Tongoni Ruins

The Tongoni Ruins in Tanga are a fascinating piece of East Africa’s history. This ancient site was once a thriving Swahili community. Between the 13th and 16th centuries, Tongoni was a key trade hub along the East African coast, connecting the region to the Indian Ocean trade network. Today, visitors can explore the remains of a mosque and Shirazi-style tombs. These structures date back to the 13th to 15th centuries and show the skill of Swahili builders

At its peak in the 15th century, Tongoni was a busy trading center. It was part of a network of Swahili city-states. The famous Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama even visited Tongoni twice. His first visit was in April 1498, and he returned in 1499. During his second trip, he left his damaged ship, the São Raphael, at Tongoni. Da Gama also praised the oranges here, calling them the best he had ever tasted

However, Tongoni’s decline began in the 17th century. Changes in trade routes, political issues, and the rise of new trading hubs like Mombasa led to its downfall. By the early 18th century, the settlement was mostly abandoned. Nature slowly took over the ruins. In the late 18th century, Shirazi settlers from Kilwa moved to Tongoni. They named it Sitahabu, meaning “Better Here Than There.” But this revival didn’t last long, and the settlement faded again

Today, the ruins offer a glimpse into the past. The mosques and tombs have been untouched because of their spiritual importance to locals. Visitors can also see recessed areas in the ruins where decorations once stood. Interestingly, Tongoni is home to the first port in Tanga, which played a significant role in coastal trade