Things to do in and around Pangani
Pangani is a deeply historical town with undeniable Arabian, Indian and German influences all around. The town is surrounded by beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters and stretches of mangroves. If you are looking for a quiet, serene and relaxing holiday destination in Tanzania, you should consider Pangani. There are several beach accommodation located in and around the town, with a wide range of things to do and places to explore.
If you’re planning to get off-the-beaten-path in Tanzania, here are some things to do in and around Pangani;
Take a tour of Pangani
Pangani is essentially a laid-back town with old houses along the roads that give a glimpse of the past colonial culture and the Swahili culture of the locals. A tour of the town provides you with the opportunity to gain an insight of the Swahili culture, and participate in various activities together with the locals.
You can explore the streets and the local market, as well as the interesting historical monuments around the ocean.
Pangani, Image Source: Leopard-Tours.Com
Snorkelling at Maziwe Island Marine Reserve
Located about 15 miles from the coast of Pangani, Maziwe Island is the oldest marine reserve in Tanzania. Take a boat trip to the island for a snorkelling adventure around the coral reefs surrounding it.
There are close to 400 species of fish in the marine reserve and you’ll also find several underwater plantations along with the corals. Maziwe Island is an ideal place for swimming, snorkelling or just relaxing while listening to the waves. If you are lucky, you may have the entire island to yourself.
Snorkelling at Maziwe Island Marine Reserve, Image Source: TheTidesLodge.Com
Visit Ushongo Beach
Ushongo is a little-known beach, hidden away from the coast of Tanzania, located about 8 km outside the village of Pangani. It is a quiet place laced with palm trees and white sandy beaches with pristine water of the Indian Ocean. It’s an ideal place to just relax and take a time out during your holiday in Tanzania.
The beach stretches about three kilometres long, and there are no shops or markets around. Thus, you have to carry some packed food or snacks from Pangani village or from the lodges when visiting the beach. You can stay in the Tides Lodge for a perfect holiday on Ushongo Beach, a collection of bungalows and suites built on the secluded beach.
There are several activities to enjoy on the Ushongo Bach such as paddling through the mangrove and ocean kayaking.
Visit Ushongo Beach
Safari to Saadani National Park
Located on Tanzania’s north coast, Saadani National Park is the only wildlife sanctuary in the region with a beachfront on the Indian Ocean. It offers the best of both worlds – bush and marine in a fascinating setting. The wildlife reserve is home to a wide array of animals including four of the Big Five, hippos, yellow baboons, and waterbucks among others.
There are several activities to enjoy in the park such as boat trips on the Wami River, bird watching and fishing. You’ll see spectacular beaches with crystal clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean, lined with palm trees. The beaches in Saadani are the major breeding site, where the sea turtles go to lay their eggs, especially the green turtles.
Saadani National Park, Image Source: Tanzania-Experience.Com
Green Turtle Experience in Maziwe
One of the best performing turtle nesting areas in Tanzania is Maziwe Marine Reserve in the outskirts of Pangani. Here, you have the opportunity to explore the life of endangered green turtles as well as learn their breeding behaviours and visit the nesting sites. This reserve has around 100 turtles laying eggs there annually and goes a long way to educate visitors about these turtles.
Green Turtle Experience in Maziwe, Image Source: Matembezi.Co.Tz
Cycling Tours
There are plenty of cycling routes in and around Pangani where you can indulge in biking adventures. You can cycle to Kikokwe sisal plantations, the German fort and also cycle to Mwera. You can also cycle to see the Pemba channel in Mkoma, the old German Warship and then proceed to the Mwanaunguja corals and Ushongo beach to enjoy the sights and sounds.
Cycling in Pangani, Image Source: KilibikeAdventures.Com
