Located in the northeast it is a port city (second largest seaport) of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean and the surrounding region, this was once another stopping point in competition with Pangani (now part of Tanga region) and Bagamoyo (part of the coastal region) for caravans on their way to central Tanzania in search of ivory and slaves, it was the center of Germans colonial administration, a major industrial center until the collapse of the sisal market leaving it with a sleepy, semi-colonial atmosphere, with streets filled with cyclists and motorcycles.
Things to do in Tanga:
Tanga is not just a town, it is a whole region with plenty of things to do if you are ready to head to its remote areas. With this being said there are activities you can do in your day in Tanga and some are remote places you should visit and probably spend a night or two.
- Visiting Amboni caves, which are believed to be the most extensive limestone caves in East Africa, are located in Kiomoni village. The caves, a one, and half kilometer stretch are fascinating historical site, which was used as hiding places for the locals.
- Visiting Pangani, head to Pangani and learn the history of the place or relax at the beach
- Relaxing by the beach, visit raskazone beach, you can also take a boat to a sandbank nearby
- Urithi tanga museum, you can visit the museum and learn a lot about the history of the area
- Galanos hot springs, Gallanos sulfurous hot spring which the local people use to bath for skin healing the locals believe if they bath there
- Toten islands, on your dhow or engine boat, sail to Toten Island to meet the fishing villagers and explore a coastal forest dominated by huge and majestic Baobabs. Listen to hundreds of tales and myths surrounding the Baobab trees and the island. Proceed to the Portuguese ruins which are remains of what used to be a prison in the 15th century. Explore the great places where at different colonial times British and Germans lived.
- Tongoni ruins, Tongoni provides an insight into the early settler’s lifestyle in the fishing village. Ruins of ancient mosques, tombs, and remains of the first Shiraz of Persian origin, with elaborate inscriptions and stone carvings, are found here.
- Visiting Mkomazi national park, this park is home to many species one of the parks you can spot all the African big five and even the rarely-seen African wild dogs. This park is also close to the Kilimanjaro region
- Visiting sisal plantations, Learn the whole process from how sisal is grown to the final stage of making sisal ropes locally and other modern factory processing ways. Then proceed to local salt mining farms just beyond sisal plantations.
- Visiting Usambara mountains in Lushoto and Magoroto forest in Muheza (part of the tanga region), heading to the Usambara is something not to miss, with the great scenery, and breathtaking views these mountains are one for you looking for moderate and a budget hike
- Visiting Saadani national park in the nearby coastal region, although it is not in tanga it is very close and you can go for a safari to this small park where the bush meets the beach.
Getting to Tanga:
You can hire private transportation, or take a bus from dar es salam, Arusha, Moshi, or Mombasa, you can also fly to Tanga from other domestic airports in Tanzania.
