Lindi is a seaside town that was an important port for traders and travelers during the early days. Lindi was best know for trading in ivory, beeswax, mangrove poles and rock salt, which is still mined today The town of Lindi was initially settled by Shirazi migrants. The 19th C was a period of Omani Arab influence although little remains except
for a round tower on the beach.
The colonial Germans chose Lindi as the administrative headquarters. The Custom House and store for the German East Africa Company were built close to the remains of a fort. Many of the buildings from the colonial period have fallen into partial ruin although the police station is still in use.
Lindi was also home to an Asian community, who traded in grain, sisal and cashew nuts, and there are several examples of Asian-inspired architecture.