1. KAOLE RUINS HISTORICAL TOUR (2-3 HOURS)
From Bagamoyo town centre through various historical
buildings, schools, traditional Swahili houses drive or ride to Kaole village
Kaole ruins is located 5 km south part of Bagamoyo town centre it was among of
the earliest coast Swahili town which existing before the 9th
century.
2. STONE TOWN HISTORICAL TOUR (3 - 4 HOURS)
From Caravan Serai Museum walking to town historical
centre you see various historical and tradition buildings and experience
Swahili town life and Swahili Architecture houses. Get to know the history of
Germans and Indian during 19th century.
Caravan Serai is an old structure, built in the early 1870s
by a prominent Arab businessperson. The building is believed to have been
used as an entry and departure focus for slaves and ivory Caravan
3. THE COMPOUND OF ROMAN CAITHOLIC CHURCH (2 -
2½ HOURS)
From
Livingstone memorial Anglican Church. Walking to the first church of the Roman
Catholic in East Africa mainland Visiting the Former free slave village, Baobab
tree, museum and second church if possible.
4. SAFARI TO SAADANI NATIONAL PARCK (FULL DAY)
From Bagamoyo town driving to the North direction
crossing Wami River about 5 km you get Saadani.
Activities (1) game drive (2) Boat execution to Wami River
5. CULTURAL TOUR (3 - 4 HOURS)
Visiting salt farm, school, Swahili traditional houses
and tradition heeler
6. FISHING TOUR (6 HOURS)
You will participate on fishing with local fisherman
using local available materials get your catch of the day that will be prepared
as part of your meal and sell the rest of the catch at the fish market. Learn
how to negotiate when selling fish after along hard work in the Indian Ocean.
7. TRADITIONAL DANCE (1 - 2 HOURS)
A group of women and men will give you and insight
their traditional dunce and songs, you will participate in various Swahili
dances elaborating different occasional and events such marriage Ceremony.
8.
SNORKELING
is the opportunity to observe the fascinating underwater world without
complicated equipment and training. Especially the reef surrounding mwambakuni
Attol features beautiful under water scenery with hard &soft coral and interesting marine
life.
9.
BIKING
through the tropical coastline away from busy roads and experience a different
picture of bagamoyo its local village
and breathtaking scenery. There are no official tracks any road or footpath is
excellent for a ride, as is the low tide.
10 RUVU RIVER CRUISE.
The ruvu river meanders the land
scape fringe with mangroves and coconuts plantations. You might see mangroves
and pied kingfisher hiding in the branches of trees, colobus monkey looking for
shady area , with a bite of luck some crocodile might come up to the surface.
Leave before sunset, when it is not anymore and most wild life became active
again
11.TRANSFERS
By Motorized dhaw Bagamoyo to Zanzibar or viceverse.
By car Bagamoyo to Dar es salaam or viceverse.
Bagamoyo to mkwaja/saadan on viceverse
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF BAGAMOYO
Bagamoyo
is one of the most fascinating towns in East Africa ,
with a host of historical associations. It boasts as one of the east Africa ’s largest assembly of 18th century architecture.
There is still controversy over the etymology of the word Bagamoyo. One
explorer claimed that the name signified “Coeur de l Afrique” – thus suggesting
that the town was the gate way to the interior of Africa
Some say its name is derived from the word “Bwagamoyo”, which means, “here I throw down my heart” reflecting the desperation and despair of the ‘broken hearted’ captives whose voyage into the unknown began here. Caravan porters praised the town as “Bwagamoyo”-“ to throw off melancholy”, while slaves lamented it as “Bagamoyo”, Kiswahili for “crush down your heart”
A more frequent explanation is that the word is a version of “Bwaga – moyo”:
“A double interpretation developed: the first theory holds 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 from the interior – now cease this enter port was popularly known as Bagamoyo.
Some say its name is derived from the word “Bwagamoyo”, which means, “here I throw down my heart” reflecting the desperation and despair of the ‘broken hearted’ captives whose voyage into the unknown began here. Caravan porters praised the town as “Bwagamoyo”-“ to throw off melancholy”, while slaves lamented it as “Bagamoyo”, Kiswahili for “crush down your heart”
A more frequent explanation is that the word is a version of “Bwaga – moyo”:
“A double interpretation developed: the first theory holds 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 from the interior – now cease this enter port was popularly known as Bagamoyo.
They
foresaw compensation of words for all the hardships they had endured and
perhaps thought this combination of word a symbol of hope and encouragement.
Bagamoyo was the terminus for caravan from the interior coming far to bagamoyo; the caravan porters name this town “Bwagamoyo” meaning throw off your melancholy. Later bagamoyo became the terminus for thousands of slaves who gave in new name to the town “bagamoyo”meaning crush your heart
Bagamoyo was the terminus for caravan from the interior coming far to bagamoyo; the caravan porters name this town “Bwagamoyo” meaning throw off your melancholy. Later bagamoyo became the terminus for thousands of slaves who gave in new name to the town “bagamoyo”meaning crush your heart
WHERE CULTURES MET.
Oman
Arabs were the first immigrants to resettle in Bagamoyo. Their wish was to
attract more commerce to Bagamoyo and they were successful, a large number of
Oman Arabs and Indian merchants settled in bagamoyo and established Bagamoyo as
a trade center on Africa ’s East Coast. Arabs
and Indian were businessmen while African population worked at the plantations
and salt mines or as fishermen. Many different African tribes came to bagamoyo
because of the caravans.
The Germans subsequently made their presence felt, establishing Bagamoyo as their commercial center and administrative capital of theGerman
East Africa . In addition to the Arab and German trading center for
ivory, copra, ebony and other natural resources. Bagamoyo was the town of
different cultures where they all met.
THE CARAVAN DAYS
The Germans subsequently made their presence felt, establishing Bagamoyo as their commercial center and administrative capital of the
THE CARAVAN DAYS
For
decades Bagamoyo was in 19th century the main terminus in the east African –
Arab and Indian trade network. Its closeness as a mainland port close to Zanzibar
“It has always meant the comfortable life”. In these words the old men at this historical coastal town summed up the spirit that was once Bagamoyo. Recalling the days of prosperity when the custom house has as much activity as the bustling market place, they related endless tales of good food, magnificent clothes and love adventure ‘all these and more’-that was Bagamoyo which emerged as a major 19th century.
Caravan enter port on central trade route, coming from the Great Lake Tanganyika and Victoria, porters carried ivory to Bagamoyo. The proximity toZanzibar attracted traders from Shiraz
in Persia from Oman at Persia
Gulf and from India Old
Town
Bagamoyo gained its name in the caravan days when the streets were devise with the people and merchandise. It was only possible to move in the streets with differently and now and then caravan porters tripled the town population. Ships from distant ports where a common sight in the harbor. Arriving at Caravan Serai in Bagamoyo porters used to sing:
Be happy my soul, let go all worries; Soon the place of your yearnings is waahed, the town of palms bagamoyo!
Far away, how my heart was aching when I was thinking of you, your pearl, your place of happiness, Bagamoyo
There the women wear their hair parted; you can drink palm wine all the year around in the gardens of love, in bagamoyo! The dhows arrive with streaming sails and take boards the treasures of Uleya in the harbor of bagamoyo!
Oh, what delight to see the ngomas. Oh, the lovely girls are swaying in dance at night in bagamoyo!
Be quiet, my heart, all worries are gone! The drumbeats and with rejoicing. We are reaching Bagamoyo!
THE SLAVE TRADE
“It has always meant the comfortable life”. In these words the old men at this historical coastal town summed up the spirit that was once Bagamoyo. Recalling the days of prosperity when the custom house has as much activity as the bustling market place, they related endless tales of good food, magnificent clothes and love adventure ‘all these and more’-that was Bagamoyo which emerged as a major 19th century.
Caravan enter port on central trade route, coming from the Great Lake Tanganyika and Victoria, porters carried ivory to Bagamoyo. The proximity to
Bagamoyo gained its name in the caravan days when the streets were devise with the people and merchandise. It was only possible to move in the streets with differently and now and then caravan porters tripled the town population. Ships from distant ports where a common sight in the harbor. Arriving at Caravan Serai in Bagamoyo porters used to sing:
Be happy my soul, let go all worries; Soon the place of your yearnings is waahed, the town of palms bagamoyo!
Far away, how my heart was aching when I was thinking of you, your pearl, your place of happiness, Bagamoyo
There the women wear their hair parted; you can drink palm wine all the year around in the gardens of love, in bagamoyo! The dhows arrive with streaming sails and take boards the treasures of Uleya in the harbor of bagamoyo!
Oh, what delight to see the ngomas. Oh, the lovely girls are swaying in dance at night in bagamoyo!
Be quiet, my heart, all worries are gone! The drumbeats and with rejoicing. We are reaching Bagamoyo!
THE SLAVE TRADE
Bagamoyo
is a place of considerable significance to world history, both as an entry
point for Arabs and European missionaries, explorer and traders in east and central
in the history of the slave trade.
In the 19th century Bagamoyo was for decades also the main terminus in East African slave trade. Bagamoyo was also the ending point of a major slave trade route that began inLake Tanganyika area. It
was mainly the Arabs who participated in the eastern slave trade.
Dr. Livingstone notes about the slave trade that” to overdraw its evils is simply not possible”. Slaves were obtained by kidnapping, incitement of tribal conflicts and by purchasing prisoners of war or tribal members from the chiefs. Villages were regularly destroyed and crops burnt Bagamoyo gained twice from the slave trade: the town expanded not only because of its commercial magnetism but also from the African tribe that fled famine and conflicts along the slave trade route.
The sight of slaves was shocking in Bagamoyo. Lines of several hundred of people chained together from neck to neck were probably not uncommon; sometimes they were herded in pens. Many were a poor sight and after three months of ill treatment and abuse along the slave trade route.
Most of the slaves saw theIndian Ocean for
the first time in their lives at Bagamoyo. At its peak an estimated 50000
slaves per year were taken from the interior to bagamoyo for shipment to the
slave markets and spice and clove plantations of Zanzibar Christian Freedom
Village
Dr. Livingstone calculated that for every slave who reached the coast ten did not. Slave trade continued long after the official abolition in 1873.
THE FALL OF BAGAMOYO
In the 19th century Bagamoyo was for decades also the main terminus in East African slave trade. Bagamoyo was also the ending point of a major slave trade route that began in
Dr. Livingstone notes about the slave trade that” to overdraw its evils is simply not possible”. Slaves were obtained by kidnapping, incitement of tribal conflicts and by purchasing prisoners of war or tribal members from the chiefs. Villages were regularly destroyed and crops burnt Bagamoyo gained twice from the slave trade: the town expanded not only because of its commercial magnetism but also from the African tribe that fled famine and conflicts along the slave trade route.
The sight of slaves was shocking in Bagamoyo. Lines of several hundred of people chained together from neck to neck were probably not uncommon; sometimes they were herded in pens. Many were a poor sight and after three months of ill treatment and abuse along the slave trade route.
Most of the slaves saw the
Dr. Livingstone calculated that for every slave who reached the coast ten did not. Slave trade continued long after the official abolition in 1873.
THE FALL OF BAGAMOYO
Bagamoyo
lost its importance to the growing port of Dar es Salaam in the late 1800s. The
same happened to Kaole, south of bagamoyo when once was deserted in favour of
bagamoyo.
Communities receded as other flourished. Kaole was an older settlement of Arab tradesmen, which was abandoned in the 1400s as the Portuguese began preying the coast.
Bagamoyo’s advantageous location with fertile hinterland access to the interior and a large, deeper harbour caused the late 18th century resettlement to occur here instead.
Prior to the caravan time the trade consisted mainly of dried fish, gum, copra and salt. This merchandise laid the foundation to the town’s wealth. Immigration to bagamoyo was not only triggered by its prosperity but also bye the town’s resistance to famine, which made it a haven in times of troubles in the interior.
The decline of the town was initiated when the harbor was too shallow to accommodate modern ships. The German government in 1891 decided to move the new capital of their new crown colony from bagamoyo to thenew city
Dar es Salaam was chosen; soon all modern trade
route faced Dar es Salaam Dar es Salaam
Attractions of interest tell the story of Bagamoyo’s colorful and at times turbulent past: of fishermen and farmers; of traders, explorers and travelers; of slaves, their captors and owners, and of the succeeding waves of colonialists that proceed the founding of the independent African nation ofTanzania
CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS
Communities receded as other flourished. Kaole was an older settlement of Arab tradesmen, which was abandoned in the 1400s as the Portuguese began preying the coast.
Bagamoyo’s advantageous location with fertile hinterland access to the interior and a large, deeper harbour caused the late 18th century resettlement to occur here instead.
Prior to the caravan time the trade consisted mainly of dried fish, gum, copra and salt. This merchandise laid the foundation to the town’s wealth. Immigration to bagamoyo was not only triggered by its prosperity but also bye the town’s resistance to famine, which made it a haven in times of troubles in the interior.
The decline of the town was initiated when the harbor was too shallow to accommodate modern ships. The German government in 1891 decided to move the new capital of their new crown colony from bagamoyo to the
Attractions of interest tell the story of Bagamoyo’s colorful and at times turbulent past: of fishermen and farmers; of traders, explorers and travelers; of slaves, their captors and owners, and of the succeeding waves of colonialists that proceed the founding of the independent African nation of
CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS
Bagamoyo
is known for being rich in historical, cultural and tourist sites such as:
The first Stone Building/ Old Fort
Oldest
surviving stone building in bagamoyo built in 1860 by Abdallah suleiman Marhabi,
a local Arab trader. It was originally Sultan Barghash of Zanzibar fortified
the private residence of Marhabi.This building located in the north/west of the
town at one point and in1870 its dimension was expanded to be the residence of
Sultan's representatives together with his office and the Arab colonial prison.
This building commands a strong history in terms of architecture. In fact
Islamic architecture can be best seen from this building. The old fort has
associations with slave trade. Initially its function was to hold slaves before
being shipped to Zanzibar.it has underground passage through which slaves were
herded to dhows on the shore. It was later taken over by Sewa Haji, an
influential Indian businessman, who presented it to the Germans in 1894
First Germany Germany
colonialist in East Africa .
GERMAN HANGING PLACE
By the
beach below the fortified house is the small pyramid marking what has become
known as the “German Hanging Place”. Monument reminding the supporters of
Bushiri who were hanged to death here in December 1889. This is the place where
during the colonial period people who were found guilty of misconduct used to
be hanged.
Place where the German colonialist used to hang to death revolutionary
African’s who were opposing their oppressive rule.
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. Bushiri bin Salim incited an uprising of coastal
Arab slave traders against harsh German colonizers in German
East Africa . Hermann Von Wissmann (1853-1905), a noted African
explorer was appointed German commissioner of East Africa
in 1888 and order to put down the uprising. In early 1889, he arrived on the
German East African coast with 600 Sudanese troops and proceeded to engage the
rebel Arabs in scrimmage. In May 1889 Wissmann was ready to attack the
headquarters of Bushiri in Nzole, not far from Bagamoyo. The attack started on
the 8th of May, Bushiri fled. Many German soldiers were killed who now rest in
the German cemetery. December 1889, Wissmann’s forces stormed and took
Bagamoyo, a rebel stronghold, and Bushiri was captured and hung. While Wissmann
was reestablishing order on land, the Germans, joined by the British, carried
out a blockade of the coast, preventing the export of slaves and the import of
weapons by the Arabs. By 1890, Wissmann had completely suppressed the rebels.
The following is the list of the graves found in the German cemetery. There are 20 tombs of the German soldiers.
- 8 soldiers died of sickness
- 6 were killed in the Bushiri uprising
- 4 killed during 1890
One tomb is of the German nurse and the last tomb is of a child who died of sickness. One grave is of the British district commissioner who was buried at one edge of the cemetery compound after where the German tombs ended.
MWANAMAKUKA CEMETERY
The following is the list of the graves found in the German cemetery. There are 20 tombs of the German soldiers.
- 8 soldiers died of sickness
- 6 were killed in the Bushiri uprising
- 4 killed during 1890
One tomb is of the German nurse and the last tomb is of a child who died of sickness. One grave is of the British district commissioner who was buried at one edge of the cemetery compound after where the German tombs ended.
MWANAMAKUKA CEMETERY
The
evidence of the early settlement in Bagamoyo, oldest tombs dating back to 1793
and later tombs date’s back 1813
THE LIKU HOUSE
THE LIKU HOUSE
do
slender iron columns and a central double door, this building served as first
German colonial administrative center, support an old 2-storey building with an
awning.
THE BOMA
THE BOMA
Impressive
two-storey building topped by crenellations, constructed in a U-shape in
1897.They is pointed arches on the ground floor. This was built by the Germans
as the colonial administration headquarters of the first capital of the German
East Africa and the Governor’s residence. The building exhibits strong tangible
evidence of colonialism in Tanzania
PLAQUE IN FRONT OF BOMA
PLAQUE IN FRONT OF BOMA
A
plaque set up near the beach which commemorates the first expedition,
undertaken by the British explorers Richard Burton and John Speke, who set off
from here on 27th June 1857
THE WISSMANN MONUMENT
The monument was built in 1894 and was dismantled in 1946 by the British.
THE ARAB COFFEE HOUSE
THE WISSMANN MONUMENT
The monument was built in 1894 and was dismantled in 1946 by the British.
THE ARAB COFFEE HOUSE
Abdallah
Marhabi, an influential Arab merchant, constructed the building around
1860.Originally it was used as an Arabian cafe, where people could have their
tea or coffee. Since then it has used as a hospital and is currently used as an
office. In the 1900s it was extended with two wings on the back.
THE OLD POST OFFICE
The old
post office in the stone town was the first post office and telegraph station
in the former Tanganyika. It was built by Sewa Haji, an influential Indian
businessman, in the late 1800s as a tailor shop and shortly after rebuilt to
house and then post office. It maintained that function for almost hundred
years until a new post office was built. Today the building is a residential.
THE CUSTOM HOUSE
The northern symmetrical wing was built between 1888-1889 and later was built the southern symmetrical wing in 1895 and collapsed to remain only a ruin. This building was built by the Germans to facilitate commercial transactions and tax collection. This building just sitting on the sandbay of Bagamoyo Zanzibar
THE CUSTOM HOUSE
The northern symmetrical wing was built between 1888-1889 and later was built the southern symmetrical wing in 1895 and collapsed to remain only a ruin. This building was built by the Germans to facilitate commercial transactions and tax collection. This building just sitting on the sand
SEWA
HAJI SCHOOL / MWAMBAO SCHOOL
In 1896
Sewa Haji, an influential businessman, built this three storey interracial
school in the heart of Bagamoyo. The school is one of the many social
facilities provided by Sewa Haji in the late 1800. The building was expanded in
three different stages, and the entrance was moved to the opposite side but the
use of the building has not changed since the start. Today parts of the
building are not in use because of the poor condition. The School Square
THE CROSS-BY THE SEA
THE CROSS-BY THE SEA
It
marks the sport where Father Antoine Horner of the French Holy Ghost Fathers
first stepped ashore from Zanzibar in 17th June 1868 to establish the first
Roman Catholic church on the East African mainland. Monument is in green marble
surmounted by a cross.
CATHOLIC PARISH OF BAGAMOYO
CATHOLIC PARISH OF BAGAMOYO
Christianity
came to East Coast of sub-Sahara Africa with the Portuguese in the 16th century
but it was soon lost over a 400 years period of Arab domination. It has not
until 1863 that Christian missionaries came again to this part of Africa in the persons of Spiritans from Alsace Lorranie.
Five years later they were on the mainland, having been given land by the Sultan of Zanzibar.
Spiritan missionaries established the first Catholic Parish in East African mainland on 17th July 1868.
Five years later they were on the mainland, having been given land by the Sultan of Zanzibar.
Spiritan missionaries established the first Catholic Parish in East African mainland on 17th July 1868.
Honored
by the Roman Catholic Church as the mother of all parishes in east Africa. The
historic catholic parish of Bagamoyo was a focal point both in the late 19th
century drive to abolish the African slave trade and the European exploration
of the African interior, including the celebrated search of the Nile .
Missionaries sent by Bishop Armand Mau point from St. Denis / Reunion island east of Madagascar to fight slavery led by Father Superior Anthony Horner, the missionaries began to ransom the slaves and resettling them in village in which they could live in some human decency, carrying on the efforts began by the RC order initially on the islands of St Denis / Reunion and, in 1860, on the neighboring island of Zanzibar. The village was called “Christian Freedom
Village
At the village the freed slaves received elementary school tuition as well as vocational training in area such as carpentry, blacksmithing and farming. These freed slaves became the first Christians and as the Spiritans moved inland, so did the Christians, other missionary order followed all coming through mission.
Missionaries sent by Bishop Armand Mau point from St. Denis / Reunion island east of Madagascar to fight slavery led by Father Superior Anthony Horner, the missionaries began to ransom the slaves and resettling them in village in which they could live in some human decency, carrying on the efforts began by the RC order initially on the islands of St Denis / Reunion and, in 1860, on the neighboring island of Zanzibar. The village was called “
At the village the freed slaves received elementary school tuition as well as vocational training in area such as carpentry, blacksmithing and farming. These freed slaves became the first Christians and as the Spiritans moved inland, so did the Christians, other missionary order followed all coming through mission.
THE BAOBAB TREE
The Baobab
tree is an old as the mission itself. The tree was planted in 1868 and has
therefore a remarkable history.
Many stories are told about the tree but many more about the chain found below the tree near roots.
The only true story is: very soon the missionary sisters had started to take care of the sick, a hospital was built just behind the tree. The French nurse Madama de Chevalier, who was running a dispensary inZanzibar
Below is a chart showing how the tree grew, measures taken by German forest expert who was interested in the growth of the tree.
YEARS CIRCUMFERENCE IN METRES
Many stories are told about the tree but many more about the chain found below the tree near roots.
The only true story is: very soon the missionary sisters had started to take care of the sick, a hospital was built just behind the tree. The French nurse Madama de Chevalier, who was running a dispensary in
Below is a chart showing how the tree grew, measures taken by German forest expert who was interested in the growth of the tree.
YEARS CIRCUMFERENCE IN METRES
1912
5.44
1927 6.80
1955 7.84
1991 10.20
2000 12.50
1927 6.80
1955 7.84
1991 10.20
2000 12.50
THE FIRST CHURCH / LIVINGSTONE MEMORIAL CHURCH
This is
the tower of the very first Roman Catholic Church in East African mainland
built in 1872. Originally intended to house children rescued from slavery, it
quickly expanded to become a church school and a collection of workshop and
farming projects.
The Missionaries used this building as a base to a camp of about 680 freed slaves, the base infrastructure used for the humanitarian function can still be seen at the perish. The architecture of this church is an Amalgamated German Gothic with traces of strong medieval volumetric architectural composition. The church was later dismantled but the tower was kept.
On February 24th 1874 a group of African porter entered the compound of the mission. At the door of this tower all stood in reverent silence until one of the missionary showed up one of the porter told him “Mwili wa David”- The Body of David…
…At four on the morning of 1st may 1873, Dr David Livingstone, a famous British explorer and missionary was found kneeling by Abdullah Susi his servant by his bed. His body stretched forward and his head buried in his hands upon the pillow having died in prayer. Livingstone men behaved admirably. They made an inventory effects and packed them in tin boxes. There was general mourning and the servants fired volleys. They roughly embalmed the body, burying the heart. Jacob Wainwright, a Nassick boy read the burial service. The body then enclosed in a cylinder of bark and was enveloped in sailcloth and lashed to a pole, to be carried by two men. Abdullah Susi, James Chuma, Jacob Wainwright and others set out on a remarkable journey, which ultimately brought them to the coast carrying the body of their master spending nine months and travelling 1500km from Ujiji.
The Catholic fathers sent messages to the British authorities inZanzibar Zanzibar and reached England
Speke,Burton , Grant, Stanley
The Missionaries used this building as a base to a camp of about 680 freed slaves, the base infrastructure used for the humanitarian function can still be seen at the perish. The architecture of this church is an Amalgamated German Gothic with traces of strong medieval volumetric architectural composition. The church was later dismantled but the tower was kept.
On February 24th 1874 a group of African porter entered the compound of the mission. At the door of this tower all stood in reverent silence until one of the missionary showed up one of the porter told him “Mwili wa David”- The Body of David…
…At four on the morning of 1st may 1873, Dr David Livingstone, a famous British explorer and missionary was found kneeling by Abdullah Susi his servant by his bed. His body stretched forward and his head buried in his hands upon the pillow having died in prayer. Livingstone men behaved admirably. They made an inventory effects and packed them in tin boxes. There was general mourning and the servants fired volleys. They roughly embalmed the body, burying the heart. Jacob Wainwright, a Nassick boy read the burial service. The body then enclosed in a cylinder of bark and was enveloped in sailcloth and lashed to a pole, to be carried by two men. Abdullah Susi, James Chuma, Jacob Wainwright and others set out on a remarkable journey, which ultimately brought them to the coast carrying the body of their master spending nine months and travelling 1500km from Ujiji.
The Catholic fathers sent messages to the British authorities in
Speke,
First church East Africa built 1868 –
1872 by Holy Ghost furthers
THE FATHERS HOUSE
The
ground floor of the Fathers house was built in 1873, close to the mother of all
churches in East Africa. The first and second storey was built later in 1877
and 1903, with its cloistered verandah and arches. It has also fallen victim to
the corrosive effects of the coast region relentlessly humid climate. The
statue of the sacred heart was erected in 1887 in front of the Fathers house.
SISTERS
HOUSE / MISSION MUSEUM
The
mission museum s housed in the formerly known the Sisters house, ground floor
having built in 1876, the first storey was built in 1896 and later verandah was
added in 1916. It is a small museum, which displays history in relation to its
contact with foreigners; it has old photographs, documents and relics from
slave trade period. One intriguing exhibit is the uniform presented by H.A
Schimit in 1965 and another is a beautifully written register of slaves freed
by the mission with the names of each and the date of his baptism.
GROTTO
GROTTO
a small
chapel also called Grotto of the blessed virgin was built in 1876 by the
ex-slaves as a memorial or the expression of gratitude to the missionaries who
had saved them in the center of the Christian freedom village with sign
“Saumnus Maria picked out flowers”
ADEM
Roman
Catholic seminary 1870-1969
The statue of St. Joseph marks the site of the first catholic altar on the East African Mainland
The statue of St. Joseph marks the site of the first catholic altar on the East African Mainland
THE
NEW CHURCH
A new church was found in the mission in 1910 and completed in 1914. It was built of fine coral bricks. In 1919 a big cross was erected on the tower of the church with a weathercock on top. However in 1969 the cross fell down and is now erected at the main entrance of the church. The weathercock got a place in the museum.
THE CARAVAN SERAI
A new church was found in the mission in 1910 and completed in 1914. It was built of fine coral bricks. In 1919 a big cross was erected on the tower of the church with a weathercock on top. However in 1969 the cross fell down and is now erected at the main entrance of the church. The weathercock got a place in the museum.
THE CARAVAN SERAI
A
courtyard, which has a single building at front and square two-storey building.
This building stands as an evidence of foreign trade supremacy and commercial
activities in Bagamoyo.Apart from accommodating travelers who engaged in the
overseas to interior trading, there is evidence that this building was used by
Arabs to accommodate slaves on transit, as bagamoyo had no specific slave
market. It is from this building that overseas travelers and merchants either
exchanged goods with their counterpart from the interior or made arrangements
for porter and guides to take them to the interior’s trade center.
It is suggested that travelers found Caravan Serai very homely and peaceful to warrant them to nick named the town “Bwagamoyo” the place where one’s heart came to rest and relax after a long and tiring journey.
It is suggested that travelers found Caravan Serai very homely and peaceful to warrant them to nick named the town “Bwagamoyo” the place where one’s heart came to rest and relax after a long and tiring journey.
The Caravan Serai built in 1860s by an Arab trade Said Mghram Awadht.
(Birth place of the name Bagamoyo). Currently saves as a Museum and tourist
information centre for the entire Bagamoyo Historical town.
THE WISSMAN BLOCK HOUSE
The German blockhouse was built in 1888 by Herman Wissman during Bushiri Uprising as an observation or guardhouse at the main crossroads that led from the coast to the interior and from south to north. Bushiri caught the main builder fundi Dundir, cut off his right arm and sent him back to Bagamoyo. This building is popularly known as Kwa N’gomera after the name of the ex- slave widow called N’gomera who was given the building by the German for residential purposes. Relating this building to the war between Germans and Arabs for control of Bagamoyo is again an important segment in the history of Bagamoyo.The construction techniques of this tiny but magnificent monument is the typical construction of that time along the
Block house; Built in 1888 by German Commander Von Wissman. Used as a
watching tower during Abushiri war in 1888 to 1889 in Bagamoyo.
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 fifteen tombs set among palm trees. Some of the
tombs have stone pillars of up to 5m in height. These were built in the 13th
and 15th 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.
The early mosque dates from the thirteenth century whilst the later one was probably built sometime in the fifteenth century. The early mosque has several unusual features not found later. It consists of a rectangular hall approximately 4 by 6 m north south. Originally there was a set of masonry columns running down the center of the structure, which would have supported a flat roof. Access to the flat roof is by means of a staircase at the south end of the building. Either side of the central prayer hall was narrow side aisles (about 1 m wide), which were later, enlarged. Architecturally the most interesting feature of the building is the mihrab. The mihrab arch consists of a plain border approximately 20 cm wide with a round arch containing a pointed niche at the apex. The paneled apse of the mihrab which projects out of the wall is probably a later fourteenth-century addition and it is likely that the original mihrab was set within the thickness of the wall. The mihrab arch is built out of roughly squared blocks covered with plaster to produce a smooth finish. This is an unusual technique, which is not found in later mosques where the mihrab is usually made out of dressed coral blocks. The ablution area of the mosque is situated to the south of the prayer hall rather than to the east, which became more usual later. The ablution area consists of a square well next to a rectangular tank covered with a barrel vault and a rectangular foot scraping area. Both the barrel vault and the foot scraper consist of raw blocks of coral set in mortar, features, which are unusual and may be a sign of early mosques.
The later mosque of Kaole is larger than its earlier neighbor and consisted of a central prayer hall supported by two rows of wooden columns. Each column was sunk deep into the ground and was encased in an octagonal masonry collar where it met the plastered floor of the mosque. Like the early mosque, the ablution area is at the south end of the building, which is unusual in mosques of this date and may well result from the influence of the earlier structure.
The early mosque dates from the thirteenth century whilst the later one was probably built sometime in the fifteenth century. The early mosque has several unusual features not found later. It consists of a rectangular hall approximately 4 by 6 m north south. Originally there was a set of masonry columns running down the center of the structure, which would have supported a flat roof. Access to the flat roof is by means of a staircase at the south end of the building. Either side of the central prayer hall was narrow side aisles (about 1 m wide), which were later, enlarged. Architecturally the most interesting feature of the building is the mihrab. The mihrab arch consists of a plain border approximately 20 cm wide with a round arch containing a pointed niche at the apex. The paneled apse of the mihrab which projects out of the wall is probably a later fourteenth-century addition and it is likely that the original mihrab was set within the thickness of the wall. The mihrab arch is built out of roughly squared blocks covered with plaster to produce a smooth finish. This is an unusual technique, which is not found in later mosques where the mihrab is usually made out of dressed coral blocks. The ablution area of the mosque is situated to the south of the prayer hall rather than to the east, which became more usual later. The ablution area consists of a square well next to a rectangular tank covered with a barrel vault and a rectangular foot scraping area. Both the barrel vault and the foot scraper consist of raw blocks of coral set in mortar, features, which are unusual and may be a sign of early mosques.
The later mosque of Kaole is larger than its earlier neighbor and consisted of a central prayer hall supported by two rows of wooden columns. Each column was sunk deep into the ground and was encased in an octagonal masonry collar where it met the plastered floor of the mosque. Like the early mosque, the ablution area is at the south end of the building, which is unusual in mosques of this date and may well result from the influence of the earlier structure.
Kaole ruin of 13th century. Beginning of Swahili
civilization
NATURAL ATTRACTIONS
Saadan National Park and Wami Mbiki Community
based on National Resource protection and Utilization are among of the natural
attractions. Wami Mbiki consists of 13 Villages namely Kwamsanja, Kwaruhombo,
Kifuleta, Pongwekiona, Diozile, Pongwemsungura, Kinzagu, Mindutulieni, Makombe,
Tukamisasa, Kaloleni, Mindu and Visakazi.Those is the areas where different
wild animals are reserved.
Hakuna maoni:
Chapisha Maoni