Bagamoyo Kilwa Kisiwani Pangani
Bagamoyo
Description: Bagamoyo is gaining ground as a popular alternate to Zanzibar. It is here that you will find similarities to Zanzibar (beautiful beaches and historic sites) without the large numbers of tourists.
Bagamoyo is now little more than a small town, but it used to be one of the most important ports in East Africa. It was a leading port for the ivory and slave trade. The area around Bagamoyo features a number of ancient buildings, some dating back more than 800 years.
These days, Bagamoyo is known as the ‘arts capital’ of Tanzania. It boasts an annual arts festival from the end of September into early October. There are an increasing number of good beach resorts to choose from, though be aware that sometimes security on the beach can be an issue.
Location: Less than 2 hours north of Dar es Salaam
Things 2 Do: Dance & Drum Classes, Diving, Snorkeling, Windsurfing, Fishing, Bagamoyo Historical Town Tour, Boat Trip
Time: A minimum of 2 nights.
Accommodations
$
Badeco Beach Hotel
Palm Tree Village Beach Resort
$$
Livingstone Club
Millennium Sea Breeze Resort
Oceanic Bay Hotel
Travellers Lodge
Kilwa Kisiwani
Description: At its height, Kilwa Kisiwani was the single most important trading center on the East African coast, and the ruins here include several mosques, a fourteenth-century palace (in its time the largest stone structure in sub-Saharan Africa) and a well-preserved Omani fortress. This is also a terrific place to go game fishing.
Location: Southern coast, reached by daily flights from Dar es Salaam.
Things 2 Do: Game Fishing, Snorkeling, Diving, Sunbathing, Swimming, Birding
Time: Minimum 3 nights.
Accommodations
$$
Kilwa Ruins Lodge
Kilwa Seaview Resort
Pangani
Description: Although it is not well known as a coastal destination, this small and historic town has attractive sandy beaches, a friendly and laid-back atmosphere, and a wealth of decaying colonial buildings dating from the slave trade and the German occupation. It is also a good place for cultural visits. All this makes it a great place to get away from it all and just relax. For those who like a beach without the crowds, this is a good alternative to Zanzibar.
Location: Northern Tanzania coast, south of Tanga, can be reached by flight to Tanga or in conjunction with a trip to the Usambara Mountains and/or Amani Reserves.
Things 2 Do: Diving, Snorkeling, Boat Rides, Fishing, Wind Surfing, Bird Watching, Cultural Tours, Walking and Spelunking.
Time: Spend at least 3 nights.
Accommodations
$
Mikomabay Tented Lodge
Capricorn Beach Cottages
Peponi Beach Resort
$$$
The Tides
“Karen was very helpful in planning our trip and we could not have asked for it to turn out any better. Going to Africa on a Safari had been on my bucket list since I was in high school. And they went over and above to make my dream come true. It was the most amazing trip I have ever been on. I love the way they set up our campsites from primitive to luxury. I loved every camp we went too. The first and second was a little scary from time to time hearing the roaring, screaming and chatting throughout the night from the elephants, lions, zebras and hyenas. I would not have changed one thing about the trip. And then when we got to Zanzibar at The Baraza Resort it was absolutely beautiful and the staff was over the top very friendly and was there to take care of us the entire trip. We felt like kings and queens. We went into Stone Town one day and really enjoyed that tour, and of course shopping. I would definitely recommend them for your trip to Tanzania.”