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Historic Swahili Holiday Home Rentals in Bagamoyo Old Town

Welcome to Bagamoyo Homes, a curated collection of private holiday vacation rentals and self-catering accommodation in Bagamoyo Old Town, ideal for families, groups, couples, and long-stay travellers seeking comfort and authenticity on Tanzania’s coast. Whether you’re booking the spacious Ella’s Swahili House for a family gathering, the charming Dragonfly Cottage or Gecko Cottage for a peaceful coastal retreat, the character-filled Dhow House, or the flexible Butterfly Apartment, each residence provides each residence offers fully equipped kitchens, comfortable bedrooms, Wi-Fi, and everything needed for a seamless short- or long-term stay. Just a 5-minute walk from restaurants, the art market, and the beach and close to cultural landmarks such as the Caravan Serai Museum and Old Fort, our homes place you at the centre of history while offering all the modern appliances and conveniences you need for a relaxed, independent stay.

Authentic Self-Catering Accommodation

We create authentic, thoughtfully designed holiday homes that make it easy for guests to feel at home while enjoying a seamless vacation experience. By preserving Swahili architectural character and pairing it with modern amenities, fast Wi-Fi, equipped kitchens, private entrances, and comfortable living spaces, we ensure every guest enjoys both heritage and comfort. Being located in the centre of Old Town means you are immersed in real coastal village life — you may wake to the call to prayer, fishermen heading to the nearby fish market, and the gentle rhythm of daily life.

At the centre of our story is Mtumwa Mwinchea’s House, an extraordinary 180-year-old Swahili residence on Makarani Street, originally built around 1840 by an Omani Arab trader who travelled between Bagamoyo and Zanzibar City. Over generations, the house served as a family home, a lodging station for traders journeying to Zanzibar, headquarters during the German colonial administration under Hermann von Wissmann following the Abushiri Revolt, and later a British colonial staff residence after World War I. Following Tanganyika’s independence in 1961, the home passed into the care of Mtumwa Mwinchea’s family, preserving its legacy until 2009, when Ella discovered the neglected structure and began a careful, traditional restoration process. Using local craftsmanship and Swahili architectural methods, the house was lovingly revived maintaining its carved doors, thick coral rag walls, and inner courtyards while integrating modern comforts for today’s traveller. This restoration became the foundation and inspiration for Bagamoyo Homes, guiding our commitment to remain true to Swahili architecture, heritage, and authenticity across all our residences, where historic character and contemporary comfort exist in harmony.

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