The Swahili Coast refers to the coastal area of East Africa inhabited by the Swahili speakers and includes the coasts of Kenya, Tanzania, south Somalia and north Mozambique. Ibn Battuta travelled along the Swahili Coast in 1331 and visited quite a number of cities like Mogadishu, Mombasa, Kilwa, etc.
The Swahili Coast during ancient times was an important commercial area. The Swahili Coast along Kenya and Tanzania, have served as the point of cultural and commercial exchange between East Africa and the rest of the world.
Barawa is a port town located in the south-eastern coast of Somalia. The town holds a lot of historical significance and was established in the 9th century. The town is popular for traditional crafts like Kikoy or Aliindi clothes and hats.
Lamu is a beautiful tropical island and had one of the original Swahili settlements on the East Coast of Africa. The Mnarani Masjid, Riyadha Masjid and the Lamu Fort are the main appeals of the island. There are also a number of museums in Lamu including the Lamu Museum.
Mombasa is another beautiful port city located in Kenya along the Swahili Coast. Mombasa is popular for its white sandy beaches and the Fort Jesus. The city is located on the Mombasa Island parted from the mainland by, two creeks namely the Tudor Creek and the Kilindini Harbour. Mombasa also serves as the main trading centre of Kenya and also has the largest port of country the Kilindini Harbour.
Ibn Battuta travelled south along the coast, after leaving Kenya to make a stop in Tanzania. Bagamoyo is a port town is Tanzania along the Swahili Coast. Travellers can see some wonderful architecture in the town. The homes have influence of Arabic architecture. The medieval Kaole ruins are located just five kilometres from Bagamoyo. The ruins of the masjid can be dated to the 3rd or 4th century.
Dar es Salaam is 75Km south of Bagamoyo on the Swahili Coast in Tanzania. The city houses the National Museum, Makumbusho Village Museum, Askari Monument and the Zoological Gardens. Kigamboni also known as the South Beach is located across the channel from Zanzibar.
Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous archipelago located off the coast of Tanzania. It is made of the Zanzibar Island and the Pemba Island. The Jozani Forest offers excellent nature trails that feature large and exotic trees. The Stone Town is the main city in Zanzibar and has beautiful attractions like the Arab Fort, House of Wonders and the Palace Museum. Nungwi is a small resort town on the northern end of the island.
Finding halal food around the Swahili Coast is not a problem, as the area has a considerable Muslim population and halal restaurants are available all along the coast.
