Mikindani, German East Africa

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Mikindani has a fine natural harbour that lies just north of Mtwara, which itself is just north of the Rovuma River and the Portuguese East Africa (now Mozambique) border.

(Refer to Sketch 53a on page 386 of the Official History.)

The old German Boma dominates Mikindani harbour, and now that building has been tastefully restored into an hotel.

The German blockade-runner Marie successfully discharged her important cargo and artillerymen at Sudi Bay just north of Mikindani, and then escaped despite the presence of the Royal Navy.

Mikindani was the headquarters of the local German administrative region, and so would have seen the marshalling of thousands of the porters required to pull and carry away the guns, ammunition, decorations and other items landed by the Marie.

(Refer to pages 117 and 118 of General Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck's My Reminiscences of East Africa.)

On 13th September 1916 the 40th Pathans, a composite battalion of the 129th Baluchis and 5th Light Infantry, and the Zanzibar and Mafia Rifles landed unopposed and seized Mikindani.

This force of 1,100 sepoys and Askari was commanded by Major H.S. Tyndall of the 40th Pathans.

(Refer to page 387 of the Official History).

Mikindani contains historic buildings dating back to the days of the Arab slavers, and it is well worth a visit if you are in the area.

The approach to Mikindani Boma

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Mikindani harbour from the Boma tower

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Mikindani Boma entrance and tower

Mikindani Boma interior

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Mikindani Boma rear machine gun bay.

The building was constructed in 1895.

Old colonial building on the Mikindani waterfront

The old Arab slave market at Mikindani.

The archways have been filled in to create shops.

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The ruins of the old Swahili marketplace at Mikindani

Further information on Mikindani and the Boma is available at:

http://www.tradeaiduk.org/ and

http://www.mikindani.com/