KILWA KISIWANI

• Latitude: -8.958
• Longitude: 39.503
• East Africa
• Port in Tanzania

Location: Kilwa Kisiwani Tanzania

Kilwa Kisiwani Marine Port - Tanzania

Overview:

Kilwa Kisiwani is a historic port town situated on Kilwa Kisiwani Island, off the coast of southern Tanzania. The port is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its rich historical significance, particularly during the medieval period as a major center for trade and commerce in the Indian Ocean. Kilwa Kisiwani was once a thriving hub that connected Africa with Persia, Arabia, and India.

Geographical Location:

• Coordinates: Approximately 8.9659° S latitude and 39.5077° E longitude.
• Accessibility: Access to Kilwa Kisiwani is generally via small boats from the mainland town of Kilwa Masoko. The nearest major city is Dar es Salaam, located around 300 kilometers to the north.

Facilities:

The modern infrastructure of Kilwa Kisiwani port is relatively limited compared to major commercial ports due to its focus on heritage and tourism rather than heavy trade. However, it contains essential maritime facilities to support local fishing, small-scale cargo handling, and tourism activities.

• Berthing Facilities: Small jetties and docking areas suitable for fishing vessels, small cargo boats, and tourist crafts.
• Storage: Limited warehousing and storage facilities, mainly geared towards accommodating local fishing activities and preservation of historical artifacts.
• Navigation Aids: Basic navigation aids for local vessels, given the relatively shallow and sheltered waters around the island.
• Customs and Security: Basic customs and immigration services for incoming and outgoing vessels.

Economic and Operational Significance:

• Trade: Historically significant as a trade hub in the 13th to 15th centuries, trading commodities like gold, ivory, iron, and pottery. Currently, it plays a minimal role in large-scale trade activities.
• Tourism: A key attraction for cultural and historical tourism. Visitors come to explore the ruins of ancient Swahili architecture, including palaces, mosques, and fortifications.
• Fishing: The local economy is partially supported by small-scale fishing activities.

Historical and Cultural Significance:

The port and the island itself are rich in archeological and architectural remains that provide deep insights into the Swahili culture and the history of trade in the Indian Ocean. Notable sites include:

• The Great Mosque: One of the oldest mosques on the East African coast.
• The Husuni Kubwa Palace: A grand palace that underscores the architectural prowess of the medieval Swahili civilization.
• Portuguese Fort: Constructed in the 16th century during the brief period of Portuguese control.
• Tombs and Residential Structures: Offer glimpses into the daily lives and social organization of the historical inhabitants.

Conservation:

Being a UNESCO World Heritage site, Kilwa Kisiwani is subject to preservation and conservation efforts aimed at maintaining its integrity and preventing the degradation of its historical structures. These efforts are crucial for retaining its cultural heritage and continued appeal as a tourist destination.

Conclusion:

Kilwa Kisiwani’s marine port may not be a major commercial hub today, but it is a place of immense historical and cultural richness. Its significance lies in its illustrious past as a vital trade center and its current role in promoting tourism and heritage conservation.