In addition to a wealth of stunning natural attractions, Tanzania has towns and cities that make vibrant and fascinating stops, with plenty to see and do. Tanzania's past as a major trading route comes to life in these cities with many of Tanzania's coastal cities being founded as port towns from which valuable goods were exported by dhow.
On the mainland, many inland towns were important rest stops for trade caravans on their way to Central Africa or Lake Victoria, and returning back to the East African coast. In the northern highlands, a number of small towns were founded by the Germans as centres of colonial administration and agriculture.
Today, Tanzania's towns and cities still specialize in trade and agriculture and are the centres of economic activity in their regions. Besides their obvious importance in the local economy, the towns and cities of Tanzania have many historical and cultural sites of interest to visitors.
ARUSHA.
Located in the northern highlands of Tanzania, beneath the twin peaks of Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro, Arusha is the safari capital of the country. Guests embarking on the popular northern safari circuit all stop in the "Geneva of Africa" to prepare for their journeys into the African bush. From its two-lane streets, the dramatic crater of mount Meru stands over the town like a majestic sentinel, its crater strewn with thick clouds, its slopes dark with verdant forest. Arusha's ideal location near the major national parks and its highland setting make it a peaceful ideal of relaxation before the start of an exciting journey. Built by the Germans as a centre for colonial administration in the early 20th Century, Arusha was a sleepy town with a garrison stationed at the Old Boma and a few shops around a grassy roundabout. From its backwater status amidst the farmlands and plantations of northern Tanzania, today Arusha is one of the country's most prosperous towns. The site for the United Nations Criminal Tribunal on the Rwandan Genocide and the headquaters for the Tripartite Commision for East African Co-operation, Arusha is a major centre of Tanzanian diplomacy and international relations.
BAGAMOYO.
These days, Bagamoyo is a centre for dhow sailboat building on the Tanzanian coast. A quiet village with a few German colonial buildings still standing, it was once one of the most important trading ports on the East African coast, and the penultimate stop of slave and Ivory caravans travelling on foot from Lake Tanganyika on their way to Zanzibar. Missionaries active in abolishing the slave trade made Bagamoyo a centre of their activities. The name 'Bagamoyo' means 'lay down your heart' in swahili, and this is particularly poignant given that the town was the last stop on the mainland before captured slaves were sent to destinations unknown from Zanzibar, never to return.
Bagamoyo is a small historical town, which lies approximately 70 kms, north of Dar es Salaam along the splendid sandy beach, curved palm, and winged with the unpolluted water of the Indian Ocean
Bagamoyo is one of the most fascinating towns in East Africa, with a host of historical associations. It boasts as one of the east Africa’s largest assembly of 18th century architecture.
There is still controversy over the etymology of the word Bagamoyo. One explorer claimed that the name signified “Coeur de l Afrique” – thus suggesting that the town was the gate way to the interior of Africa
Some say its name is derived from the word “Bwagamoyo”, which means, “here I throw down my heart” reflecting the desperation and despair of the ‘broken hearted’ captives whose voyage into the unknown began here. Caravan porters praised the town as “Bwagamoyo”-“to throw off melancholy”, while slaves lamented it as “Bagamoyo”, Kiswahili for “crush down your heart”
A more frequent explanation is that the word is a version of “Bwaga – moyo”:
“A double interpretation developed: the first theory holds that the town’s name originated with the lament of slaves who knew that, although they were to be shipped to distant lands, their hearts would forever remain in their beloved homeland. The second theory (which is thought to be more probable) contends that Bagamoyo was named by the caravan porters who felt they had reached the end of their long arduous journey from the interior – now cease this enter port was popularly known as Bagamoyo. They foresaw compensation of words for all the hardships they had endured and perhaps thought this combination of words a symbol of hope and encouragement.
Bagamoyo was the terminus for caravan from the interior coming far to bagamoyo; the caravan porters name this town “Bwagamoyo” meaning throw off your melancholy. Later bagamoyo became the terminus for thousand of slaves who gave in new name to the town “bagamoyo” meaning crush your heart
WHERE CULTURES MET.
Oman Arabs were the first immigrants to resettle in Bagamoyo. Their wish was to attract more commerce to Bagamoyo and they were successful. A large number of Oman Arabs and Indian merchants settled in bagamoyo and established Bagamoyo as a trade center on Africa’s East Coast. Arabs and Indian were businessmen while African population worked at the plantations and salt mines or as fishermen. Many different African tribes came to bagamoyo because of the caravans.
The Germans subsequently made their presence felt, establishing Bagamoyo as their commercial center and administrative capital of the German East Africa. In addition to the Arab and German trading center for ivory, copra, ebony and other natural resources. Bagamoyo was the town of different cultures where they all met.
THE CARAVAN DAYS
For decades Bagamoyo was in 19th century the main terminus in the east African – Arab and Indian trade network. Its closeness as a mainland port close to Zanzibar led to its development as a center for caravan and an expansion of commerce in ivory and slaves soon followed. Boat building center that supplied craft to other coastal settlement was built.
“It has always meant the comfortable life”. In these words the old men at this historical coastal town summed up the spirit that was once Bagamoyo. Recalling the days of prosperity when the custom house has as much activity as the bustling market place, they related endless tales of good food, magnificent clothes and love adventure ‘all these and more’-that was Bagamoyo which emerged as a major 19th century.
Caravan enter port on central trade route, coming from the Great Lake Tanganyika and Victoria, porters carried ivory to Bagamoyo. The proximity to Zanzibar attracted traders from Shiraz in Persia from Oman at Persia Gulf and from India. The town prospered magnificent buildings in Old Town with so many beautifully curved Arabic and Indian doorframes give evidence of this former splendor.
Bagamoyo gained its name in the caravan days when the streets were devise with the people and merchandise. It was only possible to move in the streets with differently and now and then caravan porters tripled the town population. Ships from distant ports where a common sight in the harbor. Arriving at Caravan Serai in Bagamoyo porters used to sing:
Be happy my soul, let go all worries; Soon the place of your yearnings is waahed, the town of palms bagamoyo!
Far away, how my heart was aching when I was thinking of you, your pearl, your place of happiness, Bagamoyo
There the women wear their hair parted; you can drink palm wine all the year around in the gardens of love, in bagamoyo! The dhows arrive with streaming sails and takeaboards the treasures of Uleya in the harbour of bagamoyo!
Oh, what delight to see the ngomas. Oh, the lovely girls are swaying in dance at night in bagamoyo!
Be quiet, my heart, all worries are gone! The drumbeats and with rejoicing. We are reaching Bagamoyo!
THE SLAVE TRADE
Bagamoyo is a place of considerable significance to world history, both as an entry point for Arabs and European missionaries, explorer and traders in east and central in the history of the slave trade.
In the 19th century Bagamoyo was for decades also the main terminus in East African slave trade. Bagamoyo was also the ending point of a major slave trade route that began in Lake Tanganyika area. It was mainly the Arabs who participated in the eastern slave trade.
Dr. Livingstone notes about the slave trade that”to overdraw its evils is simply not possible”. Slaves were obtained by kidnapping, incitement of tribal conflicts and by purchasing prisoners of war or tribal members from the chiefs. Villages were regularly destroyed and crops burnt Bagamoyo gained twice from the slave trade: the town expanded not only because of its commercial magnetism but also from the African tribe that fled famine and conflicts along the slave trade route.
The sight of slaves was shocking in Bagamoyo. Lines of several hundred of people chained together from neck to neck were probably not uncommon, sometimes they were herded in pens. Many were a poor sight and after three months of ill treatment and abuse along the slave trade route.
Most of the slaves saw the Indian Ocean for the first time in their lives at Bagamoyo. At its peak an estimated 50000 slaves per year were taken from the interior to bagamoyo for shipment to the slave markets and spice and clove plantations of Zanzibar. But there was another reality in Bagamoyo as well: Catholic missionaries ransomed as many slaves as possible and settled them for their protection in the “Christian Freedom Village” in Bagamoyo. Two different societies existed in the town at the same time: The slave based societies and the societies of free people on the Catholic compound.
Dr. Livingstone calculated that for every slave who reached the coast ten did not. Slave trade continued long after the official abolition in 1873.
THE FALL OF BAGAMOYO
Bagamoyo lost its importance to the growing port of Dar es Salaam in the late 1800s. The same happened to Kaole, south of bagamoyo when once was deserted in favour of bagamoyo.
Communities receded as other flourished. Kaole was an older settlement of Arab tradesmen, which was abandoned in the 1400s as the Portuguese began preying the coast.
Bagamoyo’s advantageous location with fertile hitherland access to the interior and a large, deeper harbour caused the late 18th century resettlement to occur here instead.
Prior to the caravan time the trade consisted mainly of dried fish, gum, copra and salt. This merchandise laid the foundation to the town’s wealth. Immigration to bagamoyo was not only triggered by its prosperity but also bye the town’s resistance to famine, which made it a haven in times of troubles in the interior.
The decline of the town was initiated when the harbour was too shallow to accommodate modern ships. The German government in 1891 decided to move the new capital of their new crown colony from bagamoyo to the new city.
Dar es Salaam was chosen; soon all modern trade route faced Dar es Salaam. The Arab and Indian traders left bagamoyo and opened new business centers in Dar es Salaam. Bagamoyo collapsed and became a ghost town soon only the wind blew around many historical buildings.
Attractions of interest tell the story of Bagamoyo’s colorful and at times turbulent past: of fishermen and farmers; of traders, explorers and travelers; of slaves, their captors and owners, and of the succeeding waves of colonialists that proceed the founding of the independent African nation of Tanzania in 1961.
ATTRACTIONS.
THE FIRST STONE BUILDING/ OLD FORT
Oldest surviving stone building in bagamoyo built in 1860 by Abdallah suleiman Marhabi, a local Arab trader. It was originally Sultan Barghash of Zanzibar fortified the private residence of Marhabi.This building located in the north/west of the town at one point and in1870 its dimension was expanded to be the residence of Sultan's representatives together with his office and the Arab colonial prison. This building commands a strong history in terms of architecture. In fact Islamic architecture can be best seen from this building. The old fort has associations with slave trade.initially its function was to hold slaves before being shipped to Zanzibar.it has underground passage through which slaves were herded to dhows on the shore. It was later taken over by Sewa Haji, an influential Indian businessman, who presented it to the Germans in 1894
GERMAN HANGING PLACE
By the beach below the fortified house is the small pyramid marking what has become known as the “German Hanging Place”. Monument reminding the supporters of Bushiri who were hanged to death here in December 1889. This is the place where during the colonial period people who were found guilty of misconduct used to be hanged.
THE GERMAN CEMETERY
There are 20 graves dating from 1889 and most Germans who were killed by the uprising (Arab and local) led by Bushiri. Bushiri bin Salim incited an uprising of coastal Arab slave traders against harsh German colonizers in German East Africa. Hermann Von Wissmann (1853-1905), a noted African explorer was appointed German commissioner of East Africa in 1888 and order to put down the uprising. In early 1889, he arrived on the German East African coast with 600 Sudanese troops and proceeded to engage the rebel Arabs in scrimmage. In May 1889 Wissmann was ready to attack the headquarters of Bushiri in Nzole, not far from Bagamoyo. The attack started on the 8th of May, Bushiri fled. Many German soldiers were killed who now rest in the German cemetery. December 1889, Wissmann’s forces stormed and took Bagamoyo, a rebel stronghold, and Bushiri was captured and hung. While Wissmann was reestablishing order on land, the Germans, joined by the British, carried out a blockade of the coast, preventing the export of slaves and the import of weapons by the Arabs. By 1890, Wissmann had completely suppressed the rebels.
The following is the list of the graves found in the German cemetery. There are 20 tombs of the German soldiers.
- 8 soldiers died of sickness
- 6 were killed in the Bushiri uprising
- 4 killed during 1890
One tomb is of the German nurse and the last tomb is of a child who died of sickness. One grave is of the British district commissioner who was buried at one edge of the cemetery compound after where the German tombs ended.
1. Otto Albrecht: Leutnant in der Wifsmanntruppe
2. Emil Hochstetter: K.Wurtt. Bauinspektor als chef einer ukerewe Expedition
3. Franz Quandt: Unterofficier in der Kaiserlichen Schutztruppe 1890-1891
4. Reinhold Wonneberger: feldwebel
5. Christian Von Urnim: in der Wissmanntruppe
6. Heinrtch Witzig: Unteroffizier in der Wissmanntruppe
7. Heirich Eanner: Sergeant als folge seiner im Gefecht am 4.1.1890 erhaltenen verwundung
8. Hier ruht in gott der unterlieutinent z.see Max Schelle von s.m.k.z,, schwalbe
9. Bum Anderken
10. Hcinritch Peter: Feldwebel in der kaserlichen Schutztruppe
11. In gott peter Merkel: zahlmeister der Deutschen Schutztruppe
12. Dem Anderken der schwester Antonie Baumler der deutsche frauenverein
13. Grich Von der Medem: lieutenant in der Wissmanntruppe
14. Gustarkarl Eduard: Ludwig sergeant
15. Franz Groucza: oberlazarethge hilfe in der kaiserlichen Schtztruppe
16. Karl Koetzle: lieutenant der kaiserlichen Schutztruppe
17. Krenzler comp fuhrer in der Kaiser Schutztruppe
18. Gottlieb Maier: unteroffizier in der kaiserlichen Schutztruppe
19. Dem Anderken unsereslichen gutensohnes und bruders Heinrich Heins
20. Hier Schlummert: unser geliebtes cretchen Schuller kind
21. Hon Williams Bamphilde: District commissioner died 1939
MWANAMAKUKA CEMETERY
The evidence of the early settlement in Bagamoyo, oldest tombs dating back to 1793 and later tombs dates back 1813
THE LlKU HOUSE
Do slender iron columns and a central double door, this building served as first German colonial administrative center, support an old 2-storey building with an awning.
THE BOMA
Impressive two-storey building topped by crenellations, constructed in a U-shape in 1897.They are pointed arches on the ground floor. This was built by the Germans as the colonial administration headquarters of the first capital of the German East Africa and the Governors residence. The building exhibits strong tangible evidence of colonialism in Tanzania. The architecture of this great monument is typical of German architecture by this period. The district commissioner’s office was located in the Boma until the heavy rain fell in 1997. People say they heard crash all over Bagamoyo when the balcony joists, collapsed under the heavy loads of water and after a long period of poor maintenance.
PLAQUE INFRONT OF BOMA
A plaque set up near the beach which commemorates the first expedition, undertaken by the British explorers Richard Burton and John Speke, who set off from here on 27th June 1857
THE WISSMANN MONUMENT
The monument was built in 1894 and was dismantled in 1946 by the British.
The Arab Coffee House
Abdallah Marhabi, an influential Arab merchant, constructed the building around 1860.Originally it was used as an Arabian cafe, where people could have their tea or coffee. Since then it has used as a hospital and is currently used as an office. In the 1900s it was extended with two wings on the back.
DAR ES SALAAM.
Dar es salaam is Tanzania's largest city and its economic capital. Located in a quiet bay off the indian Ocean coast, the city has grown in economic importance to become a prosperous centre in the East African region. Its bustling harbour is the main port in Tanzania and its industrial area produces products for export and use throughout the country. Government offices all have their main base in Dar es salaam, and diplomatic missions and non-governmental organisations in the country all have a presence in this bustling urban city. During German occupation in the early 20th Century, Dar es salaam was the centre of colonial administration and the main contact point between the agricultural mainland and the world of trade and commerce in the Indian Ocean and Swahili coast. Remnants of colonial presence, both German and British, can still be seen in the landmarks and architecture around the city. The National Museum, the Village Museum, and many colourful markets are well worth a visit. Numerous historical landmarks, including St. Joseph's Cathedral, the White Father's Mission House, the Botanical Gardens, and the old State House make for an interesting walking tour around the waterfront and city centre.
Dar es Salaam means ‘house of peace’ when translated from Arabic to English. Dar es Salaam is the largest city in Tanzania and the gate to Tanzania’s rarely visited southern national parks. The city’s close proximity to the equator results into tropical, warm and pleasant weather – perfect for your Tanzania safari.
Dar es Salaam is a significant hub in Tanzania, with a population of 2.8 million. This former capital city started as a fishing village in the mid-19th century, when the Sultan of Zanzibar got the urge to turn a creek (which is now a harbour) into a safe port and trading centre... Now Dar es Salaam has grown to the point of harbouring large ocean-vessels, as well as small Arab dhows (a Tanzania/Zanzibar dhow trip is a ‘must do’)!
Dar es Salaam nearest beach is Oyster Bay - which is a beautiful piece of tropical coastline. Besides that, there are lots of Tanzania beaches surrounding Dar es Salaam offering picture perfect beaches, warm weather and fantastic Tanzania holiday options. You can also catch a boat from Dar es Salaam to one of the nearby islands including a Marine Reserve which is a very popular Tanzania day trip option. At this marine reserve you can enjoy sunbathing, snorkelling and swimming! A secret Tanzania ‘paradise’ spot is Bongoyo Island which is only a quick boat trip away from Dar es Salaam… here you will see Tanzania at its best – magical coral and tropical fish!
Dar es Salaam is known for its history, architecture, and its diverse cultural mix of African, German, Asian and British influences. Like most African cities, there are substantial contrasts between the various parts of the city. There are busy central streets that run pass the colourful Kariakoo Market and clock tower, and very quiet areas with tree-lined boulevards to the north. Only one hour away (north) of Dar es Salaam is Bagamoyo which is home to the Kaole Ruins – a very fascinating and mystical Tanzania highlight! There are also other interesting Tanzania highlights near Dar es Salaam such as; the Dar es Salaam national museum, the village museum and the Botanical gardens!
The shopping, restaurants, and bustling activity in Dar es Salaam is, at its best, in the Asian business district, and visitors can find carvings, paintings, pottery, batiks and clothing, as well as some of the best restaurants in East Africa. What ever you are looking for in Tanzania, Dar es Salaam is a great place to start your Tanzania safari at – fantastic day trips, exciting beaches and perfect weather…. Tanzania at its best!
Dar es Salaam is a significant hub in Tanzania, with a population of 2.8 million. This former capital city started as a fishing village in the mid-19th century, when the Sultan of Zanzibar got the urge to turn a creek (which is now a harbour) into a safe port and trading centre... Now Dar es Salaam has grown to the point of harbouring large ocean-vessels, as well as small Arab dhows (a Tanzania/Zanzibar dhow trip is a ‘must do’)!
Dar es Salaam nearest beach is Oyster Bay - which is a beautiful piece of tropical coastline. Besides that, there are lots of Tanzania beaches surrounding Dar es Salaam offering picture perfect beaches, warm weather and fantastic Tanzania holiday options. You can also catch a boat from Dar es Salaam to one of the nearby islands including a Marine Reserve which is a very popular Tanzania day trip option. At this marine reserve you can enjoy sunbathing, snorkelling and swimming! A secret Tanzania ‘paradise’ spot is Bongoyo Island which is only a quick boat trip away from Dar es Salaam… here you will see Tanzania at its best – magical coral and tropical fish!
Dar es Salaam is known for its history, architecture, and its diverse cultural mix of African, German, Asian and British influences. Like most African cities, there are substantial contrasts between the various parts of the city. There are busy central streets that run pass the colourful Kariakoo Market and clock tower, and very quiet areas with tree-lined boulevards to the north. Only one hour away (north) of Dar es Salaam is Bagamoyo which is home to the Kaole Ruins – a very fascinating and mystical Tanzania highlight! There are also other interesting Tanzania highlights near Dar es Salaam such as; the Dar es Salaam national museum, the village museum and the Botanical gardens!
The shopping, restaurants, and bustling activity in Dar es Salaam is, at its best, in the Asian business district, and visitors can find carvings, paintings, pottery, batiks and clothing, as well as some of the best restaurants in East Africa. What ever you are looking for in Tanzania, Dar es Salaam is a great place to start your Tanzania safari at – fantastic day trips, exciting beaches and perfect weather…. Tanzania at its best!
Located in the heartland of Tanzania, Dodoma is the nation's official political capital and the seat of government in the country. Comparably much smaller and less developed than the country's commercial centre, Dar es salaam, Dodoma remains a centre for national politics. Situated on the eastern edge of the southern highlands, the city is surrounded by a rich agricultural area and pleasant scenery. It is the centre of Tanzania's growing wine industry and the Tanganyika Vineyards Company is actively promoting its products. Historically, Dodoma was a stopover on the overland caravan route that travelled from the Swahili Coast inland towards Lake Tanganyika. Early in the 20th Century, the city became a major point on the Central Line Railway, which carried agricultural crops for export to the harbour in Dar es salaam. In recent times, the town's economic base has declined in favour of the coastal city, but in the early days of Tanzanian independence, there was a popular political motion to move the entire government to the town in the southern highlands. These days, the government divides its time between the two cities.
IRINGA.
Located in the southern highlands of Tanzania, south of the country's legislative capital, Dodoma, and southwest of the agricultural centre of Morogoro, Iringa is a pleasant small town and a locus of regional agriculture and production. Its streets are quiet and peaceful, and the market offers a colourful scene of traditional African culture. Iringa overlooks the little Ruaha river and is a popular stopping point for visitors to Ruaha National Park.Historically, Iringa was a centre of colonial administration. During German occupation, the German military contructed the town as a fortified defence against marauding Hehe tribal warriors intent on driving them out of the region. Gangilonga Rock, a site just outside of the town, is a legendary spot where the Hehe chief at that time, Chief Mkwawa, met with his people and decided how to fight the Germans. Iringa was also the site of several battles during the first and Second World Wars, and Commonwealth War graves are located just outside of town.
KIGOMA.
The bustling town of Kigoma is the regional capital of western Tanzania and a central port in the area. Located on the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika, Kigoma is surrounded by rugged mountains and forests that make it a pleasing and beautiful location. In the past, Kigoma has been in competition with nearby Ujiji, but over the last decades Kigoma has gained a strong economic foothold in the region and its port is of central importance to the activities of the area. Historically, the town was the final stop of the central line Railway, built in the 20th Century to transport agricultural goods from the African hinterland to the East African Coast. The town makes a good overland base for visits and chimpanzee safaris to both Gombe Stream National Park and Mahale Mountains National Park.
MBEYA.
Near the Zambian border deep in the southern highlands, the city of Mbeya is the major agricultural capital in the country's southwest region. The mbeya mountain Range lies to the north, and the poroto mountain range lies to the southeast. Coffee, tea, bananas and cocoa, all of which are grown in the region, are sent to Mbeya for packaging and transport, Mbeya's location also makes it an ideal transit point with goods and people travelling by road, rail and boat between Tanzania and neighbouring Zambia and Malawi. In addition to its agricultural prosperity, Mbeya's mineral wealth has attracted investment and provides the country with a good source of income. The town was originally founded in the 1930s, when gold was discovered and a 'gold rush' ensued. The Mbeya gold supply turned out to be large giving the city an opportunity to become properly established and saving it from the ghost-town status so often found after the gold runs out. The city continues to supply the country with a regular amount of gold. Its mountain views and pleasant weather make it a good stopover point for over land traveller's heading south.
Mbeya City is an excellent transit point for visiting the beautiful tourist attractions in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. These include Matema Beach along Lake Nyasa, Natural Bridge over Kiwira River at Igogwe, hot springs in Usangu plains, Kaporogwe falls in Rungwe district and many others Within the City surroundings tourist attractions include, Loleza peak (Mount Kaluwe) 2,656 meters above Sea level, Mbeya peak 2,826 meters above Sea level, which can be seen rising majestically from many places around Mbeya, World’s Road End Viewpoint (a famous viewpoint reached) and the Ngosi Mountain and Crater Lake at the height of 2,621 meters above Sea level.
Mount Loleza in Mbeya City
- Tourist’s facilities such as camping sites, hotels and restaurants, holiday resorts, permanent tented camps, lodges, guest houses, textile fashion, mountain climbing.
- Tour operators and Tour guide
- Tourism Marketing and Promotion
- Tour safari services: Mbeya City is the transit point to Kitulo National Park and Katavi
- National Park in Rukwa region
MOSHI.
Nested at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, Moshi is the coffee-producing centre of the country. Vast plantations of coffee blanket the area, surrounding the town and rising up the slopes of Kilimanjaro. Coffee is a mainstay of life in Moshi, and the seasonal coffee auctions, where international buyers bid for wholesale coffee, is an event not to be missed if you are in town. Sugar plantations are also of central importance to the region's economy, and can be seen outside the town. Cultural tourism programmes can arrange short hikes and day-trips to local villages, and also tours of nearby coffee farms. But the main reason visitors come to Moshi is to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the mount whose thick clouds and snow-capped peak tower over the agricultural town. Climbing expeditions depart for Kilimanjaro National Park early in the morning, before the clouds that cluster daily around the mountaintop have risen, and when the air is fresh and cool. Whether you're in Moshi to scale to the top of Africa or learn more about coffee growing and production, Moshi is a quiet haven of tranquil peace, its sedate streets offering a warm welcome in a beatiful setting.
Tourist Attractions in Moshi are few and include few of the scenic spots that steal your heart. The place has recently gained the attention of the tourists. There are many adventurous spots that are included in the list of tourist attractions in Moshi. The tow main tourist attractions in the city include Mount Kilimanjaro and the Kilimanjaro Park. These two places draw the maximum number of tourists. The hotels also have provisions for tours to these spots as a parts of the entertainment tours for the guests.
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is one of the scenic spots that is easily accessible by public transport. Located in Northern Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is just an hour's drive from the Kilimanjaro Airport. The park offers many recreational activities for the entertainment of the guests. You can go for trekking along the mountainous terrains. You can also choose to go for trout fishing and tour to Chala Crater.
The Kilimanjaro is yet another of the tourist attractions in Moshi that is frequented by the tourists. The word Kilimanjaro means the Mountain of Light or that Mountain of Greatness and also Mountain of Caravans. The mountain gives you glimpse of the scenic landscape as in East Africa. From atop you can get a view of the coastal regions. The tourists also find it one of the easiest climb up as it is the easiest and highest summit that can be easily reached. The tourists volunteer for climbing and trekking to the summit of this mountain. In fact tourists also come in from all across the world only to go for trekking along Mount Kilimanjaro
MWANZA.
The city of Mwanza is the major Tanzanian port on Lake Victoria and a centre of economic importance in the region. The lake borders Uganda to the north-west, and Kenya to the north-east, and export and transport between the countries is a foundation of Mwanza's economy. Around the city of Mwanza, the land is primarily devoted to agricultural enterprise. Tea, cotton, and coffee plantations throughout the area produce large volumes of cash crops that pass though Mwanza on their way to the market. For visitoas, the city makes a good base from which to explore nearby Rubondo Island National Park and the western parts of the Serengeti. Rubondo Island National Park offers pleasant day-hikes and bird watching around the lakeshore. Mwanza's proximity to the western Serengeti makes it a necessary stop for visitors who want to experience a less busy part of the park and see the magic of the Serengeti without the parade of safari vehicles and seasonal crowds. Mwanza is also the centre of the Sukuma, the largest tribal group in Tanzania, who have inhabited and farmed the region for centuries. Cultural tourism programmes to their local villages and farms can be arranged through the local cultural centre.
Bismarck Rocks-Lake Victoria Mwanza city.
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Once a centre of Swahili trade with the African mainland, the town of Pangani is now a sleepy backwater that remembers little of its splendorous past. An old German administrative boma still stands behind a colonnade of tall shade trees and the former prison, painted of fading ochre red, looks over the river's lazy waters. Old houses along the main road offer lived in examples of colonial and traditional Swahili architecture, the buildings slowly crumbling against the monsoon winds. Visitors passing through the area would do well to explore what remains of the old town on foot. Even a short walk rewards visitors with a glimpse of quiet life in the old trading towns along the Swahili Coast.
The name Pangani owes its’ name to the river that runs through the northern part of this historical town. Pangani is an ancient town, and is believed to have been established before the 6th Century BC and played an important role during the slave trade era.
It is mainly a fishing town dotted with coconut trees, providing beautiful beaches for a quiet vacation. Pangani is situated about 50km south of Tanga on the mouth of River Pangani that flows from the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Pangani River hosts birds and crocodiles. Maziwi Island is a nature reserve which provides an opportunity for snorkeling and dolphin tour. A walking tour though the town allows one to see some of old buildings that are over 200 years old, as well as visits to a former slave labor camps and slave market site.
Pangani town elders serve as knowledgeable guides who can impart their vast knowledge of Pangani history and culture going back to the 15th century as they take you through the town. In 1810 the Arabs constructed the central boma building; people were buried alive under the pillars during construction as it was believed this would ensure strong foundations. Later the German administration used the buildings as a colonial district office and added a European-style roof giving the building a unique appearance. The intricate Arab-carved doors and foundations (still strong!) remain and the building is now used as the district commissioner office.
The city has numerous historical monuments: 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.
STONE TOWN.
Zanzibar's old quarter, also known as Zanzibar Town, is a fascinating maze of narrow streets and alleyways which lead past numerous old houses and mosques, ornate palaces, shops and bazaars. Many buildings in Stone Town date from the 19th Century slave boom. Highlights include the magnificent House of Wonders, the Palace Museum and the seafront fish market in Forodhani Gardens. The town is situated along the waterfront, and has a number of wonderful cafes and restaurants that overlook the sea and magnificent sunsets.
It may not have a particularly romantic name, but Stone Town is the old city and cultural heart of Zanzibar, little changed in the last 200 years. It is a place of winding alleys, bustling bazaars, mosques and grand Arab houses whose original owners vied with each other over the extravagance of their dwellings. This one-upmanship is particularly reflected in the brass-studded, carved, wooden doors - there are more than 500 different examples of this handiwork. You can spend many idle hours and days just wandering through the fascinating labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways.
STONE TOWN INTRODUCTION
The largest town in the archipelago is the capital, Stone Town, located in the middle of the west coast of Unguja, the main island. The town was named for the coral stone buildings that were built there largely during the 19th century, on the site of a very old fishing village. There are over 16,000 people in the town today, and over 1,700 recorded buildings.
Tall houses line narrow alleyways set in a confusing maze radiating out from the centre towards the sea.The streets are too narrow for cars but not, unfortunately, for bicycles and even motorbikes, so be careful! Life is lived very much as it was in the past and the many mosques’ muezzin calls can be heard echoing above the narrow streets five times daily. The architecture is Arabic, which means the walls are very thick, the houses tall and with square and simple facades. Many of the buildings have a central courtyard going up through all the floors, giving ventilation.
Decoration has been added, usually by Indian craftsmen, in the form of wooden balconies and carved doors and stairways. Some of the doors have brass studs which originate in India, where they were used to protect buildings against elephants. The oldest, simplest and most traditional doors have horizontal lintels, as seen in Oman and Arabia generally; later doors have rounded tops and this style shows Indian design influence – many of the builders and craftsmen used in building Zanzibar were from the sub-continent. There are varying motifs in the carving: dates, fish, chains, flowers, lotus and many more.There are 51 mosques, whose muezzin cries vie with each other at prayer time, as well as 6 Hindu Temples and a Catholic as well as an Anglican Cathedral in this multi-ethnic town. There are many burial places around the outskirts, with interesting headstones and graves, and some important graves in the town itself, usually of religious leaders of the past.
On the waterfront, near the Old Dispensary, is an old Fig tree known locally as the Big Tree. It is quite visible from the harbour and is seen in many old photographs. The shaded area underneath it is currently used as a workshop for men building boats. It's a good place to find boat pilots to hire a lift to Prison Island or Bawe Island. Just opposite is a good beachfront restaurant, known as “Mercury’s”.The second train in East Africa was completed in Zanzibar in 1905 and operated under the name of the Bububu line. It traveled from Bububu village to Stone Town, only 8 km away. It was used mostly for transporting people.
Kiswahili is a language that developed along the East African Coast and incorporates words from all the nations around the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Gulf. It was originally written in Arabic script to spell the words phonetically, until Edward Steere, the Bishop who oversaw the building of the Anglican Cathedral on the site of the old slave market, wrote an English-Swahili dictionary in the Roman alphabet.
THE MAIN BUILDINGS IN STONE TOWN:
Aga Khan Mosque
Anglican Cathedral of Christ
Beit el Ajaib (House of Wonders)
Darajani Bazaar
Forodhani Harbour
Hamamni Persian Baths
High Court
Ithnashiri Dispensary
Kilele Square
Malindi Mosque
Markets
Palace Museum
Peace Memorial Museum
Shakti Temple
St Joseph's Catholic Cathedral
The Old Fort
THE AGA KHAN MOSQUE
Situated in the centre of Stone Town, near the Kiponda area and the Spice Inn is another place of worship that was built for a larger congregation than it now services. Thisis the Aga Khan Mosque. It is a large and beautifully detailed building with an airy courtyard in the front. The façade shows European influence in its gothic windows. THE ANGLICAN CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF CHRIST
The Anglican Cathedral's altar stands on the location of the whipping post from the island's largest slave market. There is a cross made from the tree beneath which Livingstone's heart was buried, at Chitambo where he died. The Cathedral was built in 1873 by Edward Steere, Third Bishop of Zanzibar, reigned 1874 to 1882. When he died of a heart attack in the building next door, he was buried behind the altar. The Cathedral took exactly 10 years to build and its strange barrel vault roof was Steere’s own peculiar invention and though the population of Zanzibar were convinced that it would never hold, it still stands today.Next to the Cathedral was the Mission House, built in 1873 but demolished later and a hospital was built in its place. This later became a hostel and orphanage and the cellars below can be visited. They may have been slave chambers. Visitors pay a fee to enter the museum and this usually includes a guide for the museum and the Church. The Church has tablets with the history written in English, in the event that a guide is unavailable. THE BEIT EL AJAIB - THE HOUSE OF WONDERS
Sultan Barghash built the Beit el Ajaib (or "House of Wonders" in Arabic - so called because it was the first building in Zanzibar to have electric lighting and a lift, and because it was very tall and filled with beautiful artefacts).It was built in 1883 as a ceremonial palace, on the site of a former building used by Queen Fatuma of the Al Alawi rulers who preceded the Albusaidis. The door from this former palace is the oldest in Zanzibar and dates from 1694. It is now in the Peace Memorial Museum.
In 1896 the building was slightly damaged during the "Shortest War in History", the British Bombardment of Zanzibar. After the turn of the century the British used the building for their local offices until the revolution of 1964. In 1977 the CCM (Chapa Cha Mapinduzi, Swahili for 'the Party of the Revolution') made the House of Wonders their headquarters. The building has been restored and is now a Museum.
DARAJANI BAZAAR
Zanzibar 's 'mall' is across Creek Road near the main market on Darajani Road. Also known as Darajani Bazaar, this shopping strip is a fun walk and a must to avoid the 'in-town' prices across the street. However, the things available in the Darajani bazaar are mostly Chinese and Iranian imports such as sheets, synthetic fabrics, metal pans, plastic shoes, radios and other products of the modern world. For people planning a long stay in Zanzibar, Darajani is a great place to stock up on items like portable mosquito nets, thermoses and flip-flops. It's also a good place to pick up fabric to take to a local tailor to have some clothes made. Keep in mind that the only natural fabrics you will find are cottons in the form of West African prints, locally-worn kangas (printed in India) and imported plain cotton in different colors. Silks can be found in town but it's a time-consuming search. For people looking for kangas, there are usually kanga sellers behind the dala-dalas on the left toward Darajani Road. They don't have stalls; they lay the kangas on plastic sheeting on the ground. FORODHANI HARBOUR
THE HAMAMNI PERSIAN BATHS
The Hamamni Persian Baths, in the middle of Stone Town, were built in the 1880s by Hadj Gulamhussein. They were commissioned by Sultan Barghash bin Said, son of the first and greatest Sultan Said, and were built for public use. Hamamni translates into "place of the baths" and is now the name of the neighborhood in which they lie. (The tubs are still there, but the water is gone). They were for public use and a fee was charged. They have been beautifully restored and are well worth a visit. There's a nominal fee for entering and it's payable in US or local currency.The front rooms were used for changing, barbering, paying dues and socializing. The long hall leads to the warm room that was heated by underground hot-water aqueducts. Remaining rooms include hot baths, cold baths, toilets and private shaving areas. The original building was larger and featured an arcade and restaurant but that part has since been turned into private residences. Although they were public, the baths were frequented by the wealthy classes only; the poorer classes could not afford such a luxury.
The entrance fee to the Hamamni Baths was about ten cents and was therefore only for the upper classes. Although the baths were open to both men and women, they had separate hours of admittance, open to women in the mornings and men in the afternoons. It was (and still is) customary for married Muslim men and women to rid themselves of all body hair, so shaving vestibules were provided within the bathhouse .
THE HIGH COURT
Zanzibar 's High Court of Justice building is a combination of Arabic design and Portuguese influence and was designed by J. H .Sinclair, an architect and former British resident. It is on Kaunda Road near Victoria Gardens and the President's House. THE ITHNASHIRI DISPENSARY
The most important buildings are to be found on the west side of the town, facing the clove harbour. In the port is the old clove distillery and just along the road from this is the recently restored Old Dispensary, also known as the Aga Khan Cultural Centre. The first stone of the Old Dispensary was laid in 1887 and the building was finished in 1894. It was built by a wealthy Ismaili Indian merchant, Tharia Topan, one of Zanzibar's richest men, as a charitable hospital for the poor and in order to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria. It is probably the most decorative of the old buildings, having ornate carved balconies, stucco work and stained glass windows.It is worth a visit for the small museum on the upper level that describes and depicts the restoration process. Old photos of the waterfront are also on display and there are some shops on the ground floor.
KILELE SQUARE
This was once the site of a slave market. The square was presumably named during the time of the slave trade and it must have been a source of considerable noise as its name suggests: 'kilele' is the Swahili word for noise. Around the square are many important buildings: the old American Consulate, the Extelcoms building (now the Zanzibar Serena Inn) and the Mambo Msiige building - the second British Consulate, now a Ministry building. MALINDI MOSQUE
One of Stone Town's oldest mosques, the Malindi Mosque was built by the Sunni sect in a typically simple style. This mosque is unusual because its minaret is conical, one of only three in East Africa. Another unusual trait is that the minaret sits on a square platform instead of starting from the ground as most minarets do. To see the minaret you'll need to stand on a baraza (stone or cement benches on the outside of Swahili style buildings) of a neighboring building that is down an alley and across the road from the mosque itself. You may need a guide to find the best view of the minaret and the door. Across from the mosque entrance is an old mausoleum, one of the few left in Stone Town. THE MARKETS
THE PALACE MUSEUM
This lies on the harbour road, looking out to sea. It is the most recent of the Sultans’ Palaces, occupied by the last members of the Al Busid dynasty until they fled Zanzibar in 1964. This Palace was partly built on the site of the Beit el Sahel, which was erected by the first Sultan, Seyyid Said around 1832 but destroyed in the British Bombardment of 1896. The Palace Museum is very interesting, having many artefacts, papers and pictures pertaining to the Sultans. The Palace also has other rooms on display showing a mix of various types of furniture acquired by the sultans over the years. The rooms are in various states of disrepair but provide a good idea about the quality of life for the sultan's family toward the end of their reign. There is a room devoted to Princess Salme, a daughter of Seyyid Said who eloped with a German merchant in 1866. It contains family photographs and excerpts from her book entitled, "Memoirs of an Arabian Princess," as well as a sample of her typical wardrobe.
Salme's book is an account of her life in the royal court of Zanzibar in the 1800's. It is considered to be a very important work because it is the only one of its kind. Women in the royal court of Oman and Zanzibar were not taught to read or write (outside of basic Koran lessons) and therefore there are no written legacies that describe what life was like for them, except for Salme's. The book is available at some shops in town and it is highly recommended reading for those visiting Zanzibar. .
THE PEACE MEMORIAL MUSEUM & THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
These are at the western end of Creek Road near the intersection of Kuanda Road and designed by the same architect who designed the High Court, J. H. Sinclair, the National Museum is home to many of Zanzibar's memorabilia including, most notably, Livingstone's medical chest from the Zambezi expeditions. Also on display are a rickshaw, some Chinese porcelain and the ancient drums and horns of the Alawi kings of Zanzibar, who preceded the Sultans as well as a piece of Zanzibar's (and East Africa's first) railroad, and an old, palm oil-powered bicycle lamp. For history buffs it's a great place to read up on Zanzibar's history as it relates to everything from slavery, the royal families, coins, stamps, local crafts, trade and the many and varied colonial years.Next door is the Natural History Museum, which has some giant tortoises and some preserved Dodo bones, and a rather dusty herbarium.
SHAKTI TEMPLE
The Shakti Temple had a sizable congregation before the revolution, but after a large number of Hindus departed from Zanzibar in 1964 and this temple is now rarely full. It is almost always open and welcomes visitors, and will provide a tour but it is almost impossible to find without a guide. Its chimes and bells, rung every day around sunrise and just before sunset, can be heard from the rooftop restaurant of Emerson's & Green, just across the street. ST JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL
Built between 1893 and 1897 by French missionaries in Romanesque style, St. Joseph's Cathedral was designed by the same architect who designed the cathedral at Marseilles in France. Its spires can be seen from any elevated point in town and it serves as a handy landmark for those in search of the Chit Chat restaurant although the spires are hard to see from the narrow streets of Stone Town.The French Hospital is the building just behind it.
THE OLD FORT
TABORA.
The sleepy town of Tabora, in the hinterland of western Tanzania, remains a key transit point in the country. The central Line railway branches at Tabora to both Kigoma and Mwanza, and visitors travelling by train often use Tabora as a stopover point during their journeys. The regions around Tabora are famous for the honey they produce, and large jerry cans and bottles of the famous nectar can bought in the village market. Tabora was once a major trading point and stopover for caravans that connected Lake Tanganyika and Central Africa with the coastal town of Bagamoyo to the northeast. Its historical importance is illustrated by the fact that the infamous slave and ivory trader Tippu Tip, who lived during the 19th Century, made extensive use of Tabora as a centre of his vast trading empire. The town was also an important mission station during early European exploration of Tanzania. Stanley and Livingstone both stopped here on their journeys. During the German occupation, Tabora was one of the most populated and prosperous towns in the whole of East Africa.
TANGA.
The bustling port of Tanga is Tanzania's second port after the urban centre of Dar es Salaam. Although the port is a centre of marine export, import, and trade, the Town of Tanga still has a quiet, laid-back feel to it, as if not much has changed over the decades. Indeed, along the older sections of the town, examples of old colonial architecture and a few Arab houses still give testament to the area's importance during the heyday of Indian Ocean trade. The fish market and beaches make a pleasant stop during a day trip, and the city is a good place for buying supplies if you're headed to one of the more remote areas of beaches on the northern coast.
Amboni Caves
Tanga Town Things to see/do
Tanga is the most northerly seaport of Tanzania and the administrative capital of Tanga Region. The population of was 243,580 in 2002, making Tanga is one of the largest cities in the country. It can be reached easily via road from Mombasa in Kenya and from Tanzania's mainland citys of Arusha and Dar.
Tanga is on the Indian Ocean, near the border with Kenya. The major exports include: sisal, coffee, tea, and cotton. Tanga is also a significant railroad terminus, connecting northern Tanzania with the sea. Via the Tanzania Railways Corporation's Link Line and Central Line, Tanga is linked to the African Great Lakes region and the Tanzanian economic capital of Dar es Salaam. The city also has Tanga Airport.
Tanga was chosen in 1889 as one of the main military posts of German East Africa. The name Tanga comes from the word for farm or cultivated land in the local languages (KiSambaa, KiBondei, and KiZigua). Tanga gave its name to Tanganyika, the territory which in 1964 joined with the island of Zanzibar to form Tanzania.
As the coastal town closest to Kenya, Tanga was on the front line at the beginning of World War I. A British landing was repulsed with heavy losses on 4 November 1914 in the Battle of Tanga, and the town was not taken until 7 July 1916.
Tourist attractions accessible from Tanga include the extensive Amboni Caves, Galanos Hot Springs, Toten Island, Tongoni Ruins, Ndumi Village defense works, Mwarongo beaches and coastal mangroves. There is also a small airport with regular scheduled flights linking Tanga to the rest of Tanzania's safari circuits.
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