GETTING TO KILWA
Getting to Kilwa From Dar Es Salaam
Until 1995 the road from Kilwa was often closed and could be closed for up to 2 months, resulting in an 8 day drive detour around the border of the Selous Game Reserve!
Two of the main obstacles on the drive to Kilwa were bridged; in 1996 the Mkapa Bridge crossed the Rufiji River and in 1998 the Matandu Bridge was constructed.
Since then construction of the road network has carried on through international and local government funding meaning the 350km road was completed 5 years ago.
The road is good all the way and once you leave Dar there is very little traffic. Please bear in mind there are many speed cameras in the villages on the drive down.
The road out of Dar Es Salaam is named Kilwa Road and passes the port and Mbagala and on to Mkuranga on the outskirts of Dar. From Mkuranga it will take you about 4 -5 hours to drive to Kilwa. On reaching Nagurukuru roundabout it is a left turn to the Masoko Peninsula.
On reaching Kilwa Masoko after a half hour drive you will see the airstrip on our left and we are signposted from there onwards.
Hire Car To Kilwa
We offer the following vehcile rental rates to Kilwa from Dar; please note these are one way prices, including driver and fuel:
Toyota Prado – large 4×4 – 180 US$
Toyota Corolla – taxi – 130 US$
Noah – 6 seater minibus – 180 US$
Driving to Kilwa From Lindi
This is a short drive now with the drive to Kilwa taking around 2 hours. To travel into Mozambique we recommend travelling to Algoma, which is situated 38 km west of Masasi on the Mtwara-Mbamba Bay trunk road and taking the Unity Brige into Mozambique.
Bus To Kilwa
Buses to Kilwa leave from Mbagala bus terminal, about 20 minutes from Dar es Salaam centre along Kilwa Road. Most direct buses leave early (around 6am) but there are some throughout the day with the latest leaving at 1500. Buses that drive to Kilwa include: Mashalla and Swahili.
For those missing a bus it is possible to get any coach to Lindi, get off at Nangurukuru and take a small minibus from there to Kilwa Masoko.
Flying to Kilwa Masoko
Kilwa airport is about 3km from the beach on the outskirts of Kilwa Masoko town. Currently only Coastal Aviation offers flights and these are on a charter basis; meaning they are only reasonably priced for groups of 6 or more. We do not recommend getting to Kilwa by plane as an option.