Tanga: The Hidden Gem of Tanzania's Coastline

• HelloJambo
  [jahm-boh]
• GoodbyeKwaheri
  [kwah-heh-ree]
• YesNdiyo
  [n-dee-yoh]
• NoHapana
  [hah-pah-nah]
• Please/You're welcomeTafadhali
  [tah-fah-dah-lee]
• Thank youAsante
  [ah-sahn-teh]
• Excuse me/SorrySamahani
  [sah-mah-hah-nee]
• How are you?Habari yako?
  [hah-bah-ree yah-koh]
• Fine. And you?Nzuri. Na wewe?
  [nzoo-ree. nah weh-weh]
• Do you speak English?Unasema kiingereza?
  [oo-nah-seh-mah keen-geh-reh-zah]
• I don't understandSielewi
  [see-leh-wee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNingependa kuona menyu, tafadhali
  [ning-eh-pen-dah kwoh-nah meh-nyoo, tah-fah-dah-lee]
• I don't eat meatSiwi nyama
  [see-wee nyah-mah]
• Cheers!Mambo!
  [mahm-boh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseNingependa kulipa, tafadhali
  [ning-eh-pen-dah koo-lee-pah, tah-fah-dah-lee]

• Help!Usaidizi!
  [oo-sai-dee-zee]
• Go away!Nenda zako!
  [nen-dah zah-koh]
• Call the Police!Piga simu polisi!
  [pee-gah see-moo poh-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Piga simu daktari!
  [pee-gah see-moo dahk-tah-ree]
• I'm lostNimepotea
  [nee-meh-poh-teh-ah]
• I'm illNinaumwa
  [nee-nah-oom-wah]

• I'd like to buy...Ningependa kununua...
  [ning-eh-pen-dah koo-noo-noo-ah]
• I'm just lookingNatafuta tu
  [nah-tah-foo-tah too]
• How much is it?Bei ni kiasi gani?
  [bay nee kya-see gah-nee]
• That's too expensiveHiyo ni ghali sana
  [hee-yoh nee gah-lee sah-nah]
• Can you lower the price?Unaweza kushusha bei?
  [oo-nah-weh-zah koo-shoo-shah bay]

• What time is it?Saa ngapi?
  [sah nah-gah-pee]
• It's one o'clockNi saa moja
  [nee sah moh-jah]
• Half past (10)Saa mbili na nusu
  [sah mbee-lee nah noo-soo]
• MorningAsubuhi
  [ah-soo-boo-hee]
• AfternoonMchana
  [m-chah-nah]
• EveningJioni
  [joh-nee]
• YesterdayJana
  [jah-nah]
• TodayLeo
  [leh-oh]
• TomorrowKesho
  [keh-shoh]
• 1Moja
  [moh-jah]
• 2Mbili
  [m-bee-lee]
• 3Tatu
  [tah-too]
• 4Nne
  [n-neh]
• 5Tano
  [tah-noh]
• 6Sita
  [see-tah]
• 7Saba
  [sah-bah]
• 8Nane
  [nah-neh]
• 9Kenda
  [keh-n-dah]
• 10Kumi
  [koo-mee]

• Where's a/the...?Iko wapi...?
  [ee-koh wah-pee]
• What's the address?Anwani ni ipi?
  [ahn-wah-nee nee ee-pee]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Unaweza kunionyesha (kwenye ramani)?
  [oo-nah-weh-zah koo-nee-oh-nyeh-shah kweh-neh rah-mah-nee]
• When's the next (bus)?Basi lifuataje?
  [bah-see lee-foo-ah-tah-jeh]
• A ticket (to ....)Tiketi (kwenda ....)
  [tee-keh-tee kwehn-dah]

Tanga, located on the northeastern coast of Tanzania, has a history that dates back to ancient times. Archaeological findings suggest that the area was inhabited by various Bantu-speaking communities as early as the 1st millennium CE. These early settlers were engaged in farming, fishing, and trade, primarily along the Indian Ocean.

In the 8th century, Tanga became part of the Swahili Coast, a region known for its prosperous trading cities. The city emerged as a significant trading hub, engaging in commerce with Persia, Arabia, India, and later Europe. Goods such as ivory, gold, and enslaved people were traded for spices, textiles, and other commodities. The influence of Arab traders led to the widespread adoption of Islam in the region.

During the 17th century, Tanga fell under the control of the Sultanate of Oman. The Omani influence introduced new architectural styles and further solidified Islam's presence in the region. The city was an important administrative center under the Omani rule, which lasted until the mid-19th century.

In 1885, Tanga became part of German East Africa. The Germans developed the city as a strategic port and administrative center. They built infrastructure such as roads, railways, and buildings, many of which still stand today. The town was the site of the first action in the East African Campaign during World War I, with the Battle of Tanga in 1914 marking a significant event in the city's history.

After Germany's defeat in World War I, Tanga came under British control as part of the League of Nations mandate. The British continued to develop the city's port facilities and infrastructure. During this period, Tanga became a crucial export point for sisal, a key cash crop for the region.

Tanga became part of the independent nation of Tanzania in 1961. Since independence, the city has grown and diversified economically. While it remains an important port, Tanga has also developed industries such as cement production and fishing. Cultural and historical sites, including colonial-era buildings and ancient Swahili ruins, attract tourists from around the world.

Tanga is accessible by air, road, and sea. The nearest airport is Tanga Airport (TGT), which has regular flights from Dar es Salaam and other major cities in Tanzania. Alternatively, you can fly into the larger Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and take a bus or taxi to Tanga, which is roughly a 5-hour drive. Buses and coaches from Dar es Salaam to Tanga are also available and provide a scenic route along the coast. For those traveling by sea, there are ferries and boats that connect Tanga with Zanzibar and other coastal cities.

Within Tanga, you can get around using various means of transportation. Taxis and motorcycle taxis (boda-bodas) are readily available for quick trips around the city. Public minibuses, known as daladalas, are an affordable option for traveling within the city and to nearby areas. Car rentals are also available if you prefer the convenience of driving yourself. For a more traditional experience, you can hire a bicycle or take a leisurely stroll through the city center.

The official currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). While major hotels, restaurants, and shops in Tanga may accept credit cards, it is advisable to carry cash, especially for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available in Tanga, but make sure to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with card transactions. It's also a good idea to have some US dollars on hand, as they are widely accepted and can be easily exchanged.

Tanga is generally safe for tourists, but it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit areas. Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded places such as markets and bus stations. Some areas, such as the port and certain neighborhoods on the outskirts, have higher crime rates. Always keep your belongings secure and stay aware of your surroundings. It's recommended to use reputable taxi services and avoid accepting rides from strangers.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Tanga has several medical facilities, including Bombo Regional Hospital, which can handle most medical emergencies. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies throughout the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. For police assistance, the main police station in Tanga is located in the city center.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes before entering homes and places of worship. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A friendly 'Jambo' (Hello) is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Tanga like a local, visit the local markets such as the Ngamiani Market, where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Tanzanian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Amboni Caves, a fascinating natural attraction. For a unique experience, take a dhow boat tour along the coastline, offering stunning views of the Indian Ocean.