East African trade routes

East African trade routes historically connected coastal ports such as Zanzibar and Mombasa with inland regions like Ethiopia and the Great Lakes. These routes facilitated the exchange of goods like gold, ivory, spices, and textiles across land and sea, serving as vital links between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. They included maritime pathways along the Indian Ocean and overland trails through deserts and mountains. These routes enabled cultural exchange, economic growth, and the spread of religions, shaping the diverse history and development of the region. Today, some of these routes continue to influence trade and connectivity in East Africa.