Pangani (Tanzania): old town, Ushongo beach, river, Maziwe and hotels (2026)

Pangani is a small Swahili town on Tanzania's north coast, at the mouth of the river of the same name, between Tanga and Saadani park. It suits those who want a quiet coast away from Zanzibar's crowds: an old town mixing Swahili, Arab, German and British influences, a mangrove river and the wide, calm Ushongo Bay. It can be visited in a day from Tanga, but is better with 2 to 3 nights. It is not easy to reach: an irregular ferry crosses the river.

Highlights

The old town

Old houses and mosques; the Old Boma, dated 1810, is the oldest building according to one guide. Take a local guide to understand.

The river and the port

Boat trips on the river show crocodiles, birds and mangroves; coastal dhows load at the quay.

Ushongo and Maziwe

Ushongo Bay is good for swimming; the Maziwe Island marine reserve, a short boat ride away, suits snorkelling and diving.

Nearby

See on the map →

Tanga (Tanzania): Amboni Caves, Pangani and the north coast, day trip and prices (2026) Tanga is a port city in northern Tanzania, near the Kenyan border, little visited by...

Nungwi village: dhow yards, fish market and local life Behind the hotels of Nungwi beach, the village keeps its fishing and boat-building...

Mnarani Natural Aquarium in Nungwi: turtle sanctuary, price and visit The Mnarani Natural Aquarium (also called the Nungwi turtle aquarium) is a natural pool...

Scuba diving in Zanzibar: best dive sites (Mnemba, Nungwi, Chumbe), intro dive and prices Zanzibar is an accessible dive destination: shallow coral reefs, warm water, and dive...