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Kilwa Kisiwani Cruise Port

Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania
Kilwa Kisiwani is an ancient city located on an island off the coast of Tanzania.

Ships in port today
No ships in port today
Safety rank
#446
of 490 ports in the Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East)
Today · high / low
92° / 67°
September normals
Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania cruise port
Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East)
Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania
// Kilwa Kisiwani cruise port overview

The cruise port in Kilwa Kisiwani,
explained

Lat: 9.0°SLong: 39.5°ETimezone: Africa/Dar_es_SalaamINTN code: KILTZ

Kilwa Kisiwani is an ancient city located on an island off the coast of Tanzania. It was once a powerful trading port and the capital of the Kilwa Sultanate, a medieval Swahili trading empire.

The city is known for its well-preserved ruins, which include the Great Mosque of Kilwa, the Palace of Husuni Kubwa, and the ruins of the Great Palace. The city is also home to the ruins of a Portuguese fort, built in the 16th century.

Kilwa Kisiwani is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the ruins, take a boat tour of the island, or relax on the beach.

The city is also home to a vibrant local culture, with traditional Swahili music, dance, and cuisine. Kilwa Kisiwani is a unique destination, offering visitors a glimpse into the past and a chance to experience the culture of Tanzania.

// Kilwa Kisiwani Cruise Port location

Where is Kilwa Kisiwani Cruise Port?

Kilwa Kisiwani is located on the Indian Ocean coast of Tanzania, about 200 kilometers south of Dar es Salaam. It is situated on an island off the mainland, connected by a causeway. The port is located in the town of Kilwa Masoko, which is the main town on the island. The port is a popular destination for cruise ships, offering a variety of activities such as snorkeling, diving, and fishing.

General location
Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East)
Coordinates
8.96°S, 39.50°E
Time zone
Africa/Dar_es_Salaam
Cruise port · 8.96°S, 39.50°E
Map data · OpenStreetMap
// Kilwa Kisiwani cruise port guide

What to do in Kilwa Kisiwani

A shortlist of places worth your hours ashore, grouped by the kind of day you want.

Ways to spend the day

3 themes
Theme 1

Island Hopping

Island hopping is a popular activity for cruise passengers visiting Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania. The archipelago of islands off the coast of Kilwa Kisiwani provide an ideal environment for island hopping, with a variety of beaches, villages, and wildlife to explore. Island hopping is a great way to get up close and personal with the culture and nature of Kilwa Kisiwani, and is suitable for all ages and skill levels. There are a variety of islands to explore, ranging from uninhabited islands to bustling villages.

Theme 2

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is a popular activity for cruise passengers visiting Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania. The crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean provide an ideal environment for snorkeling, with a variety of colorful fish and coral to explore. Snorkeling is a great way to get up close and personal with the marine life of Kilwa Kisiwani, and is suitable for all ages and skill levels.

Theme 3

Diving

Diving is another popular activity for cruise passengers visiting Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania. The warm waters of the Indian Ocean provide an ideal environment for diving, with a variety of colorful fish and coral to explore. Diving is a great way to get up close and personal with the marine life of Kilwa Kisiwani, and is suitable for experienced divers. There are a variety of dive sites to explore, ranging from shallow reefs to deep wrecks.

Kilwa Kisiwani cruise port beaches

3 in our guide
M

Mkomazi Beach

Mkomazi Beach is another popular beach near Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania cruise port. It is a beautiful beach with white sand and turquoise waters. It is a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars nearby for visitors to enjoy.

K

Kilwa Kisiwani Beach

Kilwa Kisiwani Beach is the most popular beach near Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania cruise port. It is a stunning beach with white sand and crystal clear waters. It is a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars nearby for visitors to enjoy.

M

Mafia Island Beach

Mafia Island Beach is one of the most popular beaches near Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania cruise port. It is a stunning beach with white sand and crystal clear waters. It is a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars nearby for visitors to enjoy.

// Kilwa Kisiwani fun facts

Ancient City

Kilwa Kisiwani is an ancient city located on an island off the coast of Tanzania. It was once a powerful trading port and was an important part of the Swahili Coast. It was founded in the 10th century and was an important trading center for gold, ivory, and slaves. It was also a major center of Islamic learning and culture.

Ruins of Great Mosque

Kilwa Kisiwani is home to the ruins of the Great Mosque, which was built in the 13th century. It is one of the oldest mosques in East Africa and is a testament to the city's importance in the region. The mosque is made of coral and limestone and is decorated with intricate carvings and inscriptions. It is a popular tourist attraction and is a reminder of the city's past.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Kilwa Kisiwani is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites in East Africa. It is a reminder of the city's past importance as a trading port and its role in the spread of Islam in the region. The ruins of the Great Mosque, the palace, and other buildings are a testament to the city's past grandeur and are a popular tourist attraction.

Kilwa Kisiwani cruise port shopping

3 in our guide
K

Kilwa Kisiwani Crafts

Kilwa Kisiwani Crafts is a great place to find souvenirs from Tanzania. It is located right near the cruise port and offers a wide variety of items, from traditional African crafts to jewelry and clothing. Prices are very reasonable and the staff is friendly and helpful. It's a great place to pick up a unique souvenir to remember your trip.

K

Kilwa Kisiwani Souvenir Shop

The Kilwa Kisiwani Souvenir Shop is a great place to find souvenirs from Tanzania. It is located right near the cruise port and offers a wide selection of items, from traditional African crafts to jewelry and clothing. Prices are very reasonable and the staff is friendly and helpful. It's a great place to pick up a unique souvenir to remember your trip.

K

Kilwa Kisiwani Market

Kilwa Kisiwani Market is a great place to find souvenirs from Tanzania. It is located right near the cruise port and offers a wide variety of items, from traditional African crafts to jewelry and clothing. Prices are very reasonable and the vendors are friendly and helpful. It's a great place to pick up a unique souvenir to remember your trip.

// Kilwa Kisiwani Cruise Port Terminals

Which Kilwa Kisiwani cruise terminal will your ship use?

Your cruise line assigns the pier — here's what each one means for your day ashore.

2 piers in Kilwa Kisiwani
Pier 1 of 2

Kilwa Kisiwani Ferry Terminal

Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania

Kilwa Kisiwani Ferry Terminal is a major ferry terminal in Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania. It is located on the western coast of the island and offers a variety of services for ferries, including refueling, provisioning, and repairs. The terminal also provides a range of amenities for passengers, including a restaurant, a bar, and a souvenir shop.

Pier 2 of 2

Kilwa Kisiwani Cruise Terminal

Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania

Kilwa Kisiwani Cruise Terminal is the main cruise ship terminal in Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania. It is located on the eastern coast of the island and offers a variety of services for cruise ships, including refueling, provisioning, and repairs. The terminal also provides a range of amenities for passengers, including a restaurant, a bar, and a souvenir shop.

Wi-Fi

Unfortunately, there is no public wifi access available in Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania cruise port. However, some of the nearby hotels and restaurants may offer wifi access to their customers.

Safety

Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania is generally considered to be a safe cruise port. However, as with any destination, it is important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings. It is recommended to avoid walking alone at night, and to be aware of pickpockets and other petty crime. It is also advised to avoid taking photographs of military or government buildings.

Port address

Kilwa Masoko, Tanzania

Kilwa Kisiwani cruise port car rental

The closest car rental option near Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania cruise port is Kilwa Car Hire. They offer a variety of vehicles, including 4x4s, sedans, and minivans. They also offer a range of services, such as airport transfers, sightseeing tours, and car hire for special events. They have a fleet of well-maintained vehicles and experienced drivers. They also offer competitive rates and discounts for long-term rentals. Other car rental options in the area include Kilwa Car Rental, Kilwa Car Hire, and Kilwa Car Hire & Tours.

Piers are assigned by the cruise line — check your ship's docking notice the morning you arrive.

// Weather

Kilwa Kisiwani Cruise Port Weather

Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East)·30-year historical averages
Sep averages · Kilwa Kisiwani
78°
Avg · °F
Hot, mostly dry
High
92°F
Low
67°F
Rain
0.5 in
Excursions that suit this weather
// Year-round in Kilwa Kisiwani

Average monthly temperature and rainfall. This month is highlighted.

Avg temp °FRainfall in
JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDECMONTHLY NORMALS · °F AND IN
// Kilwa Kisiwani cruise ship schedule

Kilwa Kisiwani Cruise Port Traffic Today

No cruise ships are scheduled in Kilwa Kisiwani today, Thursday, September 3, 2026. Check the schedule for another date to see when ships are next due alongside.

// Keep exploring

Popular ports in the Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East)

Other ports cruisers visit most in the Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East).

// Questions

Kilwa Kisiwani cruise port, answered

The things cruisers ask most before a day ashore in Kilwa Kisiwani.

Where is Kilwa Kisiwani cruise port located?

Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania cruise port is located in Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East). Kilwa Kisiwani is located on the Indian Ocean coast of Tanzania, about 200 kilometers south of Dar es Salaam. It is situated on an island off the mainland, connected by a causeway. The port is located in the town of Kilwa Masoko, which is the main town on the island. The port is a popular destination for cruise ships, offering a variety of activities such as snorkeling, diving, and fishing.

Is Kilwa Kisiwani a good cruise port to visit?

Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania is not a cruise port. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on an island off the coast of Tanzania. It is a popular destination for day trips and tours, but there are no cruise ships that dock there.

How safe is Kilwa Kisiwani cruise port for passengers?

Kilwa Kisiwani cruise port has a safety score of 5.3 out of 10, ranking #446 of 490 ports in Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East). Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania is generally considered to be a safe cruise port. However, as with any destination, it is important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings. It is recommended to avoid walking alone at night, and to be aware of pickpockets and other petty crime. It is also advised to avoid taking photographs of military or government buildings.

What is the weather like at Kilwa Kisiwani cruise port in September?

In September, Kilwa Kisiwani cruise port has average high temperatures of 92°F (33°C) and average lows of 67°F (20°C).

How many excursions are available at Kilwa Kisiwani cruise port?

There are currently 1 excursions and tours available at Kilwa Kisiwani cruise port, covering everything from guided sightseeing and cultural experiences to water sports and adventure activities. Book in advance to secure your preferred experience.

What are the top things to do at Kilwa Kisiwani cruise port?

Kilwa Kisiwani cruise port offers 3 featured activities and attractions. Popular highlights include: Island Hopping, Snorkeling, Diving. Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the ruins of the ancient city, which was once a powerful trading port. The ruins include mosques, tombs, and other structures that date back to the 13th century. Visitors can also explore the nearby mangrove forests and coral reefs, which are home to a variety of wildlife. There are also opportunities for fishing, snorkeling, and diving. Additionally, visitors can take a boat tour to explore the nearby islands and enjoy the stunning views of the Indian Ocean.

Can I rent a car at Kilwa Kisiwani cruise port?

The closest car rental option near Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania cruise port is Kilwa Car Hire. They offer a variety of vehicles, including 4x4s, sedans, and minivans. They also offer a range of services, such as airport transfers, sightseeing tours, and car hire for special events. They have a fleet of well-maintained vehicles and experienced drivers. They also offer competitive rates and discounts for long-term rentals. Other car rental options in the area include Kilwa Car Rental, Kilwa Car Hire, and Kilwa Car Hire & Tours.

What is the WiFi situation at Kilwa Kisiwani cruise port?

Unfortunately, there is no public wifi access available in Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania cruise port. However, some of the nearby hotels and restaurants may offer wifi access to their customers.

Where is the cruise terminal at Kilwa Kisiwani cruise port?

Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania cruise port is located at Kilwa Masoko, Tanzania.

What is the Kilwa Kisiwani Cruise Port cruise schedule?

There are no cruise ships scheduled at Kilwa Kisiwani today. Use the cruise ship schedule above to check Kilwa Kisiwani on any past or future date.

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