Pangani is a small Swahili outpost with a long history as an Arab settlement and a slave-trading center. Pangani history and culture dates back to the 15th C. The town began as a coastal dhow port but then became a station on the caravan route from Lake Tanganyika for exporting slaves and ivory. It was developed by the Arabs as a settlement and slave trading centre. Being much less known it is much more peaceful than Zanzibar and the beaches around Pangani are virtually unspoilt. The name Pangani owes to the river that runs through northern part of the town. 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.

Tours of Pangani include historical monuments such as the original slave depot, with intact whipping posts and the slave market where Arabs traded slaves to India and Arabia, the Freedom Grounds, Islamic and German graves, ancient mosques, buildings from the German colonial period and traditional houses. Pangani town elders serve as knowledgeable guides who can impart their vast knowledge of Pangani history and culture going back to the 15th century as they take you through the town. In 1810, the Arabs constructed the central boma building, people were buried alive under the pillars during construction as it was believed this would ensure strong foundations.

Later the German administration used the buidings as a colonial district office and added a european style roof giving the building a unique appearance. The intricate Arab carved doors and foundation (still strong!) remain and the building is now used as the district commissioners office. Other tours that are recommended include an ""agricultural and nature walk"", this shows you some of the beautiful scenery and culture of Pangani. You visit local farmers and see various agriculture projects in the area such as coconut processing at Kikowea.

A German fort facing the Pemba channel is the birth place of sisal growing in africa, here Richard Hindroph, a German botanist, planted the first sisal seedlings in 1892. You will see the sisal estates and factories and sisal plantations. Then you walk along the coastline to a unique coral shore where the fossils of a 200-300 million year old dinosaurus rest in the area known as Mkomo and Mwanaunguja coral. During this tour you can swim or rest on some of the most spectacular beaches in Tanzania.

Activities in and around Pangani include: Pangani River: Pangani River, once an important transport channel for slaves and ivory, is now seldom used as a means of transportation from Tanzania's interior to the coast. Boat trips can be arranged up the river to observe the abundant birdlife and riverine ecosystem. Crocodiles are sometimes seen along the river and a trip up the river offers an opportunity to view Tanzanian village life.

Accommodation in Pangani

Images of Pangani