Explore the Best Beaches in Tanzania
The African water spirits blessed Tanzania with over 1424km (885 miles) of coastline, featuring stunning white powder sands, warm sun, and azure waves. Therefore, a post-safari beach trip is a must.
Many visitors are drawn to the untamed African bush around Arusha in the north for a Serengeti safari and then unwind with a few relaxing days on the Indian Ocean coast. However, adventurers can discover delicate coral reefs, vibrant fish school, playful dolphins, and ancient giant tortoises at various beach spots in Tanzania.
Your trip to Tanzania might kick off with an idyllic beach retreat along the east coast, in the archipelago that includes the spice island of Zanzibar. There, atmospheric villages shaded by dense jungles meet luxurious beach resorts and historic townships, presenting a rich marine wildlife adventure.
Nungwi Beach: Something for Everyone
Best for white sand and creature comforts
Unguja, the main island in the Zanzibar archipelago, hosts the famous Nungwi Beach, located just an hour’s drive north from Zanzibar town. This destination boasts white sand, clear blue waters, and a well-developed tourist infrastructure, appealing to all types of travelers.
Beach traders set up at dawn to offer their wares, as the sun casts soft pinks and purples over the sparkling sea. Spend your day snorkeling, diving, jet-skiing, or parasailing, or simply lounging on the beach to enjoy a sunset cruise on a traditional sailboat, or dhow.
If you wish to dive deeper into local culture, hire a guide for a spice tour, which often includes a cooking lesson. There’s nothing quite like gathering fresh ingredients for a coconut milk-based Zanzibar stew.
If cooking isn’t your idea of relaxation, a variety of restaurants line the coastline, enticing hungry visitors with freshly caught seafood and delicious tropical cocktails.
Kendwa Beach: Seek Out Quiet Luxury
Best for exclusive escapes and beach parties
If the crowd at Nungwi Beach diminishes your relaxation, a short trip south to Kendwa Beach awaits. Away from bustling activities, its tranquil waters are mesmerizing. Here, activities like refreshing coconut deliveries and traditional dance performances enhance the serene atmosphere.
Wild celebrations punctuate the calm, with events like the Kendwa Full Moon Party, known for fire dancers, live music, and gourmet party food—an excellent avenue for solo travelers to connect with fellow adventurers.
Kiwengwa Beach: Perfect for Families
Best for families
Low tide at Kiwengwa Beach is a family affair. The shallow waters make for safe swimming, with children exploring pools for sea urchins and starfish. In between relaxation under colorful umbrellas, families can dig in the sand, play beach volleyball, or trek to the sandbar to see the exposed reef.
Kiwengwa Beach also serves as a great base for discovering the rest of Zanzibar. Engaging tours of Stone Town, full of history and education, provide visitors with enriching experiences. Moreover, outdoor adventures such as quad biking through the island’s interior add an exhilarating touch.
Paje Beach: A Cultural Escape
Best for local life
Long, leisurely walks on Paje Beach are highly recommended. This less commercial beach in southern Zanzibar features palms swaying gently in the breeze, casting welcome shadows amidst the vibrant blue waters.
Paje captures the local essence, with Zanzibari women dressed in colorful headscarves visiting seaweed farms for therapeutic harvests. The beach atmosphere seamlessly balances activity and leisure, creating memorable interactions with local communities.
High tide invites wonderful swimming, fishing, snorkeling, and diving opportunities. Bright clownfish and blue tang can often be spotted offshore. For enthusiasts seeking adventure, the fishing villages of Bwejuu or Michamvi offer expert-led deep-sea fishing excursions, while tours of the nearby Jozani Forest and Kuza Cave await the curious explorer.
Ushongo Beach: A Retreat into Tranquility
Best for unspoiled charm
On Ushongo Beach, you can fully immerse yourself in nature, fronting a traditional fishing village on Tanzania’s northern coast. Enjoy leisurely days spent in the shade of palm trees while strolling along pristine, deserted stretches of soft sand.
Whether you seek deep reflection or playful adventure, Ushongo Beach offers numerous opportunities to unwind. If the solitude becomes too serene, consider a day trip to Maziwe Island, a protected marine reserve ideal for snorkeling amid vibrant coral reefs. Boat trips can be easily arranged from Ushongo.
Mnemba Island: An Oasis of Luxury
Best for luxury
If you seek unparalleled luxury, Mnemba Island offers a secluded retreat for those with a substantial budget. With an exclusive rate of US$1320 per person per night, guests can relish in this private island’s lush beach, shaded by casuarina trees.
Only 24 guests are permitted at any given time, staying in exquisite bandas (thatched huts) with personal service. The surrounding coral reefs provide excellent exploration opportunities for divers and snorkelers, who may encounter dolphins, turtles, or even whales amidst the vibrant marine life.
Misali Island: Dive into Adventure
Best for diving and snorkeling
Pemba Island, the second-largest in the Zanzibar archipelago, boasts lush forests and a rich variety of fauna and flora. The magnificent Ngezi Forest teems with wildlife, including monkeys, bats, and exotic birds, while offering scenic views of plantations rich with spices.
The main attraction for visitors, however, lies on the western side of the island, with low-lying Misali Island serving as a vibrant hub for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. Home to a stunning array of coral and over 300 fish species, the island’s shores, where rare monkeys and nesting sea turtles congregate, can easily captivate adventurous spirits. Snorkeling and diving expeditions to Misali are easy to organize through local resorts.
