Tanga Region, Administrative region in northeastern Tanzania
Tanga is an administrative region in northeastern Tanzania, featuring the Usambara Mountains and a long coastline along the Indian Ocean. The landscape combines mountain terrain with coastal plains, where rivers such as the Pangani cross the land and support farming.
The region's history begins with Persian traders who established the port city of Tanga in the 14th century as a trading hub. In the 19th century, the area became an administrative center under German colonial rule.
The region is home to several distinct peoples including the Bondei, Sambaa, Digo, and Segeju communities, each with their own traditions and languages. This diversity shapes daily markets and local craftsmanship, where you encounter different customs and traditional practices as you move through towns and villages.
The dry season offers the best conditions for traveling through the region, when roads and trails are most accessible. The port city of Tanga serves as the main entry point from where you can reach the mountain areas and cave systems.
The Amboni Caves near the city contain East Africa's largest limestone cave system, with underground chambers extending across considerable distances. Visitors can explore these geological formations that developed over millions of years.
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