Kilwa Kisiwani is an ancient city located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Tanzania. It is part of the larger Kilwa archipelago, which includes several islands and two small towns. It is believed to be the oldest Swahili settlement in the world, dating back to at least the 9th century. The city was once an important trading center and a powerful sultanate, and it was even briefly declared the capital of the Swahili Coast by the Sultan of Kilwa.
Kilwa Kisiwani is situated on an island off the coast of Tanzania, approximately 50 miles south of Dar es Salaam. It is a small island, measuring only 0.6 square miles, and is home to a population of approximately 2,000 people. The island is surrounded by coral reefs and is connected to the mainland by a causeway.
Kilwa Kisiwani has a long history, and was once a major trading center in the Indian Ocean. It was an important port for merchants from Europe, the Middle East, and India, and was also the site of a powerful sultanate. In the 15th century, the city was declared the capital of the Swahili Coast by the Sultan of Kilwa.
Kilwa Kisiwani is also home to a number of historical monuments, including the Great Mosque of Kilwa and the ruins of the Palace of Husuni Kubwa. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is a popular tourist destination for those interested in learning about the history and culture of Tanzania.
Kilwa Kisiwani is an important part of Tanzania’s history and culture, and it is an important reminder of the city’s past as a powerful trading center and sultanate. The city is a popular tourist destination, and it is a great place to explore the history and culture of Tanzania.
Experience Kilwa Kisiwani with unforgettable activities by our partner GetYourGuide. The offer is also ideal as a special gift idea for family and friends who are planning to visit Kilwa Kisiwani. Cancellations are possible up to 24h before the start of the activity (unless otherwise stated in the activity description), with a full refund of the booking price.
Kilwa Kisiwani in Tanzania experiences a tropical climate with hot and humid weather all year round. The summer months (November to March) are characterised by hot, humid days and cooler nights. The winter months (June to August) are slightly cooler and drier, with temperatures ranging from 20-30°C. The rainy season (April to May and September to October) brings heavy rains and strong winds. The humidity is high throughout the year, with an average of 80%.
Our weather forecast for Kilwa Kisiwani helps plan your stay according to the weather. For sunny days, pack light and breathable clothes, swimwear, and sunscreen. For winter weather, it's recommended to bring warm clothes, gloves, a hat, sturdy footwear, and a raincoat.
| Date | Icon | Temperature | Wind speed/gusts | Cloudiness/Visibility | Air humidity/pressure | Sunrise/Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May. 30th 2025 May. 30th 2025 | max: 28.4 °C min: 20.3 °C |
16.2 m/s 34.2 m/s |
8.5 % 23.8 m |
75.5 % 1,018 hPa |
06:30:30 18:08:47 |
|
| May. 31st 2025 May. 31st 2025 | max: 28.2 °C min: 21.7 °C |
23.8 m/s 37.1 m/s |
9.0 % 22.2 m |
82.7 % 1,018 hPa |
06:30:44 18:08:50 |
|
| Jun. 1st 2025 Jun. 1st 2025 | max: 28.3 °C min: 22.3 °C |
22.0 m/s 43.9 m/s |
5.0 % 23.4 m |
80.6 % 1,018 hPa |
06:30:59 18:08:53 |
|
| Jun. 2nd 2025 Jun. 2nd 2025 | max: 27.9 °C min: 21.1 °C |
22.3 m/s 36.7 m/s |
10.9 % 24.1 m |
80.1 % 1,018 hPa |
06:31:14 18:08:57 |
|
| Jun. 3rd 2025 Jun. 3rd 2025 | max: 28.0 °C min: 21.8 °C |
17.6 m/s 25.2 m/s |
5.2 % 23.9 m |
80.1 % 1,017 hPa |
06:31:30 18:09:02 |
|
| Jun. 4th 2025 Jun. 4th 2025 | max: 28.3 °C min: 22.1 °C |
17.6 m/s 35.8 m/s |
21.1 % 17.3 m |
84.2 % 1,017 hPa |
06:31:45 18:09:07 |
|
| Jun. 5th 2025 Jun. 5th 2025 | max: 27.6 °C min: 22.3 °C |
21.6 m/s 38.2 m/s |
42.9 % 19.3 m |
81.4 % 1,017 hPa |
06:32:00 18:09:13 |
|
| Jun. 6th 2025 Jun. 6th 2025 | max: 28.3 °C min: 21.5 °C |
20.9 m/s 40.0 m/s |
17.7 % 23.1 m |
74.7 % 1,018 hPa |
06:32:16 18:09:19 |
|
| Jun. 7th 2025 Jun. 7th 2025 | max: 28.0 °C min: 20.8 °C |
22.0 m/s 38.3 m/s |
39.3 % 21.2 m |
79.6 % 1,019 hPa |
06:32:31 18:09:26 |
|
| Jun. 8th 2025 Jun. 8th 2025 | max: 27.5 °C min: 21.6 °C |
26.3 m/s 41.0 m/s |
34.8 % 23.9 m |
81.4 % 1,019 hPa |
06:32:47 18:09:34 |
|
| Jun. 9th 2025 Jun. 9th 2025 | max: 27.3 °C min: 22 °C |
24.1 m/s 35.4 m/s |
52.6 % 24.1 m |
80.5 % 1,019 hPa |
06:33:02 18:09:42 |
|
| Jun. 10th 2025 Jun. 10th 2025 | max: 27.9 °C min: 21.2 °C |
24.1 m/s 37.1 m/s |
21.6 % 20.4 m |
80.4 % 1,018 hPa |
06:33:17 18:09:51 |
|
| Jun. 11th 2025 Jun. 11th 2025 | max: 26.8 °C min: 21.6 °C |
18.0 m/s 35.3 m/s |
79.1 % 23.1 m |
81.1 % 1,017 hPa |
06:33:32 18:10:00 |
|
| Jun. 12th 2025 Jun. 12th 2025 | max: 27.8 °C min: 22 °C |
18.4 m/s 26.6 m/s |
53.7 % 23.3 m |
78.5 % 1,017 hPa |
06:33:48 18:10:10 |
Would you like to travel to Kilwa Kisiwani on a cruise ship or would you just like to know when a certain ship will dock there? Here you will find an overview of the cruise ships that will be calling at the port of Kilwa Kisiwani.
| Date | Ship | Arrival | Departure | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan. 24th 2026 Saturday, 24th of Jan. 2026 | Emerald Azzurra | 12:00 am | 12:00 am | |
| Jan. 30th 2026 Friday, 30th of Jan. 2026 | Emerald Azzurra | 12:00 am | 12:00 am |
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.| Port | Distance |
|---|---|
| Dar es Salaam in Tanzania | 243,77 km |
