Songo Mnara Island lies approximately 10km to the south of Kilwa Kiswani and is the location of a ruined city about which very little is known. Songo Mnara Island has 14th to 15thC houses and mosques. Many of these still have high walls and parts of their roofs The ruins are in places exceptional, particularly the Sultan's palace which is extensive and displays fine examples of ancient doorways.
Most of the gold which was distributed around Eurasia was shipped from here. Interestingly the period of decline was probably as a result of the 1340?s Black Death in Europe which reduced the price of gold.
The ruins on Songo Mnara date to at least the fifteenth century or earlier, and these older ruins were reoccupied by the Omani settlers in the eighteenth century.
The cities of Kilwa make up part of perfume history and are associated also with the spice trade. They provided spices that were used in Europe by alchemists from 12th century to the end of 16th century A.D. The small islands are located in front of Tanzania coast and they have long been symbols of the influential spice trade.
Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara are now threatened by marine erosion. The is a fund to prevent the lack of maintenance leading to the collapse of historic buildings. Your visit will help protect these important sites.
Songo Mnara ruins are located on the southern Tanzania coast and they have now been registered in the World-Wide Heritage List in Danger today according to UNESCO.
The island also boasts fantastic snorkeling in the surrounding reefs, which combined with a visit to the ruins makes for a good day trip from Kilwa Masoko.
For more information on visiting Songo Mnara contact us.
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