What is to be seen there -
The Coastal Circuit
This marks Tanzania's coastline of tropical
palm fringed beaches. One has a chance to view
underwater coral gardens. There is unlimited
potential for deep sea diving and fishing.
Dar es
Salaam. The metropolis on the coast. The
commercial centre of Tanzania. Has one of the
finest natural harbours in the world. Inhabited by
more than 2 million people and serving as a
melting pot where many races, cultures, and
different religions live in tranquillity. The
largest city on the East African coast.
Dar es Salaam was built by Sultan Seyyid Majid
of Zanzibar between 1856 to 1870, who
ruled
the 16-km East African coastal strip. Dar es
Salaam became the capital of German East Africa in
1891. Dar was also the capital of the British
Administration in Tanganyika after the 1st World
War. Became the capital of independent Tanzania
up to 1973. It is today the de facto capital of
the United Republic of Tanzania while Dodoma, in
central Tanzania is the de jure capital.
Dar es Salaam has further:
- An international airport known as Dar es Salaam International Airport (DIA) - DAR - Many international airlines land there.
- Two important railway stations to the hinterland -
- The Central Line Station - for the central line with 1,250 km from Dar es Salaam, on the Indian Ocean, to Kigoma, on Lake Tanganyika. The Central Line was built by the German administration, from 1905 to 1914.
- The TAZARA Station - (Tanzania Zambia Railway) known as the Tazara line with 1,870 km from Dar es Salaam to Kapiri Mposhi (Zambia). The Tazara was built through a Chinese loan from 1970 - 1975.
- Buildings representing the Arab era, the German and British colonial administration, for instance, the Old Boma, by Sultan Majid, St. Joseph Cathedral and the Lutheran Church along Sokoine Drive and the Old German Hospital along Ocean Road; and the imposing state house representing a German and British background.
- Major port for connection to Europe, Asia, and a large hinterland - Zambia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda.
- Major port for connection to Zanzibar. Several hydrofoils and ordinary vessels ... the waters between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.
- Impressive places. The Askari Monument, the Museum, Nyumba ya Sanaa (House of Art) and the Makonde carvers at Mwenge.
Bagamoyo. (Bwaga moyo = Lay down your heart) - A
historical part as the former gateway to Africa in
the 19th century - many explorers started off into
the hinterland from Bagamoyo - Burton and Speke as
well as Stanley. Capital of German
administration before Dar es Salaam.
- One can see an old German Boma
- There is the Museum of the Catholic Mission founded in 1868.
Pangani. A fishing village on the banks of
Pangani river, representing a former rich Arab
culture and prosperity along the coast. It is
more Arabian in appearance.
- Remnants of Arabic and Neo-Gothic buildings can be seen.
- Beautiful beaches - described as a secret gem on the Tanzanian coast, and an oasis of surprise.
Mafia Island - Mafia archipelago of the mouth
of Rufiji Delta. The word "Mafia" has nothing to
do with the Mafia organisation. There are those
who pay that the word comes from the Grab word
"Morfieyeh" which means a group, and may be used
to describe the group of 4 peaceful coral
islands comprising the archipelago. It may also
mean a place of good health (mahali pa afya) in
the Kiswahili language
- It is considered as a natural aquarium - rich in marine fauna.
- A paradise for anglers.
- Breathtaking palm beaches and azure blue waters.
Zanzibar. Lies opposite Bagamoyo i.e. 40 km
across the Zanzibar Channel from the mainland.
Zanzibar is comprised of two islands - Unguja
(1,554 sq. km) and Pemba (906 sq. km). It is
known as the Spice Island.
- Used to be the centre of East African slave trade.
- Famous for the Stonetown, representing Arab culture; quaint shops and bazaars; and it's spicy cuisine.
- Has famous Arabic buildings and palaces
- Interesting flora and fauna - Jizani Forest - with a variety of red colossi monkeys; and Musingini Forest Reserve with a range of tropical trees.
- There are slave caves at Mangapwani.
- One can participate in the famous spice tour.
- The Zanzibar airport where some international airlines do land.
- Has a deep harbour - and both modern and traditional vessels do
- There are beautiful white, sandy beaches.
0 comments:
Post a Comment