The east coast of Africa has a long and rich cultural history and Saadani has always been at the centre. It was first mentioned in writings by Indian traders in the sixth century AD and has been an important trading area for much of the last millennium. In the nineteenth century, Saadani was one of the major ports on the coast and vied with Bagamoyo for the position of trading capital.
Bagamoyo eventually won out because there were less cannibalistic tribes through whose territory the trade caravans passed!
Richard Burton, the famous explorer wrote about Saadani in 1857. His account can be found in our download section.
Even today, there are many historical ruins in and around the Saadani area. Clearly the old boma and graveyard in Saadani village and ruins of ancient settlements in both Mkwaja Village and inside the plot of A Tent With A View.