KILWA ISLAND

A small island known for its historical role as a trading platform on Lake Mweru. Arab and Swahili traders settled here and traded mainly ivory, copper and unfortunately slaves long before the arrival of Europeans in the region. These goods were shipped to the Swahili coast of present-day Tanzania, then to Zanzibar before sailing to the Arabian Peninsula or Asia. The island is still home to old "slave cellars" that can be visited. The island is accessible by boat from Nchelenge.