Tanga Coast: Camping and Resort

Prime camping spot.

After two years, we finally made it to the Tanga coast. Although it appears close on the map, it is about a 6 1/2 hour drive from Moshi. We weren't sure what to expect and the internet seemed to have sparse information regarding places to stay on the Tanga coast. Our friends in Tanzania have all given us varying accounts of different places as well, so we just hoped we could find a nice place we could camp, swim, and do some snorkeling.

We found our way to a place called Peponi Resort, which was about 45 minutes south of Tanga and 15 minutes north of Pangani. Peponi was fantastic, very spacious with a variety of accommodation for all price points (self camp, rent tent, safari tent, banda). They had a restaurant with a large menu that was affordable and delicious. Fresh sea food every meal!

The vibe was very relaxed and most of the guests appeared to be, like us, expats living in Tanzania. The place was extremely family friendly though there were also some younger couples like ourselves as well. The resort had a SE Asia style with a "backpacker" vibe, ample seating for various group sizes, and a very friendly and competent staff.

The tide was dramatic; I estimated that it went out nearly 200m (650 ft) and it occurred twice a day. The beach was nice, though it wasn't postcard blue like most people like, and for us, since we are birders, the tide was perfect for attracting waders and shorebirds. As a result of not having the same type of pristine beaches as Zanzibar, I can see how tourism in Tanga is a niche market.

There were also mangrove forests along the coast. We enjoyed walking through them at low tide and we thought to kayak through them but decided the winds were a bit more than we would have liked, especially after a long walk in the hot sun in the morning.

We stayed at Peponi for a few days and used it as our base for activities in the area. It was so laid back that we can't wait to go again!

Awesome little sitting area to watch the sea.

Sunrise over the Indian Ocean.

Our tent with a mini covering, which was very nice since it rained the first night.

Ana taking a walk in the mangroves.

There was a very weird green river on the way to Pangani.

I think they accidentally gave me the seafood plate for two, instead of half order. Whatever the case, it was amazing.

Low tide...and still going out!

Breakfast, which for westerners might seem "okay", but for us, it is luxury.