Pangani : Discover An Undiscovered Germ Worth Exploring On A Tanzania Safari : Pangani is a town on Tanzania’s east coast, about 50 kilometers south of Tanga. During the height of the colonial era, it served as a significant trading hub; however, it is now a sleepy town that has seen little further growth. The Pangani River, which originates on Kilimanjaro and empties into the Indian Ocean, empties into Pangani at its mouth. The best-kept secret on the Tanzanian coast are the stunning, nearly deserted beaches that run north and south of the town. Since the tides are not strong, you can swim in the ocean all day thanks to the wide beaches, which are a great place for long beach walks.
Pangani is a fantastic find that is frequently disregarded by tourists! For those who prefer peace and quiet in a true tropical hideaway to the noise and bustle of the expensive and noisy islands, it is worth the effort to travel to the quiet beaches of the mainland in Pangani. This tiny village is still an unspoiled paradise and is located approximately 50 km south of Tanga and 170 km south of Mombasa.
HISTORY OF PANGANI
On the cliffs to the north of Pangani, archaeologists discovered the remains of small settlements from the fifteenth century. The city, however, was not well known until the 19th century. It developed into a crucial junction on the caravan routes from Lake Tanganyika under nominal Zanzibari rule. It was one of the biggest ports between Bagamoyo and Mombasa and a significant export hub for ivory and slaves. Plantations for copra and sisal were started nearby. And from here, a number of European missions and interior exploration expeditions started.
By the end of the 19th century, Tanga and Dar es Salaam had come into prominence. Pangani once again vanished into obscurity. Large sugar and coconut plantations were established here starting in the 1860s. Slaves were used to work on these because Pangani was a significant hub for the slave trade.
The sleepy, decaying town of today offers an interesting look into the past. Pangani’s residential structures, which combine Arab and European architectural styles, give at least a hint of the city’s past.
WHEN TO GO
Tanzania’s coast experiences a typical tropical weather pattern, with high temperatures and year-round rainfall, but with two significant seasonal peaks brought on by shifts in the equatorial winds brought on by the earth’s rotation with respect to the sun. The seasons with the least amount of rain and wind are generally regarded as being July/October and December/March.
WHY VISIT PANGANI?
Pangani is a peaceful location to unwind and rest after your safari experience in the Serengeti national park, Tarangire and Ngorongoro crater. It is located on the Indian Ocean and provides a variety of activities for visitors. It’s a pleasant location for beach activities such as diving, and snorkeling excursions. In addition to fishing trips, the majority of the lodges offer kayaking, dhow rides, and windsurfing. It is possible to plan longer excursions like the one to Zanzibar Island, a cruise on the Pangani River, or even a trip further south to the recently established Saadani National Park.
ATTRACTION
Pangani Falls is a water fall that powers Tanga, Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Moshi. The Pangani River is home to both birds and crocodiles. Maziwi Island is a nature reserve that offers opportunities for snorkeling and dolphin tours. A walking tour of the town includes visits to former slave labor camps and a slave market site, as well as some over 200-year-old buildings.
EXCURSIONS IN PANGANI
The lodges in Pangani are located along the coastline’s seemingly endless stretch of palm- and coconut-lined beaches, a peaceful setting for relaxation. Despite its remote location, there are a few alternatives if you’re looking for something other than peace and quiet.
Excursions for diving or snorkeling can be planned with the help of nearby fishermen. Additionally, these Swahili fishermen are more than happy to offer their services and transport you to and from the sandbanks offshore, where you can enjoy a picnic in the sunshine. Despite being made in a somewhat shoddy manner, their wooden boats, or Ngalawa, cut through the water like a knife. The coast is not far from the coral reefs. So if you have the energy, plunge into this amazing underwater paradise!
Alternatively, you can take a boat to the coral reef’s small sand island, Maziwi, which has recently been designated as a marine reserve. In addition to fishing trips, the majority of the lodges offer kayaking, dhow rides, and windsurfing. Other activities to enjoy in Pangani includes:
City tour
Take a walking historical city tour to see Pangani’s historic structures, as well as the old port, slave routes, and slave market. The Pangani, once a hub of Swahili trade with the continent of Africa, is now a forgotten and sleepy place with few reminders of its former splendor. Behind a colonnade of tall shade trees, the old German administrative building is still visible. Additionally, a faded, ocher-red former prison that looks out over the river’s lazily flowing waters is visible. There are inhabited examples of colonial and traditional Swahili architecture in the old houses along the main road.
Unfortunately, the monsoon winds are causing the buildings to gradually collapse. But even a brief stroll will reward you with a glimpse of the peaceful existence of a former trading settlement along the coast of Swaziland.
Snorkeling
A boat trip to the island of Maziwe Marine Park, where you can swim, sunbathe, snorkel, and see dolphins. The island is a tiny, charming sandbar that is about 10 kilometers from the coast. Beautiful snorkeling is possible in the clear water. Dolphins can be frequently seen in the area. Maziwe is only accessible at low tide.
Cycling
To get to the German fortress, you ride a bicycle through the town. After that, you ride a bicycle to Mwera and tour Kikokwe, a sisal plantation. Dr. Richard Hindrofen introduced sisal to East Africa for the first time at this plantation. The Pemba channel, the Mwanaunguja corals, and the bombed German warship on the Ushongo beaches can all be seen on other bike rides to Mkoma.
THE BEST ACCOMMODATION IN PANGANI
Tides
The Tides is a small lodge that can be found on Tanzania’s continental coast at the palm-lined Ushongo Beach. This is a haven of peace, far from the noise and crowds, with only seven beach cottages and two family houses situated on a bay overlooking the Indian Ocean. The lodge is known for its excellent seafood and fine dining. The cottages are very roomy and feature a walk-in shower, a private veranda, a huge bed covered in thick mosquito netting, and numerous windows that allow for good airflow. There is also a lovely pool available for those who prefer to stay away from the ocean. Other activities include kayaking, fishing, beach walks, and snorkeling at Maziwe Island Marine Park. You can also visit the Saadani Game Reserve.
Peponi Beach Resort
The Peponi Beach Resort in Pangani has a nice a la carte restaurant and an outdoor pool with views of the Indian Ocean. The elegant Banda huts have views of the ocean and are tucked away between palm trees. They have a veranda, a bathroom with a hot shower, and spacious beds with mosquito netting. Enjoy the peace and quiet of a stunning, undeveloped beach. Explore the rock pools along the beachfront as you stroll to find conch shells, crabs, and starfish. The Pemba Channel, renowned for its deep-sea fishing, can be seen from Peponi’s beach. Additionally, you can travel by kayak or sailboat to Sand Island and the outer reefs, where you can snorkel and take in the stunning marine life.
