Swahili means ‘coastal’ in Arabic, and the Swahili coast refers to Tanzania’s coastline, a beautiful and historic region rich in history, natural beauty, art, and culture. Ancient Greek manuscripts show that the east coast of Africa was visited by sailing vessels in classical times. In the ninth or tenth centuries came -Shirazi Persians from modern-day Iran, sailing their ancient dhows across the Indian Ocean.
Chinese, Japanese, Russian and Indonesian merchants and pirates, traders and adventurers, all arrived over the centuries during which the Swahili coast was the center of a thriving commercial civilisation, with its own language, economy, and artistic traditions. When Europe was still floundering in the dark ages, the light of eastern civilisation had fallen on the Swahili coast, unknown to the rest of the world.
Today, reminders of the Swahili coast’s magnificent past can be found up and down the length of Tanzania. The brass-bound chests and heavy wooden doors of the Swahili empire are found far inland, imported originally by the Arabic slave traders who led caravans into the interior in search of fortune. On the coast itself, crumbling mosques nestle among palm trees by white beaches and Persian baths lie ruined in the remains of ancient villas.
Bagamoyo
Bagamoyo was once the center of slave and ivory trading. It was the last point reached by the caravans of slaves who arrived here for transportation to faraway places. Today, this attractive coastal town still bears reminders of its past – the fortified house where slaves were kept while waiting for transportation still stands, as does the tree under which they were bought and sold.
Kilwa
Kilwa Kisiwani Island was once the trading center of the Swahili Empire. The ruins of the settlement still remain and are considered to be one of the most important Swahili historical sites in East Africa. The famous traveller and chronicler Ibn Battuta visited Kilwa in the 14th century, describing his admiration for the architecture and graceful situation of the capital city. Later the island became a trading post for slaves travelling north from Mauritius and Mozambique. The end of the town’s supremacy as a trading port came when it was sacked by a tribe of cannibals in 1588.
Mafia Island
The name Mafia derives from the Ma-afir, a tribe from ancient Yemen who dominated the coast around 1000BC. Mafia Island is the largest of an island archipelago, off the beaten track and known to only the most discerning travellers. The island is surrounded by a barrier reef so rich in marine life it has been designated a Marine Park by the World Wide Fund for Nature. A tiny population of pygmy hippo live in the remains of an old lagoon, cut off from the mainland centuries ago. Mafia’s interesting history and stunning beaches, combined with several luxurious and discreet hotels, make it one of Tanzania’s hidden gems.
Tanga and Pangani
Ruins close to the active port of Tanga attest to its importance as a trading post in the Swahili civilisation. The ruins, once a large mosque, include more than 40 tombs. Tanga also has pleasant beaches and is a convenient point from which to visit the spectacular Usambara Mountains. Just south of Tanga is Pangani, once the home of Arab slave traders, set on a lovely estuary of the Pangani River.