Bagamoyo brings together historic buildings, stops on a tour of Stone Town, art and dance, and an insight into dhow building. When planning, it helps to distinguish these topics by type: tour stops are listed as such, performances at the College of Arts take place occasionally during the school term, and drum or dance lessons can usually be arranged. This lets you decide what kind of trip you want before adding individual activities to your plans.
Buildings from different periods
The Von Wissman Tower was built in 1889 by Major Von Wissmann, a German commander in East Africa; Bagamoyo’s Old Boma was built by the Germans in 1895. Both dates fall in the late 19th century, but refer to different buildings and builders. The Old Fort has a different historical detail: according to a historical account, it was used as a residence until the 1880s. These three details offer different points of reference for the area’s history: a construction date and named builder for the tower, a construction date for the Old Boma, and the recorded use of the Old Fort. You can use this to decide whether building history or earlier uses interest you more.
Stops in Bagamoyo’s Stone Town
A tour of Bagamoyo’s Stone Town lists the German Colonial Administrative Block, the art market, the Old Post Office, a stop described as Tanzania’s first primary school, the Hanging Tower and the Caravan Serai Museum. The names point to different themes—administration, art, postal services, education and museums—and offer different points of reference for the walk. If you want to prioritize the stops according to your interests, you can use these categories as a guide. Before visiting, check the current access arrangements for each place.
Art and dance at the College of Arts
The College of Arts offers a different focus. It is described as a theatre and arts college as well as the home of the national dance company. Performances take place occasionally during the school term; drum or dance lessons can usually be arranged. These options differ in how far ahead they can be planned: performances are tied to the school term and take place occasionally, while lessons can usually be arranged. If you plan to take part in either activity, confirm specific dates or lessons in advance.
Dhow building on the coast
Dhow building offers another perspective on the coast. A walk along Bagamoyo’s Indian Ocean beach can be combined with a visit to a center where dhow sailing boats are built, offering an opportunity to learn about local boatbuilding. This brings a craft into focus, unlike the historic buildings and institutions mentioned above. Check access arrangements for a visit to the center in advance.
A broader look at Saadani
Saadani offers a broader regional perspective, with a different focus from Bagamoyo’s buildings and cultural stops. The beaches of Saadani National Park are among the last significant nesting grounds for green turtles on mainland Tanzania; Madete Beach is home to one of the most significant nesting populations of this species. In Saadani fishing village, which lies within the protected area, ruins bear witness to its heyday as a major trading port in the 19th century. Together, these details represent the natural history of the beaches and the village’s trading history, expanding the region’s range of themes beyond Bagamoyo’s urban history.
If you’re looking for hotels in Pwani, a good first step is to decide whether Bagamoyo’s buildings and cultural stops should shape your stay, or whether the broader Saadani context matters more.
Discover more destinations: Bagamoyo, Chole, Kwangwazi, Kilindoni, Logeloge, Bagamoyo, Nyakisiku, Kigongoni, Zombe, Utende, Kwa Mhinda
For the broader travel overview: Tanzania.
