Swahili Ruins

Trip Start Jun 02, 2008

143

Trip End Jun 09, 2009

Loading Map

Map your own trip!

Map Options

Show trip route

Hide lines

Where I stayed

Mjaka Inn

Flag of Tanzania Kilwa Masoko, Tanzania
Wednesday, September 10, 2008

The Swahili ruins on Kilwa Kisiwani (The Scales on the Island) date back to around 1050 C.E. and include a luxurious palace, a market yard, and several mosques. This island was once a major trading centre where traders from Asia, the Middle East, and Europe would come to trade goods for the gold and ivory of Great Zimbabwe. Later, it was also a trade centre for human traffickers.

Bo and I sailed over to the island on a local dhow with our knowledgable guide, who gave us a detailed tour of all the ruins.

The road between Dar es Salaam and Kilwa is not yet complete. Some 70 kilometres remain unsurfaced and are really only a sand path. Luckily though, we only blew one tire on our return journey. While the tire was being repaired, I answered the call of nature in the bushes. However, I did not choose my location well at all; and in a span of fifteen seconds, my trousers were stormed by about 500 large, red ants. With scenes from Indiana Jones movies and my own life flashing before my eyes, I quickly switched priorities and started a frenetic stomping dance to rid myself of the insects. Only later, after traffic on my body had calmed, did I do up my fly.

All in all, a beautiful and rewarding side trip before our departure from this country.

Slideshow