Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara
Location: Southern Tanzania
Year of Inscription: 1981
Criteria: (iii) to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
Overview: The Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara are two archaeological sites located on the southern coast of Tanzania. Kilwa Kisiwani was a major center of trade and Islamic culture from the 9th to the 15th centuries, while Songo Mnara was a smaller settlement that was closely associated with Kilwa Kisiwani. The ruins of both sites are considered to be outstanding examples of Swahili architecture and culture.
Prominent Features: The ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara contain a number of outstanding features, including:
Great Mosque of Kilwa Kisiwani: This mosque, which was built in the 11th century, is considered to be one of the oldest and most impressive Islamic buildings in sub-Saharan Africa.
Husuni Kubwa: This palace complex, which was built in the 14th century, is considered to be one of the largest and most elaborate structures of its kind in East Africa.
Songo Mnara: This smaller settlement contains a number of well-preserved structures, including a mosque, a palace, and a number of houses.
History: Kilwa Kisiwani was founded in the 9th century and quickly became a major center of trade and Islamic culture. The city was known for its large stone buildings and impressive architecture, and was an important center for the trade of gold, ivory, and slaves. Songo Mnara was founded as a smaller settlement in the 14th century and was closely associated with Kilwa Kisiwani.
Fun Fact: The ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara were largely unknown to the outside world until the early 20th century, when they were rediscovered by European explorers.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara to learn about the history and culture of the Swahili people, and can take guided tours of the sites to learn more about the individual structures and their significance.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for the Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara is 10,000 Tanzanian shillings (about 4 USD).
How to Reach It: The Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara are located on the southern coast of Tanzania, about 300 km south of Dar es Salaam.
To reach the Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara from Dar es Salaam, you can take a public bus or minibus to Kilwa Masoko. The journey takes around 7-8 hours, depending on traffic and the mode of transportation. From Kilwa Masoko, you can take a local dhow or boat to the ruins, which are located on separate islands. It's recommended to arrange the boat in advance as there may not be regular services available.
Alternatively, you can hire a taxi or private car from Dar es Salaam to Kilwa Masoko, which will take around 5-6 hours. It's recommended to negotiate the fare in advance to avoid any confusion. Once you reach Kilwa Masoko, you can arrange for a boat to take you to the ruins.
Another option is to take a domestic flight from Dar es Salaam to Kilwa Masoko, which takes around 1 hour. From there, you can arrange for a boat to take you to the ruins.
It's important to note that the roads to Kilwa Masoko may be rough and dusty, so it's recommended to bring appropriate clothing and gear. Also, it's best to arrange transportation in advance and check for any travel advisories or safety concerns.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options available in the nearby town of Kilwa Masoko, including guesthouses and small hotels. Visitors can also choose to stay in the nearby city of Lindi, which has a wider range of accommodation options.
Next Stop: Selous Game Reserve
Year of Inscription: 1981
Criteria: (iii) to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
Overview: The Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara are two archaeological sites located on the southern coast of Tanzania. Kilwa Kisiwani was a major center of trade and Islamic culture from the 9th to the 15th centuries, while Songo Mnara was a smaller settlement that was closely associated with Kilwa Kisiwani. The ruins of both sites are considered to be outstanding examples of Swahili architecture and culture.
Prominent Features: The ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara contain a number of outstanding features, including:
Great Mosque of Kilwa Kisiwani: This mosque, which was built in the 11th century, is considered to be one of the oldest and most impressive Islamic buildings in sub-Saharan Africa.
Husuni Kubwa: This palace complex, which was built in the 14th century, is considered to be one of the largest and most elaborate structures of its kind in East Africa.
Songo Mnara: This smaller settlement contains a number of well-preserved structures, including a mosque, a palace, and a number of houses.
History: Kilwa Kisiwani was founded in the 9th century and quickly became a major center of trade and Islamic culture. The city was known for its large stone buildings and impressive architecture, and was an important center for the trade of gold, ivory, and slaves. Songo Mnara was founded as a smaller settlement in the 14th century and was closely associated with Kilwa Kisiwani.
Fun Fact: The ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara were largely unknown to the outside world until the early 20th century, when they were rediscovered by European explorers.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara to learn about the history and culture of the Swahili people, and can take guided tours of the sites to learn more about the individual structures and their significance.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for the Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara is 10,000 Tanzanian shillings (about 4 USD).
How to Reach It: The Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara are located on the southern coast of Tanzania, about 300 km south of Dar es Salaam.
To reach the Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara from Dar es Salaam, you can take a public bus or minibus to Kilwa Masoko. The journey takes around 7-8 hours, depending on traffic and the mode of transportation. From Kilwa Masoko, you can take a local dhow or boat to the ruins, which are located on separate islands. It's recommended to arrange the boat in advance as there may not be regular services available.
Alternatively, you can hire a taxi or private car from Dar es Salaam to Kilwa Masoko, which will take around 5-6 hours. It's recommended to negotiate the fare in advance to avoid any confusion. Once you reach Kilwa Masoko, you can arrange for a boat to take you to the ruins.
Another option is to take a domestic flight from Dar es Salaam to Kilwa Masoko, which takes around 1 hour. From there, you can arrange for a boat to take you to the ruins.
It's important to note that the roads to Kilwa Masoko may be rough and dusty, so it's recommended to bring appropriate clothing and gear. Also, it's best to arrange transportation in advance and check for any travel advisories or safety concerns.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options available in the nearby town of Kilwa Masoko, including guesthouses and small hotels. Visitors can also choose to stay in the nearby city of Lindi, which has a wider range of accommodation options.
Next Stop: Selous Game Reserve