PANGANI CULTURAL PROGRAM-SWAHILI COAST

Welcome to the land of historical Swahili and Arab culture existing today. Along the coastline of the sparkling blue waters of the Indian Ocean lies the historic town of Pangani. Coral reefs and white sand beaches are some of the natural treasures which await discovery but equally fascinating is the rich culture and tradition which can be experienced with local people.

PANGANI OFFERS YOU:
--Guided walking tours of Pangani town passing through historical buildings which show the Arabic coastal influence. --Visits to a former slave labor camps and slave market site. --Excursions on a fishing boat with fisherman at work. --River cruises through the vast coconut plantations of Pangani. --Chance to snorkel on attractive coral where huge sea turtles roam

The profits from your visit will be used to subsidize the Pangani District Educational Trust Fund. Your visit helps the residents to improve the educational standard in the District.

INTRODUCTION.
Pangani is situated about 50km south of Tanga, at the extreme North-Eastern corner of Tanzania. Several historical sites serve as reminders for the strong Arabic influence and the later German, British colonial period in East Africa.

TOUR PROGRAM
A number of different tours have been designed which offer you the opportunity to experience the natural beauty and historical culture of Pangani.

HISTORICAL SITE TOUR
In Pangani, town elders, serve as knowledgeable guides who can impart their vast understanding of Pangani history and culture as they lead you through Pangani town. In 1810, the Arabs constructed the Central Boma building and buried live humans at each pillar in belief that a strong foundation would be formed. Later, German administration used the establishment as a Colonial District office and added a European style roof giving the building a unique appearance. The intricate carved doors and foundation still remain strong and is now used as the District Commissioner's Office. Starting from the British Overseas Management Administration (BOMA), guided walks will lead to numerous historical monuments which Pangani is endowed with. Tours include visits to the original slave depots and slave market where Arabs traded slaves to India and Arabia, the freedom grounds, Islamic and German graves, ancient mosques and traditional houses will give Tourists good insight into the 15th & 16th Century history and culture of Pangani town. Meanwhile artisans proudly display the rich culture and tradition as visits to woodcarvers, basket weavers, carpet makers, and painters will attest.

COCONUT SUNSET CRUISE.
Coconut farming is a major income activity in the Pangani area as the vast coconut plantations in the area provide Tanzania with over 50% of coconuts. Starting nearby the port, a large team of 40 to 50 workers dehusk and haul giant mounds of coconuts which are transported by road to Dar es Salaam and other Inland Market Centers. After experiencing this labor intensive process, cruises begin down the river Pangani where Hippos, crocodiles lurk and fishermen reel in their day's catch. The stunning scenery of never-ending coconut plantations will conclude with a lovely sunset over the river and sipping freshly picked coconut juice.

AGRICULTURAL AND NATURE WALK
This tour allows you to experience both the beautiful scenery and culture of Pangani. Tours commence in town and continue with visits to local farmers. Guides will lead you to various agricultural projects in the area, along with visits to the coconut processing, at Kikokwe German fort facing Pemba Channel. It is the birth place of sisal in Africa where Dr Richard Hindroph - a German Botanist planted the first Sisal seedlings in 1892. Later on, the guides will lead you to sisal estates and factories then to sisal plantations. Further more your guides will lead you along the coastline to a unique coral shore where the fossils of 200 - 300 million years, old dinosaurs rests at the area known as Mkomo and Mwanaunguja coral. During this tour you can swim or rest on some of the most spectacular beaches in Tanzania. Tours finally conclude with home visits with local families who will prepare for you authentic coastal cuisine and typical ethnic culture of coastal life.

OTHER ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA
There are numerous activities in Pangani to keep you busy. Sports fishing, swimming, cycling, and snorkeling with the sea turtles, are some of activities that are also available. They can either be done separately or combined to make your tour more enjoyable. Also, social evening tours can be arranged according to your interests. Dolphins at Maziwe Island, Beaches and Game Reserves, Hippo pools and green turtles at Madete shall be added to your tours schedule on request.

GUIDES
Our guides are trained and knowledgeable local people who have grown up in the Pangani area. All of the guides can speak English and have many interesting stories and facts to share about the history and culture of Pangani. Our guides are very happy to answer any of your questions and are also looking forward to learn more about your culture. On request, our Tour Guides can lead you to telephone, bank, hospital, shopping, library and religions services. DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Form every Tourist we bring to Pangani a development fee shall be collected and directly deposited into the Pangani District Educational Trust Fund. Please always demand receipts for any payment if you have decided to donate, it will help to ensure that your fees go towards development activities in the District In Pangani District, Educational Sector is among the first development priority activities. Because Higher educational standard of the mass people in the District is comparatively lower than any other District in the Country. Therefore concerted efforts are required from God and men- loving people to assist the District leadership to develop the educational sector in Pangani.

HOW TO GET THERE
Pangani is situated about 50 km south of Tanga Town along the coast of the Indian Ocean. There are two roads to get in Pangani, via Muheza 44km or Tanga town 53km.