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Strolling around Tanga, amid its deeply, semi-colonial atmosphere, you would hardly be aware
that this is Tanzania's 2nd largest seaport. However, it is a surprisingly large town which
sprawls well into the hinterlands. It was founded by Germans in the late 19th century and is
a centre for the export of sisal. Not many travelers come here, apart form those looking for
a dhow to Pemba Island or heading north to Mombasa. Nevertheless, Tanga is famous for its
AMBONI CAVES, this is predominantly a limestone district, these caves are situated off the
road to lunga Lunga/Mombasa, are not too far from town
Furthermore, there are the TONGONI RUINS, which are 20km south of Tanga on the Pangani Road.
There is a long ruined mosque and more than 40 tombs, the largest concentration of such
tombs on the East African Coast.
According to accounts which came with the hands of the Portuguese when they first arrived
at Kilwa in 1505, both Kilwa and Tongoni were founded at the end of the 10th century by
Ali bin Hasan, the son of Sultan Hassan of Shiraz in Persia.
Tanga region also is formed by PANGANI being one of the districts of Tanga, PANGANI is a
small village north of Bagamoyo.
It is on a beautiful stretch of coast, with many reefs and islands offshore. At PANGANI
you can do fishing trips to the reefs and snorkeling at the two Islands of Mawe Mdogo and
Mwamba Mawe, there is also a small marine park on the island of maziwi and boat trips are
possible to see the wildlife up the PANGANI RIVER.
It is on a beautiful stretch of coast, with many reefs and islands offshore. At PANGANI
you can do fishing trips to the reefs and snorkeling at the two Islands of Mawe Mdogo and
Mwamba Mawe, there is also a small marine park on the island of maziwi and boat trips are
possible to see the wildlife up the PANGANI RIVER.Another worth place to visit are USAMBARA
MOUNTAINS found at Lushoto being a district of Tanga region. The tribe that dominates this
are is WASAMBAA.
The Usambara Mountains are situated in the North Eastern part of Tanzania, between Mount
Kilimanjaro and the Indian Ocean. The mountains rise up steeply from the surrounding plains
and can only be entered via few roads. The only tarmac road in the area winds along a small
river to Soni and Lushoto, the largest towns in the area.
Because of its pleasant climate, the mountains were favored by the Germans and the English
during colonial times. Historic buildings stand as reminders of this past.From a distance
the mountains are a colourful mosaic. On the fertile slopes around Soni and Lushoto farmers
cultivate small plots. But further away from the towns large areas are still covered by
dense tropical forests.The viewpoints on the southern and western side of the Usambara
are well known for the spectacular vies of the plains of Mkomazi and Handeni. Kilimanjaro
can be seen on the horizon and a t the end of the day the sunset turns the area into a
tremendous pallet of unforgettable colours.
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