Picture of Looking into the courtyard of the German Fort (Bagamoyo, Tanzania)

View from the German Fort

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Former capital of Tanzania, Bagamoyo now is an interesting coastal town with plenty of things to see and do. Improved road conditions make it a feasible day trip from Dar es Salaam.
While settlers arrived in the Bagamoyo area many centuries ago, it was only in the 19th century that the city gained importance. Originally settled by Muslims from Oman, others arrived soon thereafter, as it turned into a trading port, mainly for ivory and slave trade. Its location opposite Zanzibar means that it was a logical choice to make it the capital of the German colony. The name supposedly comes from the Swahili for "Lay down your heart": Bwagamoyo. Apart from its economic significance, Bagamoyo was also a major port through which many explorers, like Richard Burton, John Speke, and Henry Stanley passed. Currently, apart from its historical significance, Bagamoyo is a centre for dhow building - evidence of which can be found by going to the beach where many boats are parked. It is here that you can also see fishermen come ashore with the latest catch, which includes some pretty big fish. Although I had liked to stay longer in this interesting town, I had to return to Dar as the sun was on its way down.
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