Bagamoyo Town: A must-visit historical, cultural destination
COAST REGION: NESTLED along Tanzania’s coast, Bagamoyo Historic Town stands as a silent storyteller of centuries past. Its narrow streets, weathered stone buildings and quiet whispers of history create a living museum, drawing travellers eager to step into a world where the echoes of slave caravans, explorers and merchants still linger.
Beyond its historical charm, Bagamoyo plays a vital role in Tanzania’s tourism sector, contributing significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and creating opportunities for local communities. The name “Bagamoyo” itself holds deep significance.
It originates from Kiswahili word– ‘Bwagamoyo’, which translates to “Lay down your heart,” a poignant reference to the town’s role in the 18th and 19th centuries as a major centre for the East African slave and ivory trade.
Caravans from the interior would arrive here, with enslaved people waiting for their tragic journey across the Indian Ocean to the Middle East, Asia and beyond. The town became one of the most important trading ports of the era, attracting Arab merchants, European explorers and Indian traders. In 1868, Catholic missionaries established a base in Bagamoyo with the goal of rescuing and rehabilitating freed slaves.
The town became a centre for Christianity in East Africa, with the iconic Catholic Mission standing as a reminder of that era. Bagamoyo also played a pivotal role in European exploration. It served as the starting point for expeditions led by renowned explorers such as Dr David Livingstone, whose remains were initially laid to rest at the Catholic Mission before being transported to Westminster Abbey in London, United Kingdom.
During the late 19th century, Bagamoyo briefly served as the capital of German East Africa before the administration was moved to Dar es Salaam. The construction of a railway from Dar es Salaam into the interior in 1905 led to Bagamoyo’s decline as a major economic hub, leaving behind a town seemingly frozen in time, waiting to be rediscovered.
Today, Bagamoyo Stone Town retains its rich cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination for history and culture enthusiasts.
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“Walking through its streets, visitors are transported into a past shaped by African, Arab, Indian and European influences,” said Fikiri Mwaiba, the Tourism Officer for Bagamoyo (Old Town) from the Tanzania Forest Service (TFS), during an interview with Daily News. He noted that the town’s architecture, featuring coral stone buildings, intricately carved doors and flat-roofed houses, tells the story of its diverse past.
Bagamoyo’s historical significance has made it a key destination for cultural heritage tourism, contributing to Tanzania’s thriving tourism industry, which is one of the country’s leading economic sectors.
According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Tanzania has achieved a significant milestone in the tourism sector by welcoming 5.3 million tourists last year, surpassing its ambitious target of 5 million tourists by the end of 2025.
According to Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Ambassador Dr Pindi Chana, the number of international visitors recorded last year was 2,141,895, while domestic tourists were 3,218,352. She said the revenue earned from the tourists was 3.9 billion US dollars (about 9.96tri/-) compared to 3.3 billion US dollars (about 8.4tri/- ) earned from 3.9 million tourists recorded in 2023.
Tanzania seeks to achieve the target of notching an income of 6 billion US dollars (about 14tri/-) from 5 million tourists by this year as stipulated in the Third Five-Year Development Plan (FYDP III of 2020/2021 to 2025/2026) and the ruling party CCM Election Manifesto of 2020-2025.
This influx of tourists has had a substantial impact on Tanzania’s GDP, with tourism now accounting for 17.2 per cent of the national GDP and 29 per cent of Zanzibar’s GDP.
Bagamoyo has it significant contribution in this success story in tourism sector. Mr Mwaiba said that Bagamoyo, with its unique offerings, plays a crucial role in this growth, attracting thousands of visitors annually.
He said that during the 2023/2024 financial year, the town welcomed 1,491 foreign tourists, 640 nonresidents and 16,210 East African tourists, for a total of 19,511 visitors. These visitors contributed a total of 57,724,000/- in revenue. He also noted that during the Covid-19 pandemic, the town received only about 20 tourists per month. However, following the pandemic’s end and the release of the Royal Tour documentary, the number of tourists increased significantly.
“It’s true that Covid -19 had a huge impact on the industry, but since then and with the introduction of the Royal Tour, we’re now receiving 500 to 1,000 tourists per month,” he said. In 2024, the number of visitors to Bagamoyo rose by 18 per cent compared to the previous year, according to data from the Tanzania Tourism Board (TTB).
This growth is attributed to the government’s ongoing efforts to promote historical and cultural tourism, along with the recovery of global travel following the pandemic. Mr Mwaiba also said the rise of domestic tourism, with more Tanzanians exploring their own country and visiting places like Bagamoyo to reconnect with their heritage.
“This shift has boosted local businesses, from tour operators to small-scale vendors selling handcrafted souvenirs and local delicacies,” he explained. Moreover, the growth of tourism in Bagamoyo has led to job creation and community development. “Tourism in Bagamoyo has provided employment opportunities for local communities.
The town is home to numerous tour guides, artisans and cultural performers who benefit directly from the influx of visitors. Hotels, restaurants and transport services have expanded, providing income for residents and fostering entrepreneurship,” he said.
Efforts to preserve Bagamoyo’s cultural heritage have also led to investments in conservation projects, creating jobs in archaeology, architecture and cultural preservation.
Organisations like the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) have recognised the town’s significance and continue to support initiatives aimed at maintaining its historic sites. Mr Mwaiba added that the government has also focused on strengthening security in parks and museums, ensuring that they are protected from threats such as poaching. “The improvement in conservation is evident.
The park environments are better and more stable and disturbances have decreased compared to previous years,” he said.
He credited the success of these efforts to tourism institutions managed by the Wildlife and Forest Conservation Service (Jeshi Usu), an initiative that began during the leadership of the late President John Pombe Magufuli, who prioritised the protection of parks and wildlife.
Under this initiative, TFS, Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) and Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) have been fully equipped with military to protect the resources that brings much needed fortunes to the country.
Indeed, the old town of Bagamoyo offers exploration and educational tour; biking, night and day walk, snorkelling and diving in the Indian Ocean, spot fishing, boat tour and sea view.
Other tourist attractions near Bagamoyo are Kaole Ruins, Pande Game Reserve, Sadaan National Park. Challenges and future prospects Despite its growing popularity, Bagamoyo faces challenges in maintaining its historical structures.
Miriam Isack, a Bagamoyo resident, said many of the town’s buildings are in urgent need of restoration due to exposure to coastal humidity and limited funding for conservation. She stressed the importance of adopting sustainable tourism practices to balance economic growth with the preservation of the town’s historical identity.
There is growing interest in adding Bagamoyo to the UNESCO World Heritage list, a move that would bring global recognition and additional funding for conservation efforts,” said Ms Isack.
She believes that infrastructure improvements, including better roads and accommodations, will further enhance Bagamoyo’s appeal.
Another resident, Muhammad Kitwana said that the town’s proximity to Dar es Salaam, just a short drive away, make it an ideal cultural retreat for both international and domestic tourists.
“Bagamoyo is more than just a historical landmark; it is a living, breathing piece of Tanzania’s identity,” he said.
As Tanzania looks to diversify its tourism offerings beyond wildlife safaris, Bagamoyo’s potential as a heritage tourism hub cannot be overstated. Mr Kitwana believes that by preserving its past and embracing sustainable tourism, this coastal gem will continue to play a vital role in shaping the country’s future as a preferred tourist destination
