Located on the south-eastern shore of the Tanga region, the town of Pangani is 50 km south of the city of Tanga at the mouth of the Pangani River. Often overlooked by travellers, this seaside village is a tropical paradise and a haven for travellers looking for a relaxing, off the beaten track destination.
A small Swahili outpost with a long history as an Arab colony and slave-trading centre, Pangani is much less famous than Zanzibar. After its modest beginning as a coastal dhow port, Pangani was converted into a station on the caravan route for the export of slaves and ivory.
Today, this sleepy, run-down town still lives at a local pace. The local elders, very friendly and always welcoming, will be happy to serve as your guides, drawing on their wealth of knowledge to tell you about the history and culture of their town.
Some guesthouses and lodges welcome tourists looking for quiet authenticity, far from the hustle and bustle of the neighbouring islands. Diving and snorkelling trips can be arranged with local fishermen as well as trips to the sandbanks off the coast for a picnic in the sun.
You can also take a boat to Maziwi, a small sandy island that sits on the coral reef. Most lodges offer windsurfing, kayaking and dhow trips as well as fishing.
The best time to visit Pangani
You can visit Pangani all year round but you will make the most of the beaches from June to November. January and February are also good months to visit.
