Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Africa Company (Deutsch- Ostafrikanische Gesellschaft or DOAG). Over the
next few years, in an effort to tap into the lucrative inland caravan trade, Peters
managed to extract agreement from the Sultan of Zanzibar that the DOAG could
take over the administration of customs duties in the sultan's mainland domains.
However, neither the sultan's representative in Pangani nor the majority of loc-
als were amenable to the idea. When the DOAG raised its flag next to that of the
sultan, simmering tensions exploded. Under the leadership of an Afro-Arab
trader named Abushiri bin Salim al-Harth, a loosely organised army, including
many of the sultan's own guards, ousted the Germans, igniting a series of fierce
power struggles that continued in other port towns along the coast. The Ger-
mans only managed to subdue the revolt over a year later after the arrival of re-
inforcements, the imposition of a naval blockade and the hanging of Abushiri.
In the wake of the revolt, the DOAG went bankrupt and the colonial capital was
moved from Bagamoyo to Dar es Salaam.
ACTIVITIES
Pangani River
BOAT TOUR
Meandering along the southern edge of town, the muddy river attracts water birds, cro-
codiles and other animals. It's best explored on a river cruise via local dhow, which can be
arranged with any of the hotels.
Maziwe Marine Reserve
SNORKELLING
(admission Tsh1000) About 10km offshore is this tiny sand island with snorkelling in
the surrounding crystal-clear waters. Dolphins favour the area and are frequently spotted.
Maziwe can only be visited at low tide; there's no food or drink, but a picnic lunch is in-
cluded in most excursions.
Tanga Coelacanth Marine Park
PARK
The goal of this new 'park' is to protect the local population of prehistoric coelacanth fish.
Temporary headquarters are in Kigombe village, just south of Capricorn Beach Cottages.
Infrastructure is currently nonexistent, but there are plans for fees to be collected from any-
one entering park-protected areas (including Maziwe Island and Tanga's Toten Island).
