Pangani Tanzania - Tanzania Tourists Destinations

Pangani Tanzania

About 55km south of Tanga is the small and dilapidated Swahili outpost of Pangani. It rose from obscure beginnings as just one of many coastal dhow ports to become a terminus of the caravan route from Lake Tanganyika, a major export point for slaves and ivory, and one of the largest ports between Bagamoyo and Mombasa. Sisal and copra plantations were established in the area, and several European missions and exploratory journeys to the interior began from here. By the end of the 19th century, focus had shifted to Tanga and Dar es Salaam, and Pangani again faded into anonymity.
Today, the sleepy town makes an intriguing step back into history, especially in the area within about three blocks of the river, where you’ll see some carved doorways, buildings from the German colonial era and old houses of Indian traders. More of a draw for many travelers is the beaches running north and south of town, which are lovely, with stands of coconut palms alternating with dense coastal vegetation and the occasional baobab. The beaches are also the best places to base yourself.
Pangani’s centre, with the market and bus stand, is on the corner of land where the Pangani River meets the sea. About 2km north is the main junction where the road from Muheza joins the coastal road. This is where you should get off the bus if you’re arriving from Muheza and staying at the beaches north of town.

History

Compared with Tongoni, Kaole and other settlements along the coast, Pangani is a relatively modern settlement. It rose to prominence during the mid-19th century, when it was a linchpin between the Zanzibar sultanate and the inland caravan routes, and it was during this era that the riverfront slave depot was built. Pangani’s oldest building is the old boma, which dates to 1810 and was originally the private residence of a wealthy Omani trader. More recent is the Customs House, built a decade later. Probably several centuries older is the settlement at Bweni, diagonally opposite Pangani on the southern bank of the river, where a 15th-century grave has been found. In September 1888, Pangani was the first town to rebel against the German colonial administration during the Abushiri Revolt.

Sights & Activities

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Tanga Coelacanth Marine Park

The goal of this recently declared ‘park’ is to protect the local population of prehistoric coelacanth fish. Temporary headquarters are in Kigombe village, about 20km north of Pangani.

Maziwe Marine Reserve

About 10km offshore is this tiny sand island with snorkeling in the surrounding crystal-clear waters.

Pangani River Boat Trips

Meandering along the southern edge of town, the muddy Pangani attracts water birds, crocodiles and other animals. It’s best explored on a river cruise via local dhow.