Things To Do
in Tanga
Tanga is a coastal city in northeastern Tanzania known for its calm atmosphere, historic Swahili culture, and gateway to beautiful beaches and caves. It sits along the Indian Ocean with a laid‑back pace and plenty of fisherman life along the harbor. The nearby Amboni Caves offer dramatic limestone formations just outside town, while the Usambara foothills invite easy day trips for nature lovers.
Visitors experience a warm, friendly vibe, vibrant markets, and authentic coastal Tanzanian cuisine along the waterfront.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Tanga Airport and transfer to your accommodation. Take some time to freshen up and enjoy a delightful breakfast featuring local fruits and pastries. Spend the rest of the morning relaxing on the beach or exploring the vibrant streets of Tanga.
After lunch, visit the Tanga Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can witness diverse wildlife and lush landscapes. Engage with local guides to learn about the region's conservation efforts. Enjoy a leisurely trek through the sanctuary, keeping an eye out for unique bird species.
Head back to Tanga City for dinner at a beachfront restaurant. Savor fresh seafood while listening to the waves and enjoying the sunset. Conclude your day with a stroll along the beach, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
Begin your day with breakfast before heading to the Tanga Museum to learn about the region's rich history. Explore exhibits that showcase the Swahili culture, the German colonial era, and the coastal trade. Engage with friendly staff for stories about the city's past.
After the museum, enjoy lunch at a local eatery that offers traditional Tanzanian cuisine. Spend the afternoon visiting the historical sites around the city, such as the Old Boma and the German Old Fort. Take photos and appreciate the unique architecture.
For dinner, try a traditional Tanzanian buffet at a local restaurant. Engage in conversations with locals to learn about their day-to-day life in Tanga. Wrap up your evening with a visit to a local café for coffee and dessert.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| ☕️Coffee/tea at cafe | $1-2 |
| 🍽️Meal for 2 in mid-range restaurant | $15-25 |
| 🚕Taxi 1 km | $0.6-1.2 |
| 🛏️One-night budget hotel | $15-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Coastal beauty with beaches and markets
- Warm, welcoming culture and friendly locals
- Moderate, manageable size with authentic local charm
- Close access to Amboni Caves and Usambara day trips
- Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
- Road conditions can be rough in the rainy season
- Fewer international flight options; travel may require planning
- Some attractions require overland travel from larger hubs
- "Habari" - Hello / How are you?
- "Nzuri" - Good / Fine
- "Asante" - Thank you
- "Tafadhali" - Please
- "Samahani" - Excuse me / I’m sorry
- "Bei gani?" - How much is this?
- "Nina njaa" - I am hungry
- "Ndiyo / Hapana" - Yes / No
Places to Visit in Tanga
Visit one of these nice places.
Impressive limestone caves just outside Tanga; dramatic formations and interesting light, best with a guided tour.
Swahili architecture, colorful markets, and historic waterfront views perfect for atmospheric photos.
Expansive coastline, fishing boats, and sunset silhouettes over the Indian Ocean.
Rugged shorelines and vibrant local life ideal for candid photography.
Food in Tanga
Tanga Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Freshly caught fish, usually fried or grilled and served with ugali or chapati.
Must-Try!
Fragrant spiced rice often paired with fish or meat and a tomato-onion relish.
Maize porridge (ugali) served with a flavorful fish stew.
Flaky flatbread served with vegetable sides or curry.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling waterfront market with fresh seafood, fruits, vegetables, spices, and street bites.
Casual stalls offering fried snacks, coconuts, and grilled skewers.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly 'Habari' or 'Mambo'; handshake and show respect to elders.
Dress modestly in towns and villages; cover shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites.
Ask for permission before photographing people, particularly children; avoid ceremonies without consent.
Hospitality is common—it’s polite to accept invitations; removing shoes may be customary in some homes.
Safety
Tipping in Tanga
Ensure a smooth experience
Tips are appreciated but not mandatory; 5–10% at mid-range places; rounding up at casual spots is common.
Cash (TZS) is widely accepted; some hotels and larger restaurants accept cards; mobile money (M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa, Airtel Money) is common for small transactions.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Sunny days with lower humidity; ideal for outdoor activities, beach days, and island/boat trips.
Higher humidity with occasional showers; still warm, bring light rain gear and plan flexible outdoor time.
Heavier rainfall and higher humidity; some roads can be muddy or flooded; lush landscapes but travel may be disrupted.
Hot and humid with sporadic showers; best to start early and carry rain protection.
Tanga at Night
Hiking in Tanga
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Rugged trails near the Amboni Caves offering hillside viewpoints and wildlife glimpses.
Accessible forest trails in the Usambara region with scenic views and village encounters.
Airports
How to reach Tanga by plane.
A small domestic airport serving internal flights within Tanzania; convenient for local travel but limited international connections.
Dar es Salaam’s main international gateway, with domestic connections to Tanga for travelers entering or re-routing through Tanzania.
Arusha gateway; some travelers combine northern Tanzania visits with a flight or overland trip to Tanga.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
City dwellers, including local Swahili-speaking communities and traders.
Coastal residents who work on boats, markets, and nearshore trades.
Tourists and expatriates living or working briefly in Tanga.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport, widely played and watched in towns and schools.
Swimming, snorkeling, and dhow sailing along the coast.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tanga.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can enjoy vegetable curries, chapati, ugali, and side dishes; communicate clearly about preferences and avoid fish if requested.