Mikindani and Mtwara travel guide

Mikindani is, for now at least, a sleepy fishing village with an interesting history reflected in crumbling old Arab-style buildings with carved doors and elaborate balconies. However, changes are likely in the near future as oil and gas companies move in following successful discoveries by propsectors. At the time of our visit, some areas of pristine palm forest beyond the village were already being cleared to make space for workers’ camps and this peaceful way of life will inevitably be altered. This really is a ‘go now, before it’s too late’ destination.

The two best places to stay in the region are here, the Old Boma and 10° South, which both offer good value accommodation, excellent food and trips to the region’s local attractions including the Mnazi Bay Marine Reserve. Mtwara, 10 km to the south, is more modern and the administrative town of the south coast region. There is little to see here, though it offers facilities such as a bank and post office and the immigration office is here if you are planning to cross the border into Mozambique.