Kilwa
The hidden gem of Tanzania’s coastline
At The Slow Leopard we pride ourselves in tailoring the experience to your needs.
Contact our expert reservations team who will be available to to plan your transport, select the ideal accommodation & build your unique safari experience at an exclusive rate.
From the tranquil Jimbiza Beach to Kilwa's UNESCO heritage sites, your adventure begins at The Slow Leopard
The hostel
All rooms share toilet and shower facilities and are equipped with fans, mosquito nets, a small storage locker and power.
8 Bed Mixed Dorm
4 bunk beds, each with power and a small storage locker at the head of the bed.
3 Private Rooms
A flexible private room that can be made up as a double bed or two twins and also has a bunkbed.
Beach Banda
A simple, cozy, open-air banda with makuti roof, tucked away in the beach bush
All room rates include B&B. You have the option to add lunch for an additional 15, 000 TSH and delicious vegetarian & seafood dinner, served family style for 30,000 TSH. You can book full board for 40,000 TSH.
Food and Drinks
We believe meal times are special and bring people together. Our set menu offers big portions that are made with fresh, local ingredients prepared by our very talented local chef.
All room bookings are B&B. You can also have lunch (10k) and dinner (20k) with us. Rates exclude drinks and gratuities.
Our beach bar offers a relaxed setting that's the perfect place to mingle with fellow guests. We recommend grabbing a couple of drinks and heading up to the terrace to watch the sunset. We stock Tanzanian beers and a selection of wines (sold by the bottle) and spirits. .
Things to do in Kilwa
Kilwa is home to many incredible, off-the-beaten-path adventures and experiences that we would love to share with you. The Slow Leopard Kilwa sits on sandy Jimbiza beach overlooking Kisiwani Island and the beautiful Kilwa bay.
You can swim, snorkel and soak up the sun, all from the doorsteps of the hostel.
Excursion prices cover the cost of a knowledgeable guide, experienced boat captain and a well-maintained speedboat with lots of space and shade.
The Famous Kilwa Ruins:
Swimming and Site-Seeing
Songo Mnara Island: Ruins & Snorkeling
Lala Salama Sunset Boat Cruise & Swimming
Dhow Boat Sunset Cruise
Other activities...
We can also help organise day trips to the following sites listed below. Please let us know if you are interested and we can help you make a plan.
Tung’ande Caves
Full day trip to the impressively large cave system
Rukila Sand Bank
Beautiful boat trip (tide and weather dependent)
Kilwa Kivinje
Historic trading town, 20 minutes from the hostel
Bicycle Rental
Explore the town by bike
Getting here
Slow Leopard Kilwa is about a 6-hour drive from Dar es Salaam. For a smoother journey, we recommend leaving early (before 6 am) to avoid traffic. Alternatively, Kilwa Masoko is easily accessible by bus from the Mbagala bus terminal, and our Dar team can assist with ticket bookings and transport to the station.
For self-drivers, we offer ample on-site parking and 24-hour security. Google Maps provides accurate directions right to our doorstep.
You can check out the route here.
