Bagamoyo was founded at the end of the 18th century and became one of the most important ports on the East African coast — the ocean terminus of the caravan routes that ran inland to Lake Tanganyika. It served as the first capital of German East Africa before the administration moved to Dar es Salaam.
Its history is not comfortable, and the town does not pretend otherwise. Bagamoyo was a major ivory port and a major slave port. The name is commonly explained as deriving from bwaga moyo — lay down your heart — a reference read by many as describing those who arrived here in chains.
The explorers Burton, Speke, Stanley and Livingstone all passed through. Livingstone’s body was carried here after his death and laid in the Old Church before being shipped to Britain. The Catholic Mission, founded in 1868, holds a museum covering the caravan trade and abolition.
Highlights, up close
Where it is
- Best time to visit June to October and December to February
In depth Landscape, wildlife, birds & seasons What you might see here, and when conditions are best.
Seasonal climate guide
Typical conditions across the Northern Circuit by season — a reference guide based on long-term patterns, not a live forecast.
Before you travel What to carry, health precautions & emergency numbers Packing list, vaccinations, and who to call if you need help.
What to carry
- Neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, olive, brown) — avoid bright white, black and blue, which attract tsetse flies
- A warm layer or fleece — early-morning game drives and the Ngorongoro rim are cold even on the equator
- Wide-brimmed hat and polarised sunglasses
- High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm
- Insect repellent (DEET-based, for dusk and dawn)
- Binoculars — one pair per person makes a real difference
- A power bank and universal adapter (Tanzania uses UK-style Type G plugs)
- A soft-sided duffel bag rather than a hard suitcase, for light-aircraft and 4x4 luggage limits
- A basic personal first-aid kit and any personal medication in hand luggage
- Cash in US dollars (2013 or newer notes) for tips and small purchases
Health precautions
Malaria
Northern Tanzania is a malaria risk area. Speak to your doctor or a travel clinic about antimalarial medication well before you travel, and use insect repellent and cover up at dusk and dawn regardless.
Yellow fever certificate
Tanzania requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from (or have transited more than 12 hours through) a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. If that applies to your routing, carry your International Certificate of Vaccination.
Altitude
The Ngorongoro Crater rim sits above 2,200 m and Kilimanjaro/Meru climbs go much higher — mild headaches or breathlessness are common at altitude. Drink plenty of water, ascend gradually where you can, and tell your guide if you feel unwell.
Sun and hydration
The equatorial sun is stronger than it feels in the open-sided safari vehicles. Drink more water than you think you need, and reapply sunscreen through the day.
Routine vaccinations and travel insurance
Make sure routine vaccinations are up to date, and take out travel insurance that explicitly covers emergency medical evacuation — the parks are remote, and evacuation by light aircraft is the standard response to a serious medical issue.
General guidance only, not personal medical advice — please confirm requirements and recommendations with your own doctor or a travel clinic before you go.
Emergency numbers
Worth saving to your phone before you travel.
- Chanua Africa Safaris (24/7 on safari) +255 702 345 991
- Tanzania Police (emergency) 112
- Ambulance 115
- AMREF Flying Doctors (air evacuation) +255 683 116 000