AN HISTORICAL INTRODUCTION
This costal area opposite Zanzibar was first settled in by
fishermen and cultivators. Towards the end of the 18th century Muslim Diwans from Oman settled here, built dwellings and established their families and retinues of slaves.
Its closeness as a mainland port to Zanzibar led to its development as a
center for caravans and an expansion of commerce in slave and Ivory soon followed. A boat- building
center which supplied craft to most traders in the Indian Ocean was established. Bagamoyo is one of the most fascinating towns in East Africa.
There are many theories on how the name Bagamoyo was derived. One explorer claimed that the name signified " Coeur de I
Afrique" thus suggesting that the town was the gate way to the interior of Africa. A more frequent explanation is that the world is a version of Bwaga-moyo translated variously as " Be quiet my heart" and lay down the burden of your heart".
A double interpretation developed, the first theory was that the town's name originated with the lament of slave who knew that, although they were to be shipped to distant lands, their hearts would forever remain in their beloved homeland.
The second theory (which is thought to be more probable) contends that Bagamoyo was named by the caravan porters who felt they had reached the end of their long arduous journey form the interior now cease worrying, cease from the caravan and anxiety.
To these porters this enter pot was popularly known as Bagamoyo. They foresaw compensation of words a symbol of hope and encouragement.
Enriched by ancient architecture, geography, people and culture, the Bagamoyo evinces that history is standing still over here!
The roads are the same and so are the buildings. Only the attitudes have changed. There is a lot to see here- customs house, Roman Catholic mission, Mosques, Museum, Old fort, Governor's boma…….the list is endless. With a bit of natural flair for history and inquisitive mind, one can virtually live a brief time through history and enjoy the place in its totality.
But it would be misnomer to say that Bagamoyo is purely a historian's destination. Its beautiful beaches and tranquil surroundings are equally attractive, as are the priceless monuments and narrow alleys. Presence of Mambakuni, a nearby island, is just another attraction in additions to Sadani game reserve, which is just 50km away from Bagamoyo.
Bagamoyo is the closest mainland town to the world famous spice island of Zanzibar and is only an hour's sail away.
When the sun goes down, Bagamoyo lights up with live entertainment that range from live band, discos, to traditional dances. Nearly a dozen of museums, monuments and cemeteries ring the expanse of this coastal town.
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THE FIRST CHURCH
built in 1872 and it was here on 24th February 1874 that the porters brough the body of Dr. Livingstone, famous British explorer and missionary, after a journey of 1500kms from Ujiji.
Speke, Burton, Grant, Stanley, Peter, Emir pasha and Wissamn all visited this church at one time or another. There is a cemetery where the early missionaries are buried and a small shrine built by freed slaves in 1876 with the sign"Salumnus Maria picked out in flower.
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THE BOMA
The German Government colonial administration headquarters was the first capital town of German East Africa and the governor's residence. It is an impressive
two-storey building topped by crenelations, constructed in a U shape. They are pointed arches on the ground floor, also served as German administrative centre from 1897. In front of the Boma are the UHURU MONUMENT celebrating Tanzania's independence in 1961 and a bandstand.
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KAOLE RUINS
These are located 5 km south of Bagamoyo, on the coastal side of the present day village of
Kaole. It consists of the ruins of two mosques and a series of about 30 tombs, set among palm trees; some of the tombs have stone pillars of up to 5m in height.
These were built in the 3rd and 4th centuries and it is thought to mark one of the earliest contacts of Islam with Africa. Construction from coral with lime, water, there are faint traces of inscriptions on the vaulting.
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THE FIRST BUILDING
Old fort, old provision house is the oldest surviving building in Bagamoyo, built in 1860. This was used by the Arabs and the German till 1870 and of late until 1992 was used as police post. Initially its function was to hold slave before being shipped to Zanzibar. It has an underground passage through which the slaves were herded to dhows on the shore.
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THE MISSION MUSEUM
House in the sisters building the displays present a history of Bagamoyo and there are relics and photographs from the slave period. One intriguing exhibit is the uniform presented by HA schmit 1965. One of the main activities of the Holy Ghost Mission was to purchase slaves were originally from the mainland (thousand of kms away) and the FREEDOM VILLAGE
THE GERMAN BLOCK HOUSE
Constructed in 1889 by Herman Wissman during Bushiri uprising, it has a mangrove pole, coral
stone and outside ladder, which enable the troops to fire. The slave track to the interior of Tanzania
departed from this point (1500kms trail) and terminated at Ujiji on Lake Tanganyika.
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THE GERMAN CEMETERY
There are 20 graves dating from 1889 and most Germans who were killed by the uprising (Arab and local) led by Bushiri. A Germany deed of freedom for a slave is reproduced on a tree.
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THE LlKU HOUSE
Is an old 2-storey building with an awning supported by slender iron columns and a central double door, served as first German (colonial) administrative centre. |
THE CARAVAN SERAI
A court yard which has a single building at front and square two-storey building. It was here that preparations were made for the fitting out of the caravans to the interiors. Similarly it was also the resting place for the caravan porters from interiors who nick named the town BW AGAMOYO- the place where one's heart came to rest and relax after a long and tiring journey.
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NYUMBA YA SANAA
A collage of arts where music, drama, dance and paints are taught. It enrolls
locals as students from different parts of the world.
LlVINGSTONE MEMORIAL CHURCH
This is simple construction with a tin roof, curved arch windows and wooden benches (formerly named Anglican church of
the cross, referring to the fact it was built in memory of famous British explore and missionary Dr. David Livingstone, a century after his
death.
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THE CROSS BY THE SEA
Monument in green marble surmounted by a cross is located on the path leading to the sea from living stone's church. It marks the sport where in 1868, Father Antoine Homer Of the French Holy Ghost Fathers crossed Zanzibar (1860) and stepped ashore to establish the first Christian church on the mainland.
HOLY GHOST MISSION
Opposite the path to the cross by the sea is MANGO TREE DRIVE, which was established in 1871 as the approach to the mission. There is the statue of the sacred heart, erected in 1887 in front of the FATHER'S HOUSE.
THE RUVU DELTA
Is also called the Ruvu basin, an ornithological paradise birds, Hippo's and other animals can be observed by boat.
SADANI GAME RESERVE
Sadani game reserve is in the north coast about 50krn from Bagamoyo, accessible only with special transport arrangements. Sadani game reserve gives one an experience of the bush at the beach, and the wild life seen at the reserve including Elephants, Leopard, giraffes, Lions, buffaloes and zebra.
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