The name Pangani is derived from the river that runs through 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.
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 dolphin tour.
– A walking tour through the town allows one to see some of 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 hand made cultural items.