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Coast & History: Two Slow Days in Kilwa
2 nights · Dorm Bed · Full board · From $195pp (non-resident)
Sunset Cruise, Full Day Boat Trip to Kilwa Kisiwani & Songo Mnara
Kilwa is a different pace altogether. A stretch of coastline where the water stays warm, the towns move slowly, and the history sits right in front of you.
Over two nights, you’ll spend time on and around the Indian Ocean — swimming, heading out through the mangroves at sunset, and crossing to historic Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara, once major trading cities along the Swahili coast. The ruins are still there, spread out and largely untouched.
Back at The Slow, it’s fresh seafood, a bit of breeze off the water, and time to sit with it.
This is a chance to savour Kilwa’s history, culture, and the natural beauty of one of Tanzania’s most unique and untouched coastal destinations.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kilwa & Sunset Cruise
12:00 PM – Arrive in Kilwa and settle in over lunch.
1:00 PM – Check in and settle into your room. Spend the afternoon taking it easy. Take a swim in the Indian Ocean, relax by the beach, or claim a hammock.
4:00 PM – Head out on a sunset cruise through the mangrove channels and along the coast. Keep an eye out for dolphins, and plenty of birdlife moving through the mangroves as the light drops over the water.
6:30 PM – Return to The Slow as dusk settles over the ocean.
7:30 PM – Family-style dinner. Some of the better food on the coast — ask anyone.
9:00 PM – Overnight at The Slow, with the sound of the ocean not far off.
Day 2: Ruins & Reefs
7:00 AM – Breakfast at The Slow, with your feet in the sand.
10:00 AM – Head out for a full day on the boat to the historic islands Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara. These islands were once at the centre of trade along the Swahili Coast and the ruins are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Much of it is still there — mosques, palaces, and coral-stone walls, spread out and largely untouched. You’ll walk through the ruins with a guide, getting a sense of what it once was.
Keep an eye on the water as you go — dolphins come through here, and there’s plenty of birdlife along the channels.
Midday – Stop in a natural lagoon for a picnic lunch. Shallow, clear water and sand underfoot — a good place to swim or snorkel before heading on.
Afternoon – Continue between the islands and along the coast, in and out of channels, then make your way back.
6:00 PM – Back at the beach as the day winds down. Head up to the roofdeck for sunset.
7:30 PM – Dinner, family-style — fresh seafood, proper Swahili cooking, and a good table after a long day.
9:00 PM – Overnight by the ocean.
Day 3: Departure
8:00 AM – Breakfast before heading back to Dar es Salaam.
Accomodation
Dorm Bed
Comfortable single bed in a mixed dorm with mosquito net and fan, located just steps from the beach.
Upgrade option:
Upgrade to a Private Room with shared bathroom for $25 per night (when sharing) or Beach Banda for $30.
Meals & Drinks
Full Board Includes lunch, dinner, breakfast, drinking water, tea and coffee.
Not Included are soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
Transfers
Transfers to Kilwa are not included. Please see our Transfer Options Page for details on reaching Kilwa by scheduled bus or private transfer vehicle.
Details & Pricing
$195 per person. Park fees included (non-resident).
Minimum number of guests: 2
All activities are shared with other guests - good for swapping notes as you go.