Tanga

Bustling Historic Port Town

 
The bustling port of Tanga is Tanzania’s secondary port after the urban centre of Dar es Salaam. Yet although the port is a centre of marine export, import, and trade, the town of Tanga still has a quiet, laid-back feel to it, as if not much has changed over the decades.

In the old town, examples of old colonial architecture and a few Arab houses still give testament to the area’s importance during the heyday of Indian Ocean trade.

The fish market and beaches make a pleasant stop during a day trip, and the city is a good place for buying supplies if you’re headed to one of the more remote areas of beaches on the northern coast.

Tanga was once another stopping point, in competition with Pangani and Bagamoyo, for caravans on their way to the hinterland of Central Africa searching for ivory and slaves. The Germans also made it a centre of colonial administration during their occupation in the early 20th century.

Visit the fourteenth-century ruins of the trading town of Tongoni or wander round the town of Tanga taking in the Usambara Court House, the old German clock tower, the obelisk in memory of German marines who died in the Abushiri War and the German War Cemetery. You can also enjoy day trips to the fascinating Amboni Caves to see unique rock formations and bat colonies and the Galanos Sulphur Springs.

Bathe and swim in the hot springs at Galanos Sulphur Springs then at the end of the day visit one of the clubs in the Misitu and Kana areas such as Club La Casa Chica with its Western style disco or Harbours Club with its live music.

Highlights of Tanga