Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania

The port city endangered by coastal erosion

A former seat of Sultans on the Swahili coast

Discover more about the ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani

The history

The Riches Before the Ruins

How Kilwa Kisiwani became the wealthiest city in East Africa

The history

The History of Trade in Early African Ports

Tracing rock crystal trade in the Indian Ocean

Virtual Tour

What Did Centuries of Trade Build?

Impressive mosques and an ancient fort

Why Kilwa Kisiwani Matters

"Heritage is what defines us"

Meet the locals

The ruins, recreated

Explore 3D models of the sites

Explore in 3D

The Oldest Mosque on the Coast

Explore The Great Mosque in 3D

Explore in 3D

The Mosque Most at Risk

Explore The Malindi Mosque in 3D

Explore in 3D

The Former Portuguese Fort

Explore Gereza in 3D

Fighting the tides

The climate issues affecting Kilwa Kisiwani

What Could be Lost to Rising Sea Levels?

How this coastal heritage site is standing against climate change

View

How Climate Change Leads to Coastal Erosion

How is wave action threatening Kilwa Kiwisani's heritage?

The Alarming Effects of Erosion

And is the issue getting worse?

Strengthening Sea Defences to Save Sinking Monumens

How Kilwa Kisiwani is creating sustainable conservation

Join the movement

Hear from the locals of Kilwa Kisiwani

Who Are The Swahili?

Get to know "the people of the shore"

How Climate Change Affects Everyday Life

Locals discuss the increasing poverty and poisoned wells

"If the effects of climate change continue, people may have to move or find other means of living"- Massud Issa Bedi, Village Chairman

Proactive protection

What is being done to stop the damage?

How Local Conservationist Got Kilwa Kisiwana off the Danger List

The steps being taken to protect the ruins

How Digital Documentation Helps Conservation Efforts

60 seconds on site with CyArk

A living landscape

The significance of the site isn't limited to the past

What Being a World Heritage Site Means for Kilwa Kisiwani

It's not just about preserving rocks and buildings...

Interested in Natural history?

Get updates with your personalized Culture Weekly

No, thanks

You are all set!

Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.