Back in Time with Kilwa and Songo Mnara Ruins

Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara, a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO, used to be two important East African ports between the 13th and 16th centuries. At present, the Ruins of Kilwa and Ruins of Songo Mnara can be found on two islands that are adjacent to one another off the coast of Tanzania, roughly 300 kilometers south of Dar es Salaam.

Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara were once Swahili commercial centers, and their wealth was built on the control of commerce with Arabia, India, and China in the Indian Ocean. After being sold to a businessman in the ninth century, Kilwa developed into a significant town and a key trading hub along the coast and inland as far as Zimbabwe. Gold and iron from Zimbabwe, ivory and slaves from Tanzania, and textiles, jewelry, porcelain, and spices from Asia made up the majority of the trade. Nowadays, a large portion of the island is covered in Kilwa Kisiwani's ruins, and many areas of the city are still unexplored. Visitors can witness some standing ruins including the Great Mosque, the palace Husuni Kubwa, Husuni Ndogo, etc., with ancient beauty. On the other hand, the ruins of Songo Mnara are located at the northern tip of the island with remnants of five temples, a royal complex and 33 household structures.

In conclusion, the Ruins of Kilwa and Songo Mnara are places worth visiting if you are into history and want to explore more about the old trading centers of Tanzania.