Kilwa Kisiwani

Kilwa Kisiwani Island is located in southern Tanzania, a short boat ride from the mainland and was once a thriving seaport. It was first occupied from the 9th to the 19th centuries by Oman Sultans and Persian merchants. Then, from the eleventh century onwards, the sultans of Kilwa became rich by controlling the gold trade. Historically, it was the center of the Kilwa Sultanate. This was a medieval sultanate whose authority at its height in the 13th-15th centuries It stretched the entire length of the Swahili Coast.

Historic buildings of Kilwa

The Great Mosque and the Palace in Husuni Kubwa are the most important standing ruins from this period. The palace was unrivaled in East Africa for its architectural sophistication and grandeur. The Great Mosque was founded in the 14th century and until the 16th century it was the largest mosque in sub-Saharan Africa. The Great Mosque of Kilwa built by the ruler of Kilwa Kisiwani, Sultan al-Hasan ibn Sulaiman. It was the largest mosque of its kind in East Africa. The mosque accommodates two mosques, all constructed with coral stone mixed with limestone materials. This made the architecture stable to survive all weather conditions for centuries. The Portuguese built a fortress here in 1505.

Kilwa Kisiwani today

The world Monuments Watch lists Kilwa Kisiwani in 1996 and the island’s historic sites in 2008. In the same year, WMF began conservation work. On Kilwa, the ruins of the palace of Husuni Kubwa and a collapsed part of the original city wall near the Makutani palace have since been restored. In March 2014, the nature conservation team completed the restoration of 13 structures and the reconstruction of the main water reservoir on Songo Mnara. Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara are some of the most significant historical sites along the East African coast. Both were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1981.

Travel time to Kilwa Kisiwani

From Dar Es Salaam 5.5 hrs by car

Travel Tips from our experts about Kilwa Kisiwani

My name is Omar and I am a guide in Kilwa for 7 years. Our guests mainly come here because of the historic importance of the site. Since restauration work was completed they enjoy it even more as you get the feeling of former grandeur standing in the mighty ruins.

How long to stay? 1 day minimum

Which hotel?

• Kilwa Seaview Resort
• Kilwa Beach Lodge
• Kimbilio Lodge