Region: Pwani
Access: By road
Attractions: Kaole ruins, Kaole old port, mangroves, beaches
Activities: History, site walk, art
Accommodation: Available nearby
Best time to visit: All year round
Useful link: Kaole Ruins
Kaole was inhabited by the Kwere and Zaramo people since the 8th Century. They had named the area "Pumbuji" which means fertile soil. The name Kaole came to life in the 13th century when the foreigners started visiting the area
The charming town of Bagamoyo holds a fascinating history, and at its core lies a silent reminder of the past – the Kaole Ruins. Located just a short distance of about 5 kilometres to the north, these ruins tell stories of a once-thriving commercial center that predates Bagamoyo itself
Although Bagamoyo gained prominence in the 18th century, Kaole’s history goes back even further. Archaeological findings indicate that settlements existed here as early as the 8th century. Initially, it served as a small trading post for the Swahili people, filled with markets where merchants traded goods like mangrove poles, sandalwood, ebony and ivory
Kaole experienced a significant transformation during the 13th century, emerging as a thriving economic center. The enduring remnants of this prosperous era can still be witnessed today through the presence of two mosques and more than 20 tombs, all constructed with durable coral stone. These structures serve as a striking contrast to the less resilient wooden homes of the inhabitants, which have succumbed to the test of time
The existence of two mosques within Kaole suggests the establishment of a strong Muslim community. Of particular historical importance is the mosque dating back to the 13th century. Regarded as one of the oldest mosques in mainland Tanzania and East Africa, it provides valuable insights into the architectural styles and religious customs prevalent during that era
Among the ruins, the tombs stand out with their unique Shirazi pillar style, similar to those of the Tongoni ruins. These structures, varying in condition, are believed to have belonged to influential figures such as local rulers, known as diwani, and esteemed Sheikhs, with each tomb holding a story of the past
During the 17th century, there was a noticeable change in how power was distributed in the region. New trade routes emerged, leading to the growth of Bagamoyo. Various factors played a role in the decline of Kaole, such as the arrival of the Portuguese in the 15th century. The specific causes of this decline, however, are still debated among historians
In 1958, Neville Chittick, a British archaeologist, became the first person to study the Kaole Ruins. Today, the Kaole Ruins serve as a reminder of the region’s rich history. They provide a valuable opportunity to explore the past, gain insight into the lives of those who lived before us, and witness the development of trade and cultural interactions along the East African coast
The charming town of Bagamoyo holds a fascinating history, and at its core lies a silent reminder of the past – the Kaole Ruins. Located just a short distance of about 5 kilometres to the north, these ruins tell stories of a once-thriving commercial center that predates Bagamoyo itself
Although Bagamoyo gained prominence in the 18th century, Kaole’s history goes back even further. Archaeological findings indicate that settlements existed here as early as the 8th century. Initially, it served as a small trading post for the Swahili people, filled with markets where merchants traded goods like mangrove poles, sandalwood, ebony and ivory
Kaole experienced a significant transformation during the 13th century, emerging as a thriving economic center. The enduring remnants of this prosperous era can still be witnessed today through the presence of two mosques and more than 20 tombs, all constructed with durable coral stone. These structures serve as a striking contrast to the less resilient wooden homes of the inhabitants, which have succumbed to the test of time
The existence of two mosques within Kaole suggests the establishment of a strong Muslim community. Of particular historical importance is the mosque dating back to the 13th century.
Regarded as one of the oldest mosques in mainland Tanzania and East Africa, it provides valuable insights into the architectural styles and religious customs prevalent during that era
Among the ruins, the tombs stand out with their unique Shirazi pillar style, similar to those of the Tongoni ruins. These structures, varying in condition, are believed to have belonged to influential figures such as local rulers, known as diwani, and esteemed Sheikhs, with each tomb holding a story of the past
During the 17th century, there was a noticeable change in how power was distributed in the region. New trade routes emerged, leading to the growth of Bagamoyo. Various factors played a role in the decline of Kaole, such as the arrival of the Portuguese in the 15th century. The specific causes of this decline, however, are still debated among historians
In 1958, Neville Chittick, a British archaeologist, became the first person to study the Kaole Ruins. Today, the Kaole Ruins serve as a reminder of the region’s rich history. They provide a valuable opportunity to explore the past, gain insight into the lives of those who lived before us, and witness the development of trade and cultural interactions along the East African coast
Origin of the name Kaole goes back to when foreigners arrived at Pumbuji in the 13th century, the locals were amazed and said “chite tukalole” (Kwere) and “tuchole tukalole” (Zaramo), meaning “let us go and see” what the foreigners were doing. The foreigners couldn’t pronounce it correctly, so they called it Kaole, and the name has remained the same until now
Interesting facts about Kaole Ruins
- The name Kaole means “let us go and see”. It came as a result of mispronunciation by the foreigners from the 13th century from the local languages “chite tukalole” (Kwere) and “tuchole tukalole” (Zaramo)
- Kaole was previously known as Pumbuji, meaning fertile soil, when it was still inhabited by the locals – Kwere and Zaramo people
- Kaole was a small business town settled around the 8th C but its prominence rose around the 13th C when foreigners moved there
- Neville Chittick, a British archaeologist, was the first person to study the Kaole Ruins around 1958
- The height of the tombs at Kaole signified the importance of the person buried underneath. The higher the tomb pillar the more important the person was
- Kaole has a historic baobab tree which is claimed to be over 500 years old
Getting to Kaole Ruins
Kaole Ruins is found in Bagamoyo, about 70 km north of the Tanzania business capital, Dar es Salaam. One may get there by road using public commuters – daladala –or private means of transport. Due to traffic and busy roads, it takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours to drive from Dar es Salaam to Bagamoyo. Once you visit Kaole, you may also visit other attractions such as Msalabani, the 2nd Catholic church, slave riute museum and the nearby Saadani National Park, which is about an hour’s drive from Bagamoyo. Next to Kaole are reptiles, camel rides, and several other adventures. The local markets and beaches are also a great getaway when you are there.
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