Kilwa
The hidden gem of Tanzania’s coastline
Discover the most beautiful beaches, authentic Swahili culture and the impressive Kilwa ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Located on the southern coast, the Slow Leopard Kilwa is set on the untouched Jimbiza beach and overlooks Kisiwani Island and the breathtaking Kilwa bay.
No trip to Kilwa is complete without some time on the ocean, whether it be snorkelling, sunset cruises, fishing trips or even a transfer out to the islands of Kilwa Kisiwani or Songo Mnaro, you can be sure that the Slow Leopard has you covered.
Rooms
All rooms share toilet and shower facilities and are equipped with fans, mosquito nets, a small storage locker and power.
8 Bed Mixed Dorm
4 bunk beds, each with power and a small storage locker at the head of the bed.
3 Private Rooms
A flexible private room that can be made up as a double bed or two twins and also has a bunkbed.
Beach Banda
A simple, cozy, open-air banda with makuti roof, tucked away in the beach bush
All room rates include B&B. You have the option to add lunch for an additional 15, 000 TSH and delicious vegetarian & seafood dinner, served family style for 30,000 TSH. You can book full board for 40,000 TSH.
Food and Drinks
We believe meal times are special and bring people together. Our set menu offers big portions that are made with fresh, local ingredients prepared by our very talented local chef.
All room bookings are B&B. You can also have lunch (10k) and dinner (20k) with us. Rates exclude drinks and gratuities.
Our beach bar offers a relaxed setting that's the perfect place to mingle with fellow guests. We recommend grabbing a couple of drinks and heading up to the terrace to watch the sunset. We stock Tanzanian beers and a selection of wines (sold by the bottle) and spirits. .
Things to do in Kilwa
Kilwa is home to many incredible, off-the-beaten-path adventures and experiences that we would love to share with you. The Slow Leopard Kilwa sits on sandy Jimbiza beach overlooking Kisiwani Island and the beautiful Kilwa bay.
You can swim, snorkel and soak up the sun, all from the doorsteps of the hostel.
Excursion prices cover the cost of a knowledgeable guide, experienced boat captain and a well-maintained speedboat with lots of space and shade.
The Famous Kilwa Ruins:
Swimming and Site-Seeing
per person + permit fees (half day)
Songo Mnara Island: Ruins & Snorkeling
per person + permit fees (full day, includes lunch)
Lala Salama Sunset Boat Cruise & Swimming
per person (approx. 3 hours)
Dhow Boat Sunset Cruise
per person (approx. 2 hours)
Other activities
We can also help organise day trips to the following sites listed below. Please let us know if you are interested and we can help you make a plan.
Tung’ande Caves
Full day trip to the impressively large cave system
Rukila Sand Bank
Beautiful boat trip (tide and weather dependent)
Kilwa Kivinje
Historic trading town, 20 minutes from the hostel
Bicycle Rental
Explore the town by bike
Getting here
Slow Leopard Kilwa is accessed by car from Dar Es Salaam in approximately 6 hours. We recommend leaving early (before 6am) in the morning to beat the traffic out of Dar. Kilwa Masoko is also easily accessible by bus from Dar es Salaam's southern bus terminal, Mbagala. The Slow Leopard Dar team can help you book tickets and organize a taxi/bajaj to the bus station.
For self-driving guests, we have ample on-site parking and 24 hour security. Google maps will give you driving directions from Dar Es Salaam that will get you right to our front door. You can check out the route here.
