose busy stalls with high turnover.
Book ferry tickets to Zanzibar in advance, especially during peak season.