The name Pangani is derived from the river that runs through the northern part of this Historical Town flowing from the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Located about 50km South from Tanga, it is believed to have been established before the 6th Century BC and played an important role during the slave trade era. It was a trading port dealing mainly with ivory and slaves. 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.
Currently, Pangani is mainly a fishing town providing beautiful beaches with coconut trees. Someone looking for a quiet vacation and an experience of African culture untouched by modern tourism Pangani would be an answer to that.
The beautiful and practically deserted beaches running north and south of the town rank as the best kept secret on the Tanzanian coast. The beaches are wide, making it a great spot for long beach walks and since the tides are not strong, you can swim all day in the ocean. The perfect spot to wash off all the safari dust.
Places of interest in Pangani:
– There is a waterfall at Pangani River that provides electricity for Tanga, Arusha, Moshi, and Dar es Salaam. The river also has a number of birds and crocodiles.
– Maziwi Island is a nature reserve which provides ground for snorkeling opportunity and a dolphin tour.
– A walking tour through the town allows one to see some of the old buildings that are over 200 years old, as well as visits to a former slave labor camps and slave market site where Arabs traded slaves to India and Arabia, the Freedom Grounds, Islamic and German graves, ancient mosques and traditional houses. One will also see the streets carpet makers, woodcarvers, basket weavers, painters, and other artisans sell a wide variety of handmade cultural items.