The name Pangani owes to the river that runs through northern part of the Historical Town. Pangani is a very old town, it is believed to be established before 6th Century BC as a coastal dhow port, but later became a station on the caravan route from Late Tanganyika for exporting slaves and ivory. 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. The town served as port, when sisal plantations were set up in the colonial period, before the Tanga Harbor constructed. Nowadays it is mainly a fishing town with a lot of coconut trees, providing nice beaches for quiet vacation.
Pangani is situated about 50km south of Tanga on the mouth of River Pangani that flows from the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro Attraction: Pangani Falls, a water fall that provides electricity for Tanga, Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Moshi. Boat Safari on the Pangani River, which hosts birds and crocodiles. Maziwi Island, which was submerged due to environmental destruction and the effect of the global climate changes; is a nature reserve which provides ground for snorkeling opportunity and dolphins tour. Walking tour in the historical town to see some of old buildings aged more than 200 years old, visits to a former slave labor camps and slave market site.
Pangani is close to the Saadani National Park (especially on the Mkwaja side) the only place where one can see wildlife basking on the beach.
In Pangani, town elders, serve as knowledgeable guides who can impart their vast understanding of Pangani history and culture as they lead you through Pangani town. In 1810, the Arabs constructed the Central Boma building and buried live humans at each pillar in belief that a strong foundation would be formed. Later, German administration used the establishment as a Colonial District office and added a European style roof giving the building a unique appearance. The intricate carved doors and foundation still remain strong and is now used as the District Commissioner’s Office. Starting from the British Overseas Management Administration (BOMA), guided walks will lead to numerous historical monuments which Pangani is endowed with. Tours include visits to 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 will give Tourists good insight into the 15th & 16th Century history and culture of Pangani town. Meanwhile artisans proudly display the rich culture and tradition as visits to woodcarvers, basket weavers, carpet makers, and painters will attest.
Coconut farming is a major income activity in the Pangani area as the vast coconut plantations in the area provide Tanzania with over 50% of coconuts. Starting nearby the port, a large team of 40 to 50 workers dehusk and haul giant mounds of coconuts which are transported by road to Dar es Salaam and other Inland Market Centers. After experiencing this labor intensive process, cruises begin down the river Pangani where Hippos, crocodiles lurk and fishermen reel in their day’s catch. The stunning scenery of never-ending coconut plantations will conclude with a lovely sunset over the river and sipping freshly picked coconut juice.
Agricultural and Nature Walk This tour allows you to experience both the beautiful scenery and culture of Pangani. Tours commence in town and continue with visits to local farmers. Guides will lead you to various agricultural projects in the area, along with visits to the coconut processing, at Kikokwe German fort facing Pemba Channel. It is the birth place of sisal in Africa where Dr Richard Hindroph – a German Botanist planted the first Sisal seedlings in 1892. Later on, the guides will lead you to sisal estates and factories then to sisal plantations. Further more your guides will lead you along the coastline to a unique coral shore where the fossils of 200 – 300 million years, old dinosaurs rests at the area known as Mkomo and Mwanaunguja coral. During this tour you can swim or rest on some of the most spectacular beaches in Tanzania. Tours finally conclude with home visits with local families who will prepare for you authentic coastal cuisine and typical ethnic culture of coastal life.
Other Activities in the Area There are numerous activities in Pangani to keep you busy. Sports fishing, swimming, cycling, and snorkeling with the sea turtles, are some of activities that are also available. They can either be done separately or combined to make your tour more enjoyable. Also, social evening tours can be arranged according to your interests. Dolphins at Maziwe Island, Beaches and Game Reserves, Hippo pools and green turtles at Madete shall be added to your tours schedule on request.
Cycling tours around the town to the German fort, then proceed to Mwera, sisal plantations Kikokwe the first place where sisal was introduced to Eastern Africa by Dr. Richard Hindrof and adjacent villages. Other cycling tours can take you to Mkoma to see the Pemba channel, Mwanaunguja corals and bombarded German war ship to the beaches of Ushongo. An opportunity to explore the life of Endangered Green Turtles. Visits to nesting sites and get to know their breeding behavior.
Spend time with a Swahili family and sample local cuisine using traditional ingredients, seasoned with exotic herbs and spices. For women, wear a kanga and get your hands and feet decorated with henna. Men can sport a traditional garment, called msuli and the “cup” on your head, the kofia.
Dhow trip to Zanzibar Take the short cut to the “Spice Island” with our experienced captains. Be on the lookout for whales and dolphins! (4 hrs)
We had an excellent tour with mboni. We made our reservation online one month before the trip, and we were able to talk to the staff to address some questions prior to the trip. I had previous hiking experience but my wife did not. High point of a great holiday. It was absolutely incredible , through this company we got a lot of individual attention.
My family and I just came back from 15 days in Tanzania. The purpose of the trip was to climb mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro. Mboni adventures and Safari Company who was our host were excellent and hard working. We did a 3 days trip to Mount Meru which was amazing and very beautiful. We had a crew of 11 portes, one cook, one guide and a park ranger who clearly made sure that we were safe and protected throughout our journey, many thanks to him.
I Climbed Mount Kilimanjaro via machame route and my entire trip was amazing.
The company and its people are well organized and welcoming, I found them waiting for me at the airport and I was received with so much joy and humbleness.
I had a quick chat with JACKSON who introduced himself as Mboni Adventures and Safari representative where i later came to find out He is the owner!
Thanks to the quick and accurate responses i received from MBONI, i was able to plan my kilimanjaro trek and safari in no time. Everything was good organized, the hotel was good, perfect food and good service. During climbing our guides told us interesting facts about mountain. We had a wonderful trip with kindly guides, cook and porters. We are extremely satisfied with Mboni Adventures and our trip as whole.
