Tanga region is a nice place to go for any traveler with a passion for adventurous, historical, and cultural tourism.
Spending a few days in Tanga will be memorable, the region situated between two major cities and tourist destinations in Tanzania; Arusha and Dar es Salaam will offer you a fun and memorable experience.
One may ask what are the most important things to do when s/he visit Tanga.
There are lots of activities you can do in Tanga, but here I am going to share with you some of my favorite things you must not miss when you get to Tanga.
- Visit Mkomazi National Park
- Learn the history of African culture by visiting Amboni Caves
- Visit Saadani National Park
- Hiking Walking and Trekking in the Usambara Mountains
- Take a Historical tour to Urithi Tanga Museum
- Visit Magamba Eco-cultural Tourism
- Explore the Maziwe Island Marine Park
- Visit Irente View Point and Farm
- Join the Good Work of the Friends of Usambara Society
- Enjoy the Best Tanzanian Dishes in Tanga
- Magoroto Forest Estate
For the remaining part of this article, you’ll have detailed explanations about the above-listed activities. Keep reading to find out more.
What Do You Know About Tanga?
Tanga is the name of the quietest and most northerly port city of Tanzania on the west of the Indian Ocean, and the surrounding Tanga Region. The name Tanga means “sail”.
Tanga acts as a chilling place to stay while exploring its adventurous and fun activities for most travelers who visit the country since it is situated between the two busiest tourist destinations in Tanzania: Arusha and Dar es Salaam.
If your travelers and you wish to have a trip to Tanzania do not forget to include Tanga in your list. Tanga will offer you everything one could get when visiting, from mountain trekking to game viewing, and beachcombing.
Therefore, spending some days in Tanga should be your priority in Tanzania.
Now let’s explore more on my 10 favorite things you can do in Tanga, the region commonly known as the “region where love was born in Tanzania”.
1. Visit Mkomazi National Park
The park is situated in the southeast of Mount Kilimanjaro, north of Pare and Usambara Mountains, and south of Tsavo National Park making common ground for migratory wildlife.
It’ll take you about a one-and-a-half-hour drive to the Kivingo entrance from Mambo Viewpoint.
Mkomazi National Park is a hidden gem amongst the parks of Tanzania. Here you’ll find almost all species in which most of them are nowhere else in Tanzania.
Mkomazi National Park is one of the driest areas in Tanzania as it means “little water” in the local Pare language yet boasts diverse flora and fauna with a high endemic population of species.
According to the study by the UK’s Royal Geographical Society, Mkomazi has a wide diversity of fauna and cataloged many interactions among the species.
Together with Tsavo, Mkomazi forms one of the largest and most crucial protected ecosystems on the planet earth.
Among the wild animals, you’ll have a chance to spot in the park are the two highly endangered species, the charismatic black rhino and sociable African wild dog.
Other animals which you’ll have a chance to spot include giraffe, oryx, gerenuk, hartebeest, lesser kudu, eland, impala, Grant’s gazelle, elephant, buffalo, and numerous predators such as lion, leopard, and cheetah.
The park is not crowded, Visiting Mkomazi is the best cheap alternative for the northern national parks.
Visiting Mkomazi National Park is one of my favorite things to do in Tanga because I spend little pocket and enjoy everything I could enjoy in other expensive parks in Tanzania.
For birdwatchers like me, Mkomazi hosts over 400 bird species including the endemic Violet Wood-hoopoe, Friedmann’s Lark, the Somali Long-billed Crombec, and the Yellow-vented Eremomela.
So, if you get to be in or around Tanga, visiting Mkomazi is a must to do activity for many travelers.
2.Learn The History Of African Culture By Visiting Amboni Caves
About 150 million years ago during the Jurassic age Amboni caves, the most extensive limestone caves in East Africa were formed. The caves occupy an area of 234km2.
They are located 8km north of Tanga city off the Tanga-Mombasa road. It’s believed that the area was underwater some 20 million years ago.
The area has 10 caves but only one of them is used for the guided tour.
In 1892, the Amboni company notified the British colonial government about the caves. In 1922 the British colonial government declared the caves a conservation area. In 1963, the Government of Tanganyika handed over the caves to the Department of Antiquities.
These caves are considered the jewel in Tanga’s crown.
This is a nice place to learn history about African culture. It’s believed that ethnic legend groups such as the Segeju, Sambaa, Bondei, and Digo who lived near the caves used it for prayers and make offerings in one of the shrines.
To the local people, the caves are regarded as supernatural formations where supernatural powers commonly known as “Mizimu” are believed to have been residing since the caves’ formed.
You’ll see chambers treated as sacred chambers for worshiping some spirits. One of them is called “Mzimu wa Mabuvu”.
Some believe that there is a powerful deity that can alleviate their sickness, sufferings, or increase their fertility.
Amboni caves have been and continue to attract many tourists and students who go there to learn the value of history and the power of prayers.
You’ll get excited to spot pop flight (popo means bat in Swahili) who live in the caves but fly out the cave entrance every evening at sunset.
The view of towering formation in the caves are exciting. Walking through squeezes while getting treated to views of amazing formations makes the visit exceptional.
I’d advise you to wear comfortable shoes and take your pocket-size camera because you’ll be walking through some short but narrow paths.
You’ll be asked to leave your large bags before entering some of the tight spots to pick up later. It’s an adventurous tour so go there with your sense of adventure!
Among the attraction feature that’ll excite you are Kilimanjaro Mountain, leopard, bird feather, sexual organs, holy Mary, airplane, liberty statue which are formed the walls of the caves.
You’ll be amazed to see rocks in the shape of a sofa, a ship, a crocodile, an elephant, a map of Africa, the Statue of Liberty, and the head of a male lion.
Visiting Amboni caves in Tanga will offer you an unforgettable experience.
3. Visit Saadani National Park
Saadani NP is the only wildlife sanctuary in Tanzania where the beach meets the bush. The park located in the center of the historic triangle of Bagamoyo, Pangani, and Zanzibar.
The park is home to a unique combination of both marine and mainland flora and fauna in a culturally fascinating setting. You’ll spot wildlife in the white sand along the blue water of the Indian Ocean.
Visiting Saadani will give you a chance to spot four of the Big Five, namely lions, African bush elephants, Cape buffaloes, and leopards.
Also, the park hosts Masai giraffes, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, waterbucks, blue wildebeests, boho reedbucks, common and red duikers, Dik-Diks, yellow baboons, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, Colobus monkeys, mongooses, genets, porcupines, sable antelopes, and warthogs.
The Wami River is home to hippopotamus and crocodiles up to five meters long, attended by fearless, tooth-picking egrets.
The park offers the nice experience of spotting traditional dhows sail slowly passing, propelled by billowing white sails, whilst Swahili fishermen cast their nets below a brilliant red sunrise.
The beaches form one of the last major green turtle breeding sites on mainland Tanzania.
Watch out when sunbathing in the idle hours since you might be interrupted by an elephant strolling past, or a lion coming to drink at the nearby waterhole!
Visiting Saadani NP is a nice place for the game drive and guided walking safari on natural trails that will get you closer to nature.
Also, boat trips and chilling on the cleanest beach on the coasts of Bagamoyo and Tanga, while soaking in the sunrise are perfect activities when you visit Saadani.
You can enjoy swimming in the oceans with perfect temperatures usually reaching around 25°C. If you are lucky you may spot dolphins play and humpbacked whales.
Exploring the life and history of Saadani village which once was an important harbor-town and slave trading center in East Africa is a memorable experience one would not want to miss!
You’ll also find a lot of special campsites. These are Kiwandi campsite located at Zaraninge forest, Kinyonga campsite located along Wami river, and Tengwe campsite located in the wilderness zone.
Other privately owned accommodation facilities in and around Saadani NP include; Saadani River Lodge, KISAMPA, Saadani Park Hotel, Tembo Kijani Lodge, and A Tent with A View Lodge.
The beachside Saadani Safari Lodge is the only luxury lodge you’ll find there. So, don’t plan to miss Saadani when you get to Tanga.
4.Hiking Walking And Trekking In The Usambara Mountains
Have you ever heard about the Switzerland of Tanzania? If not, then let me now tell you that some people call Usambara the Switzerland of Tanzania.
It is a part of the Eastern Arc mountains that offers different destinations and treks to choose amongst. The mountains host the beautiful Amani Nature Reserve.
The mountains offer a memorable cultural immersion with different hiking wishes ranging from camping, bicycling, or hiking from one colorful village to another in Lushoto.
Prepare to learn a lot about the attractive culture of locals while spotting lots of beautiful scenes on the way. Thankfully, we had learned some useful Swahili phrases before we started our hiking walking.
I’d recommend learning some useful Swahili phrases before you start your hiking walking because you’ll pass many people on the way, it’s nice to at least show them respect by greeting them or ask something.
Everywhere we went, we were received by extensive hills, mountains, valleys, farmland, and villages.
People are welcoming and are not overwhelmed by tourists that they will try to sell you something at every corner.
Tropical forests of the Usambara mountains host different bird species that are found nowhere on earth.
Trekkers choose to hike in the West Usambara, East Usambara, or in Amani Forest Reserve, or combine them all. In the western range of Usambara, you’ll also find a Cultural Tourist Program.
This is a nice place with a cool climate and winding paths. This is a perfect place to do a lot of interesting activities in the same area.
Last August made our memorable month as my friend and I trekked these mountains. We learned the diverse history of different areas and towns including a research station and botanical gardens in Amani Nature Reserve that was developed by German colonists.
Trekking Usambara mountains is more fun and relaxing but make sure you take your sweater or light jacket and trousers because it gets too cold there!
Still, looking at what to do in Tanga? Hiking walking and trekking in the Usambara Mountains is the perfect thing for you!
5.Take A Historical Tour To Urithi Tanga Museum
Visiting Urithi Tanga Museum is a perfect choice to learn about the locals and Tanzania’s history in a very exciting and informative way from Portuguese through German to British and independence.
My friend and I enjoyed seeing the WWI and colonial German history in Tanga. We learned about the invasion during WWI, the port, and the way German ordered the town.
You’ll see how German residents lived in the big housings, including the viewpoint at the top and the waiting areas for visitors.
We were also excited to know that the first Government school of Tanganyika was built in Tanga ‘Gouv Schule’, in 1893 currently known as “Old Tanga Secondary School”. By then Tanganyika was known as “Deutsch-Osta-Afrika” during the Germany Colonial period.
Did you know that one of the streets was called Kaiser Strasse during German Colonial rule? British decided to change its name to Kings Street after WWI in 1917. Then, after political independence in 1961 of Tanganyika, the street was renamed Independence Avenue. It’s a great history to learn.
The history of white Gold of sisal production will give you a worthwhile experience when you visit Urithi Tanga Museum. The staff is charming, knowledgeable, and professional.
Any traveler would want to learn how Saint Paul Illair did some botanic research and discovered Usambara violate or African violate in 1893.
This is a flower that is now famous in Europe and America as it has gone through different cross breedings and produced beautiful new species, and in Lushoto, holds the only genuine blue flower around the world.
You should visit the museum when you go to Tanga.
6.Visit Magamba Eco-Cultural Tourism
This is the only Community-Based Tourism Initiative in the Countryside, determining at supporting the local youth and Women group by empowering them economically and help them fight against poverty.
They are connecting Eco-friendly experiences in the Usambara mountains and joining women and youth in their attractions as service providers to make sure both the community and visitors enjoy that attraction.
The locals are empowered to eradicate poverty through engaging in different productive environmental sustainability projects in their community including vegetable production gardens and pottery making.
They encourage visitors to use local companies when visiting destinations. It’s more beneficial and interesting instead of touring alone in the destinations.
So, visiting them is the way of supporting their initiatives because all the money you spend is invested back to that place.
The cultural friendship and understanding you build with locals are countless. You’ll also enjoy learning about the real-life of locals and their history and their surrounding environment because the local guides are masters of their home country.
I’ve been there two times but each time you get too excited about the lovely culture of the locals.
My friend and I enjoyed traditional dances among other activities when we visited Magamba in August 2018. We did a cycling tour, and it was much fun and we had time to get off our bikes to roast our coffee. A nice experience that I would highly recommend you not to miss when you get there.
The guides are professional and charming who help travelers to meet their wishes. The services offered by them are classic and the environment is beautiful.
If you’re looking for what to do in Tanga, then visiting Magamba eco-cultural tourism should be on your list. Your visit will be much more rewarding. It is the place where you learn about nature and culture with lovely people, beautiful views, and good food. I, myself cannot wait to visit the place again.
7.Explore The Maziwe Island Marine Park
About 8km southeast of the town of Pangani, you’ll find the very small, beautiful island surrounded by coral reefs. It’s Maziwe Island Marine Park.
The sea hosts many species of coral, sponge, algae, and over 400 species of fish as well as shoreline birds. The island serves as the most crucial nesting place for turtles on East Africa Coast.
Not only that you’ll get to explore the park but also, you’ll support the conservation program and local’s livelihood who depends on their surrounding for survival.
You’ll feel supportive to join efforts of protecting the coral reef ecosystem on Maziwe Island.
A small fee you’ll offer goes to reimburse locals for patrolling the reef and not fishing there. The aim is to ensure the local community effectively manages and benefits from the park.
I went there in July 2018 on a boat trip. I enjoyed the underwater adventure by exploring the beautiful diversity of marine life while diving around the colorful reef of the island.
The island is considered among the best diving destinations along the Eastern Africa Coast with a wide diversity of underwater marine life.
You can also take a day trip and enjoy searching for shells or swim the turquoise waters to spot marine life.
By the way, before I forget let me tell you, sunbathing is awesome at this park.
If you are looking for what to do in Tanga, Maziwe Island Marine Park is worthwhile visiting!
8.Visit Irente Viewpoint And Farm
Looking 1000 meters down to the Maasai plain around 400 meters above sea level is breathtaking. The highest point is 1,450 meters above sea level.
Look on your far left, there is Mombo town, you see from the bus drive up here. Heading right the road leads towards Moshi and Arusha, heading left it leads towards Tanga and Dar Es Salaam. The elongated green ribbon you see across the street is the Pangani River runs.
Make your trip fun and exciting. Buy some drinks, roast your coffee.
Head to your right-hand side from the football field the path leads you up directly to the viewpoint. You’ll spend about 2 to 4 hours touring depending on your comfortability.
You can pause at Irente Farm which not far from Irente Viewpoint and enjoy the pleasure of their cheese platter along with fruit juice, fresh bread, butter, jam, and vegies. There you’ll find something for yourself!
You can also visit Irente School for the Blind, Rainbow School for mentally handicapped children, and the Irente Orphanage. They are all situated within the Irente Biodiversity Reserve.
This is also your chance through visiting the Lushoto market to explore the life of Tanzanians.
You can stay at Irente View Cliff Lodge. It’s located close to a cliffside and has nice views of the sunset in Lushoto. Or you can decide to stay at Irente Farm Lodge which is a quiet natural area and a great lunch spot.
For budgeted accommodation, Green Farm Friends Lushoto is perfect because it’s also close to nature.
So, if you’re in or around Tanga, spend some time visiting Irente Viewpoint.
9. Join The Good Work Of Friends Of Usambara Society
This is a grassroots organization that is run by locals in the Tanga region primarily from Lushoto. It began with a little help from friends.
The start of walking tours in the Usambara mountains was with the Cultural Tourism Programme. That came to inspire and made the Netherlands Development Agency (SNV) join efforts.
Visiting the Friends of Usambara Society is joining their initiatives to promote tourism in Usambara. Also, you will contribute to their effort of conserving their cultural and natural resources. This is the way to ensure the sustainable development of tourism in the Usambaras.
When making a walking tour, you’ll pay an allowance to the guide and a small development fee to the Society. The money you pay supports activities that help to conserve the area’s cultural and natural resources. That gives you a sense of participatory initiatives.
The Friends of Usambara plants trees that provide food and income. They also protect and regenerate forests, combats desertification, and promote sustainable forestry, by so doing they protect water catchment basins.
Their initiatives aim at addressing environmental issues. They also help the local community to eradicate extreme poverty and improve living standards.
They have planted over 20 million trees in Usambaras since 2008. Their goal is to plant 100 million trees there by 2025 and 1 billion trees nationwide by 2030. They’re doing a great job. Let us support them by visiting and appreciating their initiatives.
You’ll feel good to see the improved irrigation system at Mamboleo village. Also, you’ll see the built soil conservation terraces at Tema village.
The Friends of Usambara understand that young people are the future of their initiatives. They form tree clubs in partnership with Primary and Secondary Schools so students can do their part in the climate crisis. So, you’ll find several school projects there.
So, if you were asking what to do in Tanga, visiting the Friends of Usambara Society is perfect for you.
10. Enjoy The Best Tanzanian Dishes In Tanga
Tanga is commonly known for cooking in Tanzania. You’ll find the tasty of your choice and even more than you’d expect.
Some of the dishes that you couldn’t afford to miss in Tanga are.
Pilau
Wali na Maharage
Biliani
Chapati
Nyama Choma
Ugali na Nyama
Ndizi na Nyama
One may ask where to get these meals in Tanga? The answer is simple, Tanga hosts a lot of the best restaurants that will fill your thirst. Here are my favorites;
D’Amour Bar and Grill. Here you’ll find a nice pizza, Italian and delicious seafood. You love vegan? There you’re!
Blue Room Café. There you’ll taste their snack meals including kababs, and bajia. They are superb.
Sea View Hotel and Restaurant. If you love Indian food, that’s a place to be!
Mike’s Beach Restaurant and Bar in Pangani. It’s my favorite place to enjoy Italian and African dishes in Pangani. Seafood and Italian pizza are unforgettable.
Cappuccino café. There you’ll enjoy having all African and Arabic cuisines. If you’re having breakfast there, please try the chicken soup and the seafood. You’ll want to come back too soon.
Kitisa Restaurant. This is a perfect place for travelers who’d love to taste Indian, African, and pizza. I love masala prawns and sekela chicken there. They’re highly recommendable.
Mamma Mia Pizza in Lushoto. There you’ll have what you want to eat; Italian, pizza or an international dish. Cannot miss coconut chicken!
11. Magoroto Forest Estate
Magoroto forest estate is a perfect spot for a gateway when you’re in or around Tanga.
You will enjoy the wilderness and nature’s variety of the East Usambara Mountains. Here you will enjoy the views from the Muheza Valley to the Indian Ocean.
Visiting Magoroto Forest Estate will give you a lot of options to enjoy more. The staff are friendly and charming.
My two friends; James and Ted, got there for refreshments. They had an amazing experience for all three days they stayed there.
They enjoyed a rejuvenating shower at the Magoroto waterfalls. The sounds of the falls seduced them to move closer and take a dip.
From the falls, they headed to the manmade lake which gave them another exciting experience. The bamboo boat ride, fishing, and swimming are nice here.
Then, do not be scared to do hiking as two hikes can be easily combined even in a half day.
Other exciting activities will include forest or village walk, mountain biking, horse riding, and birdwatching.
You will also have a chance to enjoy spice plantations. Learn about organic spice production like cardamom, pepper, cloves, vanilla, and tea.
By the way, the place is located at a top hill and the road to get there is rough and narrow. I’d recommend a 4-wheel drive car which is high enough.
So, visiting Magoroto is highly recommended when you are in or around Tanga.
Conclusion
This article brought you the interesting things you would not want to miss when you’re in and around Tanga.
However, you may not be able to do all the activities considering your time, budget, and interests. Therefore, I advise you to select and opt for the activities that suit you and enjoy your travel.