4 Days Historical South Coast Safari & Beach

Detailed Overview

Overview

This is one of our relaxation safaris along the south coast. There are three Kilwa’s, Kilwa Kivinje, Kilwa Masoki and Kolwa Kisiwani, each with a lot of history from the ninth century A.D. Today they are quiet and remote, but in former days they were the site of a powerful and prosperous settlement ruled by independent African sultanates. Kilwa was the center of a vast trading network, connecting the ancient Shona Kingdoms and Zimbabwe's gold fields with Persia, India and China. Visit this ancient East African Port, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Tour Highlights

• Immerse yourself in ancient history
• Visit the impressive ruins of the sultans
• Interact with local people and Get a feeling of authentic Swahili culture
• Canoe down the Swahili coast

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Dar es Salaam – Kilwa Kivinje

Early morning pick-up from the agreed meeting point in Dar es Salaam, then drive 4 hours to Kilwa. Our first highlight is Kilwa Kivinje, to visit the German and Arab historical buildings before heading towards Kilwa Masoko, where you check in at the appropriate accommodation. Afterwards, a relaxing afternoon on the beach.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Possible Accommodation: Beach Lodge Campsite (budget); Kilwa Dreams Lodge (mid-range); Kilwa Beach Lodge (luxury)

Day 2: Kilwa Masoko – Kilwa Kisiwani

After breakfast, our local guide will pick you up to visit to the Kilwa Masoko region including the salt fields. Discover how locals harvest salt from the Indian Ocean. Visit the local market or stay at the beachside. In the afternoon drive back to the hotel for a hot lunch and a short break. At 02:30 p.m. drive to the ferry where you take the fiber boat to Kilwa Kisiwani. In Kilwa Kisiwani, our guide will take you through the Malindi Mosque and cemetery, Kilwa’s Fort Makutani, and the tombs of the Kilwa Sultans. After sunset, walk back to the ferry and drive back to Masoko.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Possible Accommodation: Beach Lodge Campsite (budget); Kilwa Dreams Lodge (mid-range); Kilwa Beach Lodge (luxury)

Day 3: Full Day Tour Kilwa

After breakfast you visit the Kilwa ruins and the village where you can interact freely with the local people and then proceed to the hippo pool for watching hippos and birds. Canoe down the Indian Ocean, past the ruins that take your mind back to the days of exploration and enjoy beautiful views of Kilwa Island adorned with mangroves, coconut and palm trees. Learn local ways to locate and catch fish. Do some fishing: try to catch a fish that is being prepared for your lunch or dinner. End your day with a coffee while sitting under the fig tree with locals in the evening and listening to traditional stories: a real feeling of authentic Swahili culture.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Possible Accommodation: Beach Lodge Campsite (budget); Kilwa Dreams Lodge (mid-range); Kilwa Beach Lodge (luxury)

Day 4: Kilwa – Dar es Salaam

Breakfast at the hotel in Kilwa before heading back to Dar es Salaam, where you will be dropped off in the late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast

Possible Accommodation: no accommodation on this day

Best Travel Time

• From June to October it is warm and dry with a cool breeze
• November and December short rains that extend as long rains through most parts of January to April.

Inclusions

• Transport from and to your hotel/residence or airport/seaport
• Professional, English-speaking driver/guide
• All activities as per itinerary
• All accommodations and meals as mentioned in the itinerary or as agreed. N. B. accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is dependent on availability at the time of booking; alternatives of a similar class may be booked instead
• All camping gear (if applicable)
• 4 × 4 safari vehicle or saloon car
• Complimentary bottle of drinking water daily
• Driver’s salary and allowances
• All entrance fees for museums, historic and culture sites and event fees as per itinerary
• All Government taxes

Exclusions

• International/national flights and visa fees
• Extras, personal expenses i.e. soft- and alcoholic drinks, telephone, souvenirs, laundry etc.
• Travel, medical, injury and luggage insurance
• Flying doctor rescue services
• Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park entrance fees
• Tips to the driver & guide
• Anything else not mentioned in the inclusions
• Optional activities not outlined on the itinerary

Optional Add-ons

• On request other tour languages possible
• Additional accommodation before and after the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
• Extension of stay or additional program is possible / or have a look at our other offers

Important Notes

• Usually our tours require a minimum of 2 persons to run. Single travelers can join a tour or ask us for a tailor-made safari.
• We offer discounted prices for children.

What to Bring

• Lightweight clothing
• Swimwear
• Sun hat and sunglasses
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Sandals and walking shoes
• Insect repellent
• Personal medication
• Travel documents