Guide to Pwani Region Tanzania

Guide to Pwani Region Tanzania

Pwani is one of Tanzania’s regions bordering the Indian Ocean on the coast. Its name, “Pwani,” means “coast” or “shore” in Swahili. And the reason it’s named so is because it’s on the shoreline of this wonderful ocean. Pwani is next to Dar es Salaam, the largest business capital, hence a gateway to some of Tanzania’s finest attractions—from historical sites and national parks to cultural heritage. In this article, we explore fascinating places worth visiting in this wonderful region.

Mafia Island

Mafia is just a 30-minute flight south of Dar es Salaam. Spanning 394 sq kilometers (152 sq miles), this pristine island is truly a best-kept secret. Mafia has crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Most people head to Zanzibar, leaving Mafia Island unexplored. That means marine life is undisturbed and there are healthy coral reefs.

There’s a marine park, Mafia Island Marine Park, which is the largest in East Africa. This marine park teems with countless marine species, including over 400 fish species, dolphins, dugongs, humpback whales, whale sharks… the list goes on. And there’s a good reason for that. The Rufiji River flows into the Indian Ocean near Mafia Island, carrying nutrients and plankton to this marine park.

People go to the Mafia to do a lot of adventures. Snorkeling and diving are at their prime. With healthy corals and a variety of marine creatures, there’s much to see under the seas. You can also go there to swim with the dolphins and whale sharks. For the case of whale sharks, plan your trip between September and March, when their number increases by 80%.

Compared to Zanzibar, Mafia has few places to stay. And options for, maybe, outdoor dining. There’s a small population, making streets less busy than those of Zanzibar. The best places to stay include Chole Mjini, Pole Pole, and Kinasi Lodge.

Bagamoyo

Of all historic towns that once thrived, Bagamoyo is infamous. Once a trading port where merchants exchanged slaves and commodities, this old town is currently the capital of the Pwani region. Its name, Bagamoyo, means “Bwaga Moyo,” which means “lay down your heart.” At this historic town, you can dive deeper into ancient life: explore old ruins, culture, or relax on its calm, exquisite beaches. Here are key highlights in Bagamoyo.

Kaole Ruins. These remains consist of two mosques and tombs. People often take a 2-3-hour tour to discover this rich history. During this tour, they get to know a variety of cultures, including Arabs, Swahili, and Europeans that lived here. We recommend hiring a local guide.

The Caravan Serai Museum. This is one of the remaining historical landmarks in Bagamoyo. Built in the 1860s, this building was once a place where caravans took rest. You can explore museums and many other things.

The Old German Boma. This ancient building reminds us of the German colonial occupation. An Arab trader built it in the 19th century.

Crocodile Farm Tour. For an exciting tour of wild animals, you can visit this farm where you will learn how crocodiles behave, grow, and socialize. You will also see live capture techniques that these wild predators have.

Nyerere National Park

For those seeking a peaceful yet wildlife-rich park, Nyerere deserves special consideration. The park is around 30,893 sq kilometers and stretches into the Pwani region near Kibiti town. The park has a promising number of animals living in this vast wilderness. There are even chances of viewing the Big Five, though rhino sightings are rare.

What we love about Nyerere is that you can do many safari activities. For instance, you can fly on a colorful balloon, float gently on the Rufiji River, or sleep under stars. Nyerere has small camps perfect for families, honeymooners, or anyone seeking seclusion. These include Roho ya Selous, Sand Rivers, Beho Beho, and Kokoko Camp.

Saadani National Park

Saadani lies between the Pwani and Tanga regions. It’s the only park in Tanzania where terrestrial and marine life converge. That means you’ll explore wild animals, including giraffes, buffalo, hyenas, wildebeests, antelopes, red duikers, warthogs, baboons, and elephants. Then relax on a bush beach in the evening as an elephant greets you.

This 1,062-sq-km area also has a giant river, the Wami River, that’s interestingly beautiful. You can take a boat cruise along the Wami River to encounter large groups of hippos and crocodiles. Primates like black and white colobus monkeys also inhabit the riverine forests along the Wami River. There are several breeding grounds perfect for watching sea turtles on the Indian Ocean coast.

Getting to Pwani Region

It depends on which area you’re visiting. If the town is your main focus, then drive 75 kilometers (47 miles) from Dar es Salaam. But if you’re visiting Nyerere, just book a 45-minute flight from Dar es Salaam to Mtemere Airstrip. Are you ready to explore the Pwani region? Let’s plan your trip. Call our expert safari planners.