Tanga was once another stopping point, in competition with Pangani and Bagamoyo, for caravans on their way to the hinterland of Central Africa searching for ivory and slaves. The Germans also made it a centre of colonial administration during their occupation in the early 20th century. Evidence of German’s presence can be found in Tanga’s architecture today, but only few landmarks and historical buildings have remained in the area. Tanga’s port, however, supplies a main link between northern Tanzania and the Indian Ocean.

For the discerning tourist and intrepid traveller, Tanga region is a stunning diverse destination. It undoubtedly has a lot to offer and is a surprisingly safe and friendly place to travel, filled with an incredible mixture of different cultures and some of the best places to visit.

This is evident in many aspects of life, particularly visible in the region’s magnificent landscape, unique culture, and friendly people – making it as one of the preferred destinations for adventurous travellers.

Thousands of kilometres of the long Indian Ocean coastline with its sheltered bays and lagoons, and the lush mangrove forests, pristine semi-arid forests help to shape the identity of Tanga.

The first thing that visitors notice on their arrival is the state of relaxation and prosperity that is palpable, and it is good to bask in the sunlit narrow streets of Tanga with most of the city roads done to perfection.

Amani Nature Reserve, found in the East Usambara Mountains, is a paradise of nature with unique flora and fauna. It has been termed as the “Last Paradise.”  The flora species composition is diverse; trees of over 60 meters tall exist throughout the reserve while below, they support many different types of plant species.

The Amani Nature Reserve has a total area of 8,380 hectares divided into ecological zones that is home to a collection of medicinal plants, Biodiversity preservation, restoration, and Botanical garden.

The reserve has endemical and endangered plants, more than 340 bird species, including a few endemics; there are also 74 geniuses of animals, which include reptiles, mammals, amphibians and mollusks. Tourists are likely to see the endemic chameleons, snakes such as cobra, amphibian’s particularly legless frog, Butterfly, and other insects. The Amani Nature Reserve is suitable for site seeing, hiking, camping, butterfly, farming visit, trekking in the nature forest, night walks, bird watching, picnics, boating, and fishing attractions in the ANR. The land use in the upper plateau, including the local agricultural farming and tea estates adds the portfolio of attractions to the tourists.

Activities:
*There are three waterfalls namely Derema, Ndola and Pacha in the ANR. Many visitors here choose to hike to the waterfalls.

*The villagers run a butterfly project in which a substantial quantity of live butterfly or larva or purple is exported to German, the UK and Switzerland. Locals through groups and individual arrangements produce different spices sold in the Tanga region and beyond.
Peponi Resort: There are several activities offered by the resort: dhow trips, snorkelling, boat ride and walk by the seashore to explore the myriad of seashells

Amboni caves: The Amboni caves are believed to be the most extensive limestone caves in East Africa, located in Kiomoni village. The caves, a one and half kilometre stretch, are a fascinating historical site, which were used as hiding places for the locals. The Amboni caves are among the area’s most popular attractions that have attracted, over the years, hundred thousand of tourists both local and foreign. The caves are very dark inside and potentially lethal. Nearly all tunnels or chambers are accessible to tourists via a guided tour.