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About Mikindani

If you have read any international travel article in the last few years you will have no doubt read about the wonders of Zanzibar and its historic ‘Stone Town

Well Mikindani is the undiscovered baby brother of the stone Town and very similar to how Zanzibar was only 15 years ago.

A Swahili trading port Mikindani was one of the original staging posts for the transport of slaves from the interior of Africa to the plantations of the Americas and Indian Islands.

The town boasts numerous 17th & 18th century houses made from traditional ‘coral rag’ with wonderfully carved doors and balconies. The Friday Mosque, The Livingstone house, the slave market and the Boma are all worth a visit and if you feel like a bit of exercise then climb ‘Bismarck hill high up beyond the Boma, which gives an excellent view of the bay and beyond to Mtwara.

The huge natural harbour was a welcome respite from the perils of the unpredictable Indian Ocean    

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Mikindani was the last staging point of david Livingston’s last African expedition. From Mikindani he followed the Rovuma river which is the border point between Tanzania and Mozambique.

 

Mikindani was also the regional capital of German East Africa and a fantastic ‘Boma’ built in the 19th Century still stands and has been fantastically restored to a wonderful hotel by a UK based charity called Trade Aid

 

Originally there was a single track railway that ran in front of the lodge and its path is still clearly visible. Built in 1949 the 211 Km railway that was constructed as part of the infamous ‘Groundnut scheme and ran from Mtwara inland to Nachingwea and was built to transport the nuts to the large natural harbour at Mtwara and on to the outside world.’ Due to the failure the railway was ripped up in 1962.

 

Mikindani is a perfect base to explore the Makonde plateau the fabulous recently established Mnazi bay marine park, and the Quirimba Archipelago

 

From Mikindani our neighbouring partners ‘Eco2 Diving’ can organise wonderful dhow trips, fishing and diving expeditions.