Tanga is a coastal city in northeastern Tanzania, located along the Indian Ocean. It’s one of the oldest and historically significant urban centres in the country. It has long served as a port city and regional hub due to its strategic position near the border with Kenya and along important maritime routes.
Historical Background
Before colonial times, Tanga was part of the broader Swahili Coast culture, characterized by a network of trading cities that engaged in commerce across the Indian Ocean. These communities traded with Arabian, Persian, and Indian merchants, exchanging local products like ivory, spices, and slaves for goods such as textiles and beads. Tanga’s population was largely influenced by foreign cultures, which is still visible in the city’s architecture and traditions.
In the late 19th century, Tanga became one of the first towns in mainland Tanzania to fall under German colonial rule. The Germans designated Tanga as an administrative and commercial center, and they invested in infrastructure such as railways, roads, and port facilities. One of their most lasting contributions was the construction of the Usambara Railway, which connected Tanga to the interior of the country, facilitating the transport of agricultural products and other goods.
Tanga gained prominence as a key exporter of sisal, a plant used to make rope and other materials. The crop became the backbone of the local economy, and the region was known as the “Sisal Capital” of the world for a time.
Tanga is historically notable for being the site of the Battle of Tanga in 1914, one of the first major battles in the East African campaign of World War I. British forces attempted to capture the town from the Germans but were defeated in a well-documented and embarrassing retreat, sometimes referred to as the “Battle of the Bees” due to swarms of bees disrupting the fighting.
After World War I, Tanga came under British administration. While the British continued to support sisal cultivation, the city’s economic growth slowed compared to other Tanzanian centers like Dar es Salaam. Following Tanzania’s independence in 1961, Tanga remained an important regional center but gradually lost some of its economic dominance as focus shifted elsewhere.
Today, Tanga continues to serve as a port and supports trade in agricultural products, including sisal, tea, and coffee. The city is also a gateway to natural attractions such as the Amboni Caves, the Usambara Mountains, and nearby beaches.
How to get there?
By Air
Tanga has a small domestic airport that serves flights mainly from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and sometimes Arusha or Moshi. These flights are usually short (about 1 hour from Dar es Salaam) and are offered by local airlines.
By Road
From Dar es Salaam
The drive takes around 6–8 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The route is mostly paved and passes through towns like Chalinze and Segera.
From Arusha or Moshi
Travelling from the north takes a similar amount of time (6–8 hours) and offers scenic views, especially near the Usambara Mountains.
From Mombasa (Kenya)
Tanga is quite close to the Kenyan border, so it’s also possible to travel from Mombasa via the Horohoro border post. However, make sure to check visa requirements and border crossing procedures.
By Bus
Several long-distance bus companies operate routes between Tanga and other major Tanzanian cities like Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Moshi, and Dodoma. Buses are usually affordable and run daily, though the journey can be long and tiring. Booking in advance is recommended for comfort and reliability.
By Train
Historically, Tanga was connected by the Usambara Railway, linking it to Moshi and the interior regions. While the train services aren’t as active or reliable today for passenger transport, there are occasional efforts to revive or maintain the railway for cargo and limited travel.
By Sea
Tanga has a functioning port, and while it’s mainly used for cargo, there are sometimes ferry services or private boats between Tanga and Zanzibar. This option is less common for travellers but might be available for those seeking a more adventurous route.

The best time to visit
Main Dry Season: June to October
This is considered the ideal time to visit. The weather is mostly sunny, with lower humidity and minimal rainfall. Temperatures are warm but comfortable, making it great for outdoor activities like visiting beaches, exploring the Amboni Caves, or hiking in the Usambara Mountains nearby.
Short Dry Period: January to February
This is another decent time to travel, especially if you want to avoid peak tourist season. Rain may occur occasionally, but it’s generally light and brief.
Fewer tourists visit Tanga compared to places like Zanzibar or Arusha, so even in the best season, it’s usually not crowded. Mosquitoes and the risk of malaria tend to increase during the rainy seasons, so visiting during the dry months can also reduce health risks.
Where to stay?
I stayed in the Nyinda Executive Hotel, located within walking distance of the city centre. The room was simple, but for one night, it was more than enough. They also have a restaurant.
What to see in Tanga?
All the interesting sights are located within walking distance, and you won’t need more than half a day to see them.
Start at St. Augustine Anglican Church, and then continue to St. Anthony’s Cathedral. It is the main Catholic church in the region and the seat of the local bishop. Built between 1893 and 1898 during the German colonial period, it stands as one of the oldest cathedrals in Tanzania.
Nearby, you can admire the building of Tanga City Hall as well as pay a visit to the URITHI Tanga Museum. Established in 1999 by the Tanga Heritage Centre (Urithi), a non-profit organization, the museum is housed in a restored German colonial-era building. Visitors can explore a diverse collection of artefacts, photographs, and exhibits that narrate the story of Tanga’s evolution from its early days to the present. The museum is small, but it’s worth a visit. Tickets are 10.000 TSH for foreigners, including the guide.

Other historic buildings with nice architecture, which are the reminders of the past, are the Tanga Library, the Usambara Court House, the Old Tanga School and the Historic German Hospital. If you need a moment of break and rest, you can chill at Jamhuri Park, Uhuru Park, or Raskazone Beach. Inside Jamhuri Park, you will find the German Clock Tower, which was recently renovated. It was constructed originally in 1901.


What to see out of town?
Amboni Caves
One of the most extensive limestone cave systems in East Africa. Formed around 150 million years ago during the Jurassic period, these caves are a natural wonder shaped by ancient marine processes when the region was submerged under the ocean.
What makes the Amboni Caves particularly interesting isn’t just their geological formation, but also their cultural and historical significance. Over the years, they’ve served different roles: from places of refuge and worship to tourist attractions. Some local communities, especially those of the Segeju and Digo ethnic groups, consider the caves sacred and associate them with spiritual practices.
Inside the caves, you’ll find stalactites and stalagmites in various shapes. Exploring the caves requires a guide. The system has about ten caves, but only one is open to tourists.
Overall, if you have ever been to any caves, I don’t think you will find Amboni particularly interesting. The visit is short, and of course, they will charge you a mzungu entrance fee, which is 10 USD. You can easily come here on a boda-boda from Tanga centre, and you should ask the driver to wait for you.



Tongoni Ruins
The remains of a once-thriving Swahili settlement are located about 17 kilometres south of Tanga, along the Tanzanian coast. These ruins are a reminder of the region’s rich maritime and Islamic history, dating back to the 14th or 15th century.
At its peak, Tongoni was an important fishing and trading town, likely involved in regional and international trade across the Indian Ocean. The site includes crumbling coral stone structures, old houses, mosques, and a notable collection of tombs. Some of these graves are believed to belong to local rulers and Islamic scholars, suggesting the settlement held both political and religious significance.
What stands out about Tongoni is its connection to the early spread of Islam on the East African coast, as well as its role in the larger Swahili culture that blended African, Arab, and Persian influences. The ruins reflect a time when coastal towns like this were centres of learning, commerce, and seafaring.