An old saying goes, "What is not old does not cross over," but today, Kilwa has proven otherwise. This historical town in the Lindi Region is now welcoming tourists from all over the world, as large, luxurious cruise ships arrive to drop off hundreds of visitors at the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara Ruins.
On February 9, 2025, at around 2 a.m., the port of Kilwa was filled with people from the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) and local residents, who gathered to greet the guests arriving from different countries.
The Ponant Le Bougainville, a large cruise ship from the Seychelles, was the first to arrive. The ship anchored in Kilwa’s port, a country known for its stunning tourist attractions and led by a visionary President, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan. The ship started disembarking tourists, bringing the total number to 124.
Flags from nearly 14 countries waved in the breeze as visitors of all ages explored the historic site. Tourists from Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Seychelles, Switzerland, the UK, and the USA all visited the Kilwa Kisiwani ruins. They were filled with excitement and curiosity, admiring the well-preserved buildings and learning about the site’s rich history and culture.
As the day came to an end, tourists began boarding the cruise ship, waving goodbye to the local people and TAWA staff. The ship slowly sailed away, marking the end of another memorable visit.
This was the fifth cruise ship to arrive in Kilwa since the beginning of 2025. The regular visits of these ships and the growing number of tourists are a clear sign of the rapid growth of Tanzania's tourism sector, a transformation that has been greatly influenced by the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.