A HISTORICAL INTRODUCTION

Fishermen and cultivators were the first to settle in this costal area opposite Zanzibar. 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 centre for caravans and an expansion of commerce in slave and Ivory soon followed. A boat-building centre, which supplied crafts 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 word 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 slaves 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 entry port was popularly known as Bagamoyo. They foresaw compensation of words as 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 Park, which is 50km away from Bagamoyo.

Bagamoyo is the closest mainland town to the world famous spicy island of Zanzibar and is only an hour’s sail across.

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.

PLACES OF INTEREST

• THE FIRST STONE BUILDING

Old fort, old provision house is the oldest surviving building in Bagamoyo, built in 1860. The Arabs and the German till 1870 used this and of late until 1992 it was used as a police post. Initially its functions were to hold slaves before being shipped to Zanzibar. It has an underground passage through which the slaves were herded to dhows on the shore.

• THE BOMA

The German colonial Government administration headquarters. It was the first capital town of German East Africa and the governor’s residence. It is an impressive two-storey building topped by crenulations, constructed in U shape. There are pointed arches on the ground floor; it 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.

• THE GERMAN BLOCK HOUSE

Constructed in 1889 by Herman Wissman during Bushiri uprising, it has a mangrove pole, coral roof and outside ladder, which enabled 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.

• THE GERMAN CEMENTRY

There are 20 graves dating from 1889 and most of them were 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.

• THE LUKU HOUSE

This 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 CAREVAN SERAI

A court yard which has a single building in 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 BWAGAMOYO- the place where one’s heart came to rest and relax after a long and tiring journey.

• NYUMBA YA SANAA

A collage of arts where music, drama, dance and paints are taught. It enrols locals as well as students from different parts of the world.

• LIVINGSTONE MEMORIAL CHURCH

This is a simple construction with a tin roof, curved arch windows and wooden benches (formerly named Anglican church of the Cross), referring to the fact that it was built in memory of famous British explore and missionary Dr. David Living stone, a century after his death.

• THE CROSS BY THE SEA

This 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 Horner Of the French Holy Ghost Fathers crossed Zanzibar (1860) and stepped ashore to establish the first Christian church on the mainland.

• HOLLY 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 a statue of the sacred heart erected in 1887 in front of the FATHER’S HOUSE.

• THE FIRST CHURCH

This was built in 1872 and it was here on 24th February, 1874 where the Missionaries’ African followers SISI AND CHUMA carried their Master 1,500kms from Ujiji and brought the body of Doctor Livingstone. 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 were buried and small shrine build by freed slaves in 1876, with the sign “Skumnus” Maria picked out in flower.

• THE MISSION MUSEUM

Housed in the sisters building, the display present history of Bagamoyo and there are relics and photographs from the slave period. One intriguing exhibit is the uniform presented by HA Schmitt 1965. One of the main activities of the Holy Ghost Mission was to purchase slaves and present them with their freedom. These freed slaves were originally from the main land (thousands of kms away) and the FREEDOM VILLAGE.

• KAOLE RUINS

These are located 5kms 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 five meters 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. Constructed from coral with lime, water, there are faint traces of inscriptions on the vaulting.

• SADANI GAME PARK

Sadani Game Park is on north coast about 50kms from Bagamoyo, accessible only with special transport arrangements. Sadani gives one an experience of the bush at the beach, and the wild life seen at the park includes; Elephants, Leopards, Giraffes, Lions, Buffalos, Zebra, and numerous plains game.

• THE RUVU DELTA

It is also called The Ruvu Basin, ornithological birds; Hippo’s and other reptiles can be reached by boat. Very rich in exotic bird life.