PANGANI

Pangani lies 45 km south of Tanga, a small town that owes its name to the massive river that runs through northern part of this Historical Town. Pangani is an ancient town, and is believed to have been established before the 6th Century BC and played an important role during the slave trade era ferrying slaves from inland through the massive river and down to the mainland port taking them to faraway lands never to return. It was a trading port dealing mainly with slaves and ivory, as well as having large plantations for coconut and sugarcane. Several historical sites in and around the town serve as reminders for the strong Arabic influence and the later German, British colonial era in Tanganyika.

To absorb this atmosphere, one needs to spend a day or two walking through the small and quaint Pangani town where a local guide will impart their vast knowledge of Pangani history and culture going back to the 15th century as they take you through the town.

In the early 1800's, the Arabian rulers constructed the Central Boma as the colonial offices. Local legend has it that people were buried alive under the pillars during construction as it was believed this would ensure strong foundations.! Later the German administration used the building as a colonial district office and added a European style roof giving the building a unique appearance. The intricate Arab carved doors and foundation (still strong!) remain and the building is now used as the district commissioners office. The city tour includes numerous historical monuments: the original slave depots and slave market where arabs traded slaves to India and Arabia, the Freedom Grounds, Islamic and German graves, ancient mosques and traditional houses. In the streets carpet makers, woodcarvers, basket weavers, painters and other artisans sell a wide variety of hand made items

PANGANI BEACHES
Pangani's main attraction is that it is a quiet, relaxing coastal retreat, (and off the main "tourist-path") the beaches around Pangani are virtually unspoilt with clear azure blue waters lapping golden sandy beaches.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS AROUND PANGANI
Pangani Falls - a waterfalls that provides electricity for Tanga, Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Moshi. Pangani River hosts birds and crocodiles - nice to have a nature walk and do a spot of bird watching if you wish (note - DO NOT attempt to swim in the river, due to wildlife).
Maziwi Island is a nature reserve which provides ground for snorkeling opportunity and dolphin tour. Pangani Town Tour allows one to see some of old buildings that are over 200 years old, as well as visits to a former slave labor camps and slave market site.

A visit to Pangani can be combined with a safari to Mkomazi or Western Kilimanjaro (or other parks in Northern Tanzania) or with Zanzibar.