Kilwa City
Kilwa City, located on the southeastern coast of Tanzania, is one of the most historically significant sites along the Swahili Coast.
Once a thriving medieval trading empire, it was a key player in Indian Ocean commerce, linking Africa with Arabia, Persia, India, and even China.
Today, Kilwa is split into Kilwa Kisiwani (the island with the ancient ruins) and Kilwa Masoko (modern Kilwa city).
Its historical sites, particularly on Kilwa Kisiwani, are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and provide a glimpse into a past filled with wealth, conquest, and architectural grandeur.
Table of Contents
A Brief History of Kilwa Kingdom
The Rise of a Trading Empire (9th–15th Century)
Kilwa Kisiwani’s history dates back to the 9th century, when Persian and Arab settlers arrived on the island, blending with the local Swahili culture.
By the 11th century, Kilwa had become one of the most powerful city-states on the East African coast, controlling trade routes that stretched as far as the African interior.
Gold from the mines of Great Zimbabwe, ivory, and enslaved people were exported from Kilwa in exchange for Persian ceramics, Indian textiles, and Chinese porcelain.
Where Is Kilwa Located?
Kilwa is located on the southeastern coast of Tanzania, along the Indian Ocean.
It lies in Lindi Region, about 300 km south of Dar es Salaam.
Kilwa Kisiwani and Kilwa Masoko are both part of Kilwa District.
Kilwa is accessible by road, air, and boat:
- By Road: A 5–6 hour drive from Dar es Salaam via the A14 highway.
- By Air: Small charter flights land at Kilwa Masoko Airport.
- By Boat: A short boat ride from Kilwa Masoko takes you to Kilwa Kisiwani.
When you think of visiting an old historical UNESCO World Heritage Site located on a Tanzanian island, what comes to mind?
I am pretty sure…Stone Town, Zanzibar!
What if I told you that there is another place in Tanzania that fits the exact same description—a place with a history that goes back further than Stone Town and which, at its height, was of even greater global importance?
It’s true, I tell you. That place, Kilwa, is what I would like to tell you about today.
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How I First Heard About Kilwa, the Island With the Oldest Mosque in East Africa
I first heard of the Kilwa Sultinate, many years ago in 10th grade African history class. It surprised me to learn of this ancient civilization in Tanzania, my own country.
It surprised me even more to be learning about this for the first time in my mid-teens.
I lived in the Côte d’Ivoire, at the time, so didn’t pursue it further. Instead, I internalized that the ruins of Kilwa were still standing today and made a mental note to find out more one day, when I was older and in Tanzania.
The perfect opportunity presented itself not too long ago, when a man I was seeing told me about an amazing solo trip he had taken to Kilwa, during his vacations a couple of months before we started dating. 
He’d had such a great time there that he suggested we go back together so I could experience it too. So, we did.
Before I go on and tell you about my experience of Kilwa, perhaps I should begin by telling you about the ancient Kilwa Sultinate so that you understand what all the fuss is about.