9 DAYS 8 NIGHTS DAR ES SALAAM CITY – ZANZIBAR ISLAND – BAGAMOYO –  KILWA HISTORICAL RUINS

• Tanzania

OVERVIEW

DAR ES SALAAM

Embark on a full day exploration of the bustling city of Dar es Salaam. Affectionately known as ‘Dar’ this once slumberous fishing village has morphed into a thriving metropolis. Your interpretive, privately guided tour takes you to the city’s top attractions such as the lively atmosphere of Dar es Salaam fish market where dhows dock at dawn to offload the night’s delicious catch. Amble down pungently spicy India Street, where the flavours of the East are a feast for the senses, at the stark purple of twilight, clusters of Dar es Salaam food carts, specializing in delicious Indian food emerge. Bright red tomatoes, raw onions, green chilies and fresh coriander are the beginnings of any enticing Indian Street food snack. An absolute must is a Zanzibar mix, an Indian inspired Zanzibar Tanzania bowl of curry soup with heaps of delectable toppings.

BAGAMOYO

This town was once a most important trading port along the East African Coast and a German East Africa Capital. Bagamoyo is home to many ethnic groups, including the Wakwere, Wazaramo and Wazigua. Different cultures including people of Arab descent coexist in Bagamoyo making the town a peaceful and friendly place for visitors from all over the world.

The town of Bagamoyo was one of the most important trading ports on the East African coast and the penultimate stop of slave and ivory caravans travelling on foot from Lake Tanganyika on their way to Zanzibar. Missionaries active in abolishing the slave trade made Bagamoyo, whose name means ‘bury my heart’ in Kiswahili, a centre for their activities.

ZANZIBAR

Zanzibar has long held a magical and mysterious reputation due to the patchwork of its past, of slaves and sultans and of rock stars and spices. Today Zanzibar now finds itself as the top destinations for those looking to relax in the sun after a world class safari in the nearby parks of Tanzania. Made famous for its spices and the slave of trade of the 19^th century, Zanzibar island is much more than a stopping point on the itinerary, and can be seen as a destination in its. What the island offers is a unique combination of outstanding beaches, along its eastern edge, interesting activities, such as visiting a working spice farm and the cultural delight of stone town with Arabian fortresses and minarets.

KILWA, IN FULL KILWA KISIWANI

former Islamic city-state on an island off the coast of what is now southern Tanzania. Founded in the late 10th century by settlers from Arabia and Persia (now Iran), it became one of the most active commercial centres on the east coast of Africa. Held briefly by the Portuguese (1505–12), it thereafter gradually declined in importance and was finally abandoned. Extensive ruins remain, including mosques, a Portuguese fort, and the great Husuni Kubwa Palace (13th–14th century)

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1:

Dar es Salaam City Tour  “The House Of Peace”

Arrive at Julius Kambarage Nyerere International Airport or Railway Station (TAZARA Station), transfer to Dar es Salaam city center for the city tour. The name Dar es Salaam means “The House of Peace” and is an exciting mix of sightseeing, shopping and entertainment this is due to the fact that Dar es Salaam is the largest city in Tanzania reflects a fascinating combination of its rich historical past and its sophisticated contemporary present, this tour of Dar es Salaam will take you to the Clock Towers, Old Boma, Askari Monuments, National Museums, Botanical Garden and Karimjee Hall. Dinner and overstay at the hotel in Dar es Salaam city center.

DAY 2:

Dar es Salaam – Kilwa Kivinje and Kilwa Masoko

Early morning pick-up from your hotel, then drive 6 – 7 hours to Kilwa. Our first highlight is Kilwa Kivinje to see the German and Arabic historic buildings before heading to Kilwa Masoko, Kilwa comprises of Kilwa Kivinje, Kilwa Masoko and Kilwa Kisiwani (Island). Settlers from Arabia and the Persian Gulf first introduced Islam into the little ports and fishing villages along the coast when they came to trade. The great majority of immigrants were males who married into local families. In Kilwa one family took control of the trading and gold markets from Zimbabwe. You will check in at the hotel. Afterwards, a relaxing afternoon on the beach. Overnight at the hotel in Kilwa Masoko on half board basis.

DAY 3:

Kilwa Masoko and Kilwa Kisiwani

After breakfast, drive to the ferry where you will catch your boat to Kilwa Kisiwani. At Kilwa Kisiwani, our guide will lead you through Malindi Mosque and Cemetery, Kilwa’s Fort Makutani, and the tombs of the Kilwa Sultans. Afternoon you will back to the ferry, ready to drive back to Kilwa Masoko for lunch, dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 4:

Kilwa – Dar es Salaam – Bagamoyo

After early breakfast drive back to Dar es Salaam for lunch after lunch drive to historic coastal town of Bagamoyo. In the late 18th century, Muslim families settled in Bagamoyo, all of which were relatives of Shamvi la Magimba in Oman. They made their living by enforcing taxes on the native population and by trading in salt, gathered from the Nunge coast north of Bagamoyo. The town is abundant with historical monuments comprising of old Arab and Portuguese architecture further complicated by a wonderful stretch of beach. Overnight at the hotel in Bagamoyo town on half board basis.

DAY 5:

Bagamoyo  “Here I Throw Down My Heart – Desperation Of The Broken Heart”

After breakfast visit Kaole Ruins, Kaole village formerly 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 the 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. After lunch drive to the Old Stone Town, it 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 and Caravan Serai Museum. Overnight stay at the hotel in Bagamoyo town on full board basis.

DAY 6:

Bagamoyo – Dar es Salaam – Zanzibar

After early breakfast drive to Julius Kambarage Nyerere International Airport or Azam Seaport, on arrival at Zanzibar Airport or Seaport, our driver will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel at Stone Town. Visitors will be able to learn about history of Muslims in Zanzibar this is due to the fact that archeological findings suggest that Islam has been present in the Zanzibar archipelago for more than a millennium. One of the oldest archeological findings are large Friday mosque in Kizimkazi Dimbani Mosque, is one of the oldest Islamic buildings on the East African coast.  According to a preserved Kufic inscription, it was built in 1107. After lunch drive to the spice tour, this tour is a walking tour in a spice farm (Shamba). While there, you shall see how the spices, herbs and fruits grow and are cultivated. Your tour guide will describe how the crops can be used. You will be smelling and tasting spices, herbs and tropical fruits such as clove, lemongrass, nutmeg, cinnamon, turmeric, vanilla, coconuts, papaya, chili, black pepper, jackfruit, cardamom, cassava and oranges. Drive back to the stone town for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 7:

Stone Town Tour & Prison Island  “The Spicy Island”

After breakfast, depart to Prison Island where you will be able to see the giant land tortoises and you will have enough time to swim, snorkel and sunbathe. Prison Island has a beautiful beach, clean water, and fascinating history as a yellow fever quarantine station. After lunch our guide will take us to Old Stone Town where by visitors will be able to enjoy narrow streets, where history stands still. It is a fascinating look at the essence of Zanzibar. You will visit Ngome Kongwe (an Arab Fort), Zanzibar’s bustling market, slave market and studded doors and mosques! You will have free time to explore further on your own (shopping) or relax at the beach. You can experience a Swahili life at Forodhani Garden, where you can test different Zanzibar Spice Sea foods. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 8:

Zanzibar – Dar es Salaam

After early breakfast drive to Jozani Forest where uncommon red colobus monkey is found. As you stroll through the forest, you will find the opportunity to see the monkeys very close and find out about the different plants and creatures that call this spot home. After lunch you will have time for shopping. Drive to Zanzibar Airport or Azam seaport to Dar es Salaam.  On arrival at Dar es Salaam International Airport or Azam seaport, our driver will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel in Dar es Salaam City Center.

 DAY 9:

Dar es Salaam Shopping – Transfer to the Airport, Goodbye!

After breakfast drive to Mwenge Woodcarvers Market where it is filled with artisans art work creating beautiful and unique items. Wooden masks are particularly popular, but you will also find treasures in craft shops selling a whole range of goods from fabrics to sandals, beaded necklaces and more. After nine days of your Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Kilwa and Bagamoyo vacation, this day you will take your flight back home. Driver will take you from the hotel based on your flight timings. Hope you end up with a lot of memories and a few souvenirs too.