Things to do in Tanga: The northern part of Tanzania is famous among safari-goers. While Arusha and Moshi are the basis of most safari adventures, Tanga is unknown. A few visitors happen to be in this region.
It is situated on Tanzania’s northeastern coast. It strikes a balance between nature, culture, and historical settings, with striking seascapes, expanses of rainforests, and rising mountains.
If you want to know a little about Tanga, this article is for you. We’ll uncover the beauty of this unique town and suggest a few things to do while in Tanga.
Explore historical sites
Tanga is the bustling regional capital, an ancient port city with a rich cultural heritage. It boasts old Colonial buildings, narrow streets, and vibrant markets. Visiting them makes you travel back to past eras. Here are a few of them.
Urithi Tanga Museum: Treat yourself to a visit to the Urithi Tanga Museum. This museum is overflowing with gorgeous pictures of German East Africa. It also houses artifacts representing the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Amboni Caves: These are beautiful caves, usually dubbed as Tanga’s jewel in the crown. They were formed millions of years ago, giving insight into the geological history of the Earth. Embark on a 30-minute tour of these caves. Don’t forget to bring a torch because it’s dark in there.
Pangani Ruins: This is another historical focal point in Tanga. The ruins of this ancient Swahili trading town are historic. Explore the ruins of mosques, houses, and fortifications, and dream of the teeming life that once pulsed along these streets.
Other historical sites include Toten Island, Maziwe Island, Tongoni Ruins, etc.
Visit Saadani National Park
The Saadani blends the wildlife experience with relaxation on the wild beaches. The wildlife is diverse and inhabits the savannah grassy plains and beaches with mangrove forests.
Expect to see elephants, giraffes, buffalos, hippos, Nile crocodiles, and much more. The majestic Wami River also flows through Saadani. You can embark on a sunset boat cruise or canoe around it during the day.
Lastly, you may see a lot of birds along the river, on the beach, and in the bush. There is a turtle breeding site where you can see turtle nesting, etc.
Hike the Usambara Mountains
The Usambara Mountains, with their green slopes and varied fauna, provide the perfect backdrop against which this region is set.
They offer challenging treks. If you want to activate your body, then challenge the Usambara Mountains. Enjoy picturesque trails, visit vibrant villages, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the mountainous region.
Relax on Tanga’s exquisite beaches.
Tanga borders the Indian Ocean. And the crystalline waters of Pangani and Mkokotoni Beaches invite you for some cooling and water sports.
You immerse yourself in crystal-clear waters, lie on soft sands, or even go snorkeling and diving to discover the interesting underwater world.
Experience local culture
Take a walk through the busy markets and enjoy the smell of exotic spices, or observe in color the manifestation of local handicrafts. Interact with the friendly locals, learn their traditions, and taste the delicious local cuisine.
Taste local cuisine: The food in Tanga represents a beautiful combination of African, Arab, and Indian tastes. The coastal location means that seafood is always fresh, and the hinterland is teeming with an abundance of fruits, vegetables, and spices.
Tempt your taste buds with local Tanzanian cuisine (pilau, a fragrant rice meal) and mishkaki (grilled meat on skewers). Fresh seafood is widely available, including prawns, lobster, and many types of fish.
The most genuine local food can be found in local eateries and from food sellers on the street. They are very inexpensive and truly filled with flavor.
Visit local markets: Enter a vibrant market and bargain for some captivating art. Or, you can just go there to interact with locals. In every busy stall, the smell of colors and fragrance pervades the air.
You will wind through the alleys of this market, finding fresh produce, aromatic spices, handicrafts for souvenir shopping, and traditional garb in every imaginable color, texture, and scent.
Enjoy affable vendors, haggle to your best price, and learn something new about the different products and traditions of the region. From the exotic spices and catches of fresh seafood to handicrafts as souvenirs, the markets of Tanga have something in store for every visitor.
Interact with friendly locals: The people of Tanga are very warm and friendly, full of hospitality. Talk to these charming people and get to know more about their culture and traditions.
Mingle with the friendly vendors, ask them about some of the customs worth knowing, and let them tell you about their daily lives. You can engage in cultural tours to local villages or museums or volunteer to leave a positive impact on their life.
Whether you prefer a quiet retreat, an action-packed holiday, or even a plunge into tradition, the Tanga region has something to satisfy every kind of traveler. If you want to experience the uniqueness of this region, book a trip with Focus East Africa Tours.
