Tourism in Tanga City - Africa Natural Tours ( africanaturaltours.com )
Tourism Tanga City:
Africa Natural Tours
AFRICA
NATURAL TOURS (The best tour company in Tanzania)
Specialized
in: Wildlife safaris, Cultural tourism,
Beach holiday sand
Mountain
climbing
Contact
+255 653 679 958
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. Evidence of German’s presence can
be found in Tanga’s architecture today, but only few landmarks and historical
buildings have remained in the area. Tanga’s port, however, provides a main
link between northern Tanzania and the Indian Ocean.
For
the discerning tourist and intrepid traveler, Tanga region is a stunning
diverse destination. It undoubtedly has a lot to offer and is a surprisingly
safe and friendly place to travel, filled with an incredible mixture of
different cultures and some of the best places to visit.
This is evident in many aspects of life, particularly visible in the region’s magnificent landscape, unique culture and friendly people - making it as one of the preferred destinations for adventurous travellers.
This is evident in many aspects of life, particularly visible in the region’s magnificent landscape, unique culture and friendly people - making it as one of the preferred destinations for adventurous travellers.
Thousands of kilometres of the long Indian Ocean coastline with its sheltered bays and lagoons, and the lush mangrove forests, pristine semi-arid forests help to shape the identity of Tanga.
The first thing that visitors notice on their arrival is the state of relaxation and prosperity that is palpable, and it is good to bask in the sunlit narrow streets of Tanga with most of the city roads done to perfection. The experience an exhilarating stretch of tarmac roads in Tanga is bound to satisfy a desire of any traveler.
Self-drive holidays in Tanga are great - the roads are well signposted and
easily navigated - but don’t underestimate the value of a good guide who will
show you parts of the area you may not have otherwise explored.
Location
Tanga is situated on the Tanzanian northern coast close to the Kenyan border.
Tanga is situated on the Tanzanian northern coast close to the Kenyan border.
Access
It has road connections with Arusha, Moshi, Mombasa, Nairobi and Dar es Salaam. Tanga has a small airport as well as airstrips at Ushongo (Pangani) and Saadani national park. Boat services are available to Pangani, Pemba and Zanzibar.
It has road connections with Arusha, Moshi, Mombasa, Nairobi and Dar es Salaam. Tanga has a small airport as well as airstrips at Ushongo (Pangani) and Saadani national park. Boat services are available to Pangani, Pemba and Zanzibar.
Accommodation
Tanga has a huge pack of facilities in the city centre and along the beach areas. The popular for visitors include: Tanga Beach Resort, Mkonge Hotel, Mtendele hotel, Inn by the Sea, Regal Naivera hotel, Nyinda Classic hotels, New Dolphin hotel, Nyumbani hotels and resorts, CBA hotel, Palm Court Hotel and more. Rate’s ranges between US$ 20 to US$ 150 per night.
Tanga has several popular restaurant featuring coastal food menus including local foods such as Rusha Roho restaurant, Raskazone swimming Club, Tanga bathing club, Tanga Yatch Club and Jet Bar and Restaurant.
Tanga has a huge pack of facilities in the city centre and along the beach areas. The popular for visitors include: Tanga Beach Resort, Mkonge Hotel, Mtendele hotel, Inn by the Sea, Regal Naivera hotel, Nyinda Classic hotels, New Dolphin hotel, Nyumbani hotels and resorts, CBA hotel, Palm Court Hotel and more. Rate’s ranges between US$ 20 to US$ 150 per night.
Tanga has several popular restaurant featuring coastal food menus including local foods such as Rusha Roho restaurant, Raskazone swimming Club, Tanga bathing club, Tanga Yatch Club and Jet Bar and Restaurant.
Other Services:
Tanga
has a few branches of financial institutions such as NMB, NBC, CRDB, Exim,
Barclays and Post Bank. Health services are available at the Bombo regional
hospital as well as several private hospitals. The regional police post is
stationed in town.
Amani Nature Reserve
Amani
Nature Reserve (ANR), located in the East Usambara Mountains, is a paradise of
nature with unique flora and fauna. It has been termed as the “Last
Paradise.” The flora species composition is diverse; trees of over 60
meters tall exist throughout the reserve while below, many different types of
plant species are supported by them.
Amani situated in the pockets in the East Usambara Mountains, is part of the huge natural entity that makes up the Eastern Arc Mountains. It was Gazetted in 1997 with the main objective to involve the local community to take part in the management of the reserve and forest conservation to increase income generating opportunities.
Amani situated in the pockets in the East Usambara Mountains, is part of the huge natural entity that makes up the Eastern Arc Mountains. It was Gazetted in 1997 with the main objective to involve the local community to take part in the management of the reserve and forest conservation to increase income generating opportunities.
The ANR has a total area of 8380 hectares divided into ecological zones that is home to a collection of medicinal plants, Biodiversity preservation, restoration and Botanical garden.
The reserve has endemical and endangered plants, more than 340 bird species, including a few endemic; there are also 74 genuses of animals, which include reptiles, mammals, amphibians and mollusks. Tourists are likely to see the endemic chameleons, snakes such as cobra, amphibian’s particularly legless frog, Butterfly and other insects.
ANR is registered with the Tropical Biology association as one of the reputable
research institutions, to learn firsthand about tropical ecology and
conservation. Many research works are conducted yearly by renowned universities
in the world such as UK’s Leeds University. Others include Tanzanian
universities and research institutions (UDSM, SUA and NIMR) and others from
Uganda and Madagascar.
The ANR is one of the most important water catchment’s areas that through the
Zigi River provide domestic water to Tanga town, associated industries, estates
and adjacent local communities. In addition, it provides water to the Hale and
Pangani hydropower stations in Pangani River, among other benefits.
The ANR is suitable for site seeing, hiking, camping, butterfly, farming visit,
trekking in the nature forest, night walks, bird watching, picnics, boating,
fishing and learning. (website: www.amaninature.org).
Tourist attractions
Tourist attractions
Tourist attractions Land pattern and land use
Amani
Nature Reserve extends from lowland to the upper plateau. The upper plateau
allows visitors to observe the land pattern of the East Usambara, and these are
one of the must-see attractions in the ANR. The land use in the upper plateau,
including the local agricultural farming and tea estates adds the portfolio of
attractions to the tourists.
View Points:
There
3 views point namely Kiganga Hill, Ngua and Mbomole Hill viewpoints.
Waterfalls:
There are three waterfalls namely Derema, Ndola and Pacha in the ANR. Many visitors here choose to hike to the waterfalls.
There are three waterfalls namely Derema, Ndola and Pacha in the ANR. Many visitors here choose to hike to the waterfalls.
Farming:
Tea farming is under the East Usambara Tea Company that has a few acres of cultivated tea plantations that offer a good sighting to visitors.
Tea farming is under the East Usambara Tea Company that has a few acres of cultivated tea plantations that offer a good sighting to visitors.
Nine visitors trail:
(nature
trails): Labeled, mapped and well documented in the leaflets and trail guide
books are available (Mbomole Hill, Monga trail, Ndola trail, Turaco Bird trail,
Kwamkoro Nature trail, Derema trail, Zigi trail, etc.)
Butterfly & Spices project:
The
villagers run a butterfly project in which a substantial quantity of live
butterfly or larva or purple is exported to German, the UK and Switzerland.
Locals through groups and individual arrangements produce different spices sold
in the Tanga region and beyond.
Location:
About 35 kms from Muheza, a town located on highway to Tanga.
Location:
About 35 kms from Muheza, a town located on highway to Tanga.
Access:
There are public transports from Muheza, 35 kms away
There are public transports from Muheza, 35 kms away
Accommodation:
Two moderate rest houses provide accommodation in ANR boundaries; one at the Headquarters and Sigi Rest house at Sigi gate; campsites (Sigi, Kwamkoro and Mbomole Peak). Guest houses are available in the village at the Sigi gate.
Two moderate rest houses provide accommodation in ANR boundaries; one at the Headquarters and Sigi Rest house at Sigi gate; campsites (Sigi, Kwamkoro and Mbomole Peak). Guest houses are available in the village at the Sigi gate.
Picnic sites:
The
picnic sites are available for visitors fully supplied with sanitary equipment.
These are: River’s site (Zigi), hill pick (Mbomole Hill) and in-situ forest
site (Kiganga).
Two campsites:
Two campsites:
One
with fixed water closet (ANR HQ), second one (Kiganga) allowing a mobile sanitary
system.
Other services:
Muheza
town has NMB branch and Post Bank, including a CRDB (ATM) to cater for
financial services. For large supplies, visitors are advised to buy supplies at
Muheza where a big market has a good stock of both dry food and other groceries.
Tongoni ruins
Tongoni
provides an insight into the early settler’s lifestyle in the fishing village.
Ruins of ancient mosques, tombs and remains of the first Shiraz of Persian
origin, with elaborate inscription and stone carvings are found here.
The locals that inhabit in the area: Wabondei and Wazigua are predominantly
fishers who owned the village until when the Shirazi came. Tongoni village has
an exceptional look at one of East Africa’s Islamic settlements, which was
established around the early 14th century. Tanga is primarily and predominantly
populated by Muslims.
Tongoni
is believed to be the location of the first port before Tanga, and that the
Portuguese sailor Vasco Da Gama visited Tongoni in the year 1498. During his
visit, it is said that he abandoned and destroyed one of his ships, the ‘San
Raphael’ for being beyond repairs. Vasco Da Gama is said to have returned to
Tongoni a year later and spent close to two weeks.
A glimpse into the villager’s lifestyle of the locals provides a simple and charming reception. Visitors are welcome to see the fish market and buy a few fish species, including prawns.
A glimpse into the villager’s lifestyle of the locals provides a simple and charming reception. Visitors are welcome to see the fish market and buy a few fish species, including prawns.
Location:
Tongoni village is found nearly 17 kms south of Tanga on the way to Pangani,
Tongoni village is found nearly 17 kms south of Tanga on the way to Pangani,
Accommodation:
Peponi Resort is an up market facility located a short distance (13 kms) from Tongoni. It has 8 Bandas, three tents, 12 small bandas (Kabandas). There are several activities offered by the resort: dhow trips, snorkeling, boat ride and walk by the seashore to explore the myriad of sea shells. (Website: www.peponiresort.com)
Peponi Resort is an up market facility located a short distance (13 kms) from Tongoni. It has 8 Bandas, three tents, 12 small bandas (Kabandas). There are several activities offered by the resort: dhow trips, snorkeling, boat ride and walk by the seashore to explore the myriad of sea shells. (Website: www.peponiresort.com)
Amboni caves
The
Amboni caves are believed to be the most extensive limestone caves in East
Africa, located in Kiomoni village. The caves, a one and half kilometer
stretch, are a fascinating historical site, which were used as hiding places
for the locals.
The
Amboni caves are among the area’s most popular attractions that have attracted,
over the years, hundred thousands of tourists both local and foreign.
The
caves are very dark inside and potentially lethal. Nearly all tunnels or
chambers are accessible to tourists via a guided tour.
The
Amboni caves are among the area’s most popular attractions and feature vast
below-ground halls with towering formations. Visitors are advised to wear
comfortable shoes and to bring a pocket-size camera, since it’s cumbersome to
bring a camera with a large lens as walking is through tight squeezes. And
before entering some of the tight spots, visitors are asked to leave large bags
in an area to pick up later.
The views of towering formations in the caves are an admiration. Nearly all its tunnels or chambers are accessible to tourists via guided tour. Walking through squeezes while getting treated to views of incredible formations makes the visit well worth it.
The caves have religious significance to the local people who pray and make offerings in one of the shrines. For a section of locals, the caves have been long-known as the place to worship to pray for different needs. Chamber number one is used for the prayers, in what many people associate with superstitions. Different items are deposited here during players as ‘gifts that the local villagers offer to the spirits.
The
caves’ upkeep is under the department of Antiquities in the ministry of natural
resources and tourism.
Location:
Located nearly 8 kms from Tanga town.
Location:
Located nearly 8 kms from Tanga town.
TANGA
CULTURAL TOURISM INITIATIVE PROGRAM
The
following tours are on offer;
- AMBONI CAVES TOUR
- TONGONI RUINS
- TOTEN ISLAND TOUR
- HOT SULPHUR SPRINGS
- YAMBE ISLAND TOUR
- ULENGE ISLAND TOUR
- SAND BANK ISLAND TOUR
- SWAHILI COAST TRADITIONAL DANCES
- VISITING TRADITIONAL HEALERS
- FISHING WITH LOCAL FISHERMEN
- AMBONI CAVES TOUR
- TONGONI RUINS
- TOTEN ISLAND TOUR
- HOT SULPHUR SPRINGS
- YAMBE ISLAND TOUR
- ULENGE ISLAND TOUR
- SAND BANK ISLAND TOUR
- SWAHILI COAST TRADITIONAL DANCES
- VISITING TRADITIONAL HEALERS
- FISHING WITH LOCAL FISHERMEN
AMBONI CAVES TOUR (2 ½ hours)
Amboni
guided tour starts from Tanga City centre through various historical buildings
then to Kiomoni village. You will get to know how local brew is prepared as you
pass through a number of local clubs and get to know the lime making process as
well. Outside the caves enjoy a natural forest around and welcoming sounds of
monkeys and birds. Your guide will take you through various compartments/rooms
used for different purposes and enjoy the Cave’s natural beauty while listening
to well narrated stories about the caves.Amboni caves are 8 kms from the Tanga
city centre. Visitors can opt to explore the caves by a rented tax (2 hours tour),
use a bicycle (3 hours tour) or use public transport and then walk for 20
minutes to the caves from public road (5 hours)
TOTEN ISLAND TOUR (3 hours)
On
your dhow or engine boat, sail to Toten Island to meet the fishing villagers
and explore a coastal forest dominated by huge and majestic Baobabs. Listen to
hundreds of tales and myths surrounding the Baobab trees and the island.
Proceed to the Portuguese ruins which are remains of what used to be a prison
in 15th century. Explore the great places where at different colonial times
British and Germans lived.
HOT SULPHUR SPRINGS TOUR (1 ½ hours)
A
cycling tour to gallanos sulphuruos hot spring which the local people use to
bath for skin healing which the local believe if they bath there, while
crossing local farms of various type like coconut, vegetable gardens and learn
the process of planting to harvesting of the crops.
YAMBE ISLAND TOUR (6 hours)
Explore
old German ruins which were used as quarantine in 19th century on a half day
sailing tour to Yambe Island. Come and meet local inhabitants in this area and
learn more about their cultures
NDUMI VILLAGE TOUR (3 hours)
The
tour will take you along the Coast of Indian Ocean to explore old buildings,
collection old stuff such as coins, beads and sheds of pottery at Ndumi dated
14th century.
ULENGE ISLAND TOUR BY BOAT (HALF DAY)
ULENGE ISLAND TOUR BY BOAT (HALF DAY)
Visitors
will visit the German building which was use as administration block
By the Germans during the colonial period, German graves and Hospital.
By the Germans during the colonial period, German graves and Hospital.
SAND BANK TOUR (FULL DAY)
Tour
starts from Raskazoni passing by the fish market where you will see how the
fisherman trade the fish business and identify different species of fish,
Proceed for your water sports activities (diving, snorkeling and boat rides)
TRADITIONAL DANCE (4 - 5 HOURS)
A
group of women known as TWAN traditional dances will give you an insight of
their traditional dance and songs, you will participate in various Swahili
dances elaborating different occasional and events such as marriage ceremony.
TRADITIONAL HEALER
Get an insight on how African traditional healers do their work. On your guided
tour your guide will explain various things about the healing process,
medicines and different diseases cured
SISAL FARM TOUR (3 hours)
Get an insight of sisal production by visit the sisal plantation. Learn the whole process from how sisal is grown to the final stage of making sisal ropes locally and other modern factory processing ways. Then proceed to local salt mining farms just beyond sisal plantations.
FISHING WITH LOCAL FISHERMEN (6 hours)
You will participate on fishing with local fishermen using local available
materials. Get your catch of the day that will be prepared as part of your meal
and sell the rest of the catch at the fish market. Learn how to negotiate when
selling fish after a long hard work in the Indian Ocean.
Where
to stay: A wide range of guest houses, hotels and lodges is available in and
around the town of Tanga. Camping grounds are available in various places
depending on nature of your tour around the region. Camping facilities and
Mountain bikes can be hired in Tanga town at a very reasonable price. Tourist
information office or tour guides can make arrangements for homestays and
overnights in local guest houses when staying or making hikes of several days
in Tanga
Urithi Tanga Museum
Tanga’s
new boma has been renovated with support from the German Embassy in Tanzania
and Tanga’s sister city Eckernforde. It was originally built in the 1890s by
the Imperial German colonial administration during the then German East Africa.
The building, built using coral stone, lime and sand was used as a government office and residence for the province commissioner of northern Tanganyika then comprised of Tanga, Kilimanjaro and Arusha. It was fully rehabilitated and conserved by URITHI using expert technicians from the Zanzibar Stone Town.
The building, built using coral stone, lime and sand was used as a government office and residence for the province commissioner of northern Tanganyika then comprised of Tanga, Kilimanjaro and Arusha. It was fully rehabilitated and conserved by URITHI using expert technicians from the Zanzibar Stone Town.
Once
the conservation work was complete, URITHI was granted the use within the
building for a museum dedicated to the heritage of Tanga. Photo exhibits on
Tanga’s historical architecture and buildings and the Sisal industry are on
display. The museum building is open for viewing, from the basement to the
watch-tower, including the two floors.
Urithi
Tanga Museum is a project of URITHI - The Tanga Heritage Centre. URITHI’s
mission is to preserve and promote Tanga’s heritage and to make use of the
heritage for community development.
Location:
Independence Avenue (next to the Tanga Library), Tanga city.
Location:
Independence Avenue (next to the Tanga Library), Tanga city.
Lushoto
Lushoto and its people; it would be hard to know where to start. It is a town that exists in a nebulous state of optimistic beauty after being hardened by stunning scenery and a breath of fresh air. Like all places where winter likes to settle in for a good, long stay, the people of Lushoto nearly always embrace every moment of cool weather. When you live, visit or grow up in Switzerland, Lushoto sounds about as close and familiar as Switzerland.
It has sweeping landscapes with their towering peaks with farms, the breathtaking view and endless vistas (green and lush scenery) that interest many visitors.
Lushoto boasts of a rich hinterland ideal for farming, which includes bananas, pears, pumpkins, tomatoes, potatoes, yams, maize, cabbage, carrots, capsicum, plumps or apples and more that find their market within the Tanga region and beyond.
Its rainforest is one of the most popular bio diversity places in Africa. Now, it is a centre of one of the best cultural tourism programmes in Tanzania – The Friends of Usambara (www.usambaratravels.com.).
The cultural tourism enterprise provides various activities for visitors, such as guided hikes and cultural visits to the Irente view point, Irente farm, Usambara farms, Magamba rainforests and more. Most of the incomes go to fund development projects such as drilling well in remote areas, building primary school and funding reforestation efforts.
In Lushoto, people live a more traditional lifestyle, and the locals are genuinely happy to see visitors walk by, greeting everyone with big smiles.
Lushoto and its people; it would be hard to know where to start. It is a town that exists in a nebulous state of optimistic beauty after being hardened by stunning scenery and a breath of fresh air. Like all places where winter likes to settle in for a good, long stay, the people of Lushoto nearly always embrace every moment of cool weather. When you live, visit or grow up in Switzerland, Lushoto sounds about as close and familiar as Switzerland.
It has sweeping landscapes with their towering peaks with farms, the breathtaking view and endless vistas (green and lush scenery) that interest many visitors.
Lushoto boasts of a rich hinterland ideal for farming, which includes bananas, pears, pumpkins, tomatoes, potatoes, yams, maize, cabbage, carrots, capsicum, plumps or apples and more that find their market within the Tanga region and beyond.
Its rainforest is one of the most popular bio diversity places in Africa. Now, it is a centre of one of the best cultural tourism programmes in Tanzania – The Friends of Usambara (www.usambaratravels.com.).
The cultural tourism enterprise provides various activities for visitors, such as guided hikes and cultural visits to the Irente view point, Irente farm, Usambara farms, Magamba rainforests and more. Most of the incomes go to fund development projects such as drilling well in remote areas, building primary school and funding reforestation efforts.
In Lushoto, people live a more traditional lifestyle, and the locals are genuinely happy to see visitors walk by, greeting everyone with big smiles.
Location and access:
Lushoto
is accessed via Mombo town on the Arusha to Dar es Salaam highway. Public
transports to Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Moshi and Tanga are available daily.
Accommodation:
Lushoto has several up-market facilities which include: Mullers lodge, The executive lodge, Irente Cliff lodge, Lawns hotel, Lushoto White House, Swiss farm Cottage, Irente Biodiversity Reserve, Mkuzi creek Resort and more.
Tour Guides:- The guides of Tanga Cultural Tourism Initiative are
indigenous of Tanga region who speaks good English and have ample experience in
tour guiding in the area
For more information
visit www.africanaturaltours.com
Comments
Post a Comment