(The mainland beaches of Tanzania and Kenya)
The east coast of Kenya and Tanzania lining the Indian Ocean have always been the mainstay of age-old Swahili Custom, predominantly Muslim and with architecture and culture stemming from ancient Arabian dominance.
This part of the East African coast is made up of numerous sleepy fishing villages as well as bustling modern day coastal Resorts like Dar es Salaam and Mombasa.
The Swahili Coast also has poignant reminders of the region's infamous historic slavetrade, for this is where the long journey by slaves captured from inland Central and Eastern Africa bade their final farewells heading off into the dark, unknown reaches of the Arab and Western Worlds, never to return again...
The Swahili Coast offers the discerning visitor a huge diversity of places to visit - from large coconuut, pineapple and cashew plantations, orchards full of mango and papaya, to beautiful landsand seacapes,
an eclectic mix of history and modern art, culture, very friendly people, delicious fresh cuisine,
and ecological wonders.
The Tanzanian Mainland Coast (Pwani)
The entire east coast of Tanzania is what is known locally as the Pwani (Coastal) region. Tanzania is blessed with natural harbours and ports, the most famous of which is Dar es Salaam, (translated from the Arabic as "Haven of Peace"), the commercial capital of Tanzania, which was once a humble fishing village. This bustling modern city has plenty of offer - The Dar es Salaam city tour will take you to various sights including: The Askari Monument (erected in memory of soldiers who fell during WWI), the Mnani Mmoja Park, The Universiy of Dar es Salaam and nearby Mwenge (where one can observe traditional local craftsmen at work carving wooden artefacts),The Village Museum, The Tinga Tinga Centre (world famous tinga tinga paintings created by Edward Tinga Tinga, a local Swahili artist), The State House (presidential offices) and The National Museum (housing the famous historic skull of the Nutcracker Man - Zinjanthropus Boisei - found at Olduvai Gorge by Dr Mar Leakey and other 10million year old+ fossils from the Cradle of Mankind - Tanzania; plus history of the East African Coast including objects from ancient trading countries like India, China, Sultanate of Oman)
Saadani, Bagamoyo, Kilwa Kisiwani
These are smaller towns that were once slave trading ports and fishing villages. Remnants of slave holding cells can be seen here as well as other historic buildings. Absorb history and culture by exploring the ruins on foot, visiting local villages and brushing up on your Kiswahili (the language of the Swahili people).
These towns have superb pristine golden sandy beaches (unlike the beaches in Zanzibar which tend to be powdery white), lapped by turquoise blue warm waters of the Indian Ocean and
framed by many coconut and wild date palms as well as mango trees. This makes for an ideal location to
relax particularly after a safari or after an arduous trek up Kilimanjaro - watch fishing boats sail past and the occasional dhow sailing off into the sunset. Boat trips can be arranged as well as diving and snorkelling trips. There are a few very good, medium to upmarket accommodations offering excellent service and delicious freshly caught seafood as well as international cuisine.
More information on Saadani, Bagamoyo, Kilwa Kisiwani
Tanga and Pangani
Tanga is a popular seaport and coastal town where one can relax in the lazy sleepy atmosphere of true Swahili hospitality. Numerous fishing villages can be explored and trips to the Amboni Caves can be arranged.
Pangani is still a fishing village although nowadays you can find some lovely medium to upmarket beach hotels. Pangani is the delta of the River Pangani which originates from the Eastern Arc Mountains (Pare Mountains).
The Kenyan Mainland Coast
