The Tanzania coastline is a region rich in natural beauty, history, art and culture. On the mainland one can visit Bagamoyo, an attractive coastal town just north of Dar es Salaam, or Tanga and Pangani, once an important trading post with pleasant beaches and easy access to Pemba Island and the Usambara Mountains.
Pangani
Situated on the coast north of Dar es Salaam, on the river with the same name, Pangani is a delightful village with a six kilometer palm-fringed, untouched, sandy bay. This is a paradise for the visitor that wants a stress free rest away from the main stream. Easy access from Arusha or Dar es Salaam by air or road. One can also travel by boat to and from Zanzibar. The hotels along the beach offers diving, snorkelling, fishing and lots more.
Zanzibar
Few single attractions can beat an afternoon strolling through the narrow streets and winding alleys of ancient Stone Town , the capital of Zanzibar. You’ll find something interesting in every corner. As evening falls, the seafront comes alive and a cool breeze makes the dinner feel refreshing. As well as the magic of the streets, Stone Town have certain historic buildings and sights that are worth a look. The Darajani market with its colourful fruits and scents from spices is also worth a visit.
But most people come to Zanzibar for a few luscious days on the beautiful beaches of the Indian Ocean and for its great diving and snorkelling facilities.
Although the island are still fairly untouched by the increasing stream of visitors one has a big number of hotels and lodges in various price ranges to choose between, in town as well as on the beaches.
Chumbe Island
Six kilometers south of Stone Town, Zanzibar, surrounded by pristine coral reef, Chumbe Island Coral park is one of the world’s newest and most successful eco-tourism projects. Visitors can come for the day to snorkel over the incredible coral reef or come to stay over night in one of the bandas. This is also the perfect romantic spot for honeymooners.
Mafia Island
Mafia Island is simply the largest of an island archipelago, off the beaten track and known only to the most discerning of travellers. The island has stunning beaches and is surrounded by a barrier reef rich in marine life. A tiny population of the pygmy hippo live in the remains of an old lagoon.
Pemba Island
The tiny number of tourists that come to Pemba Island each year means that the island has little in the way of tourist infrastructure, which for the alternative traveller is the main attraction. Small guesthouses are dotted around the island, and a couple of upmarket diving hotels have recently opened. The island has beautiful and unspoiled beaches. At night the wind whispers through the clove plantation which cover most of Pemba.
