Cover Image Credit: Pxhere
Ancient cities, incredible national parks, fascinating culture, exotic wildlife, and splendid safaris pretty much define the magnificence of Tanzania. But while it is the ultimate destination for spotting lions and wildebeests in the jungles of Africa, there’s more to this gem than meets the eye. Little do people know that Tanzania is packed with an array of remarkable beaches owing to its vast and fascinating coastline. There are plenty of beaches in Tanzania that deserve as much tourist attention as its game reserves and timeless ruins. Let us discover some of them right here.
10 Exotic Beaches In Tanzania
The balmy weather and breathtaking shores bejeweled with powder white sand and brilliant blue water makes Tanzania a perfect beach getaway for tourists. The most appropriate time to explore the beaches in Tanzania is when the country is at its driest, that is, from July to October. Take a look at the finest Tanzania beaches below.
1. Nungwi Beach
2. Zanzibar Beach
3. Mbezi Beach
4. Paje Beach
5. Kendwa Beach
6. Mafia Island Beach
7. Nakupenda Beach
8. Misali Island Beach
9. Jambiani Beach
10. Kipepeo Beach
1. Nungwi Beach
Once in 2014, Nungwi Beach in Tanzania was listed on CNN’s “100 best beaches of the world”. Flecked with palm, mangrove, and, casuarina trees, Nungwi Beach has located approximately 56Km Zanzibar Town. Nungwi Beach is noted with some of the luxurious beach bars, plush beachfront guesthouses, and restaurants.
Highlights: It’s the only place in Tanzania to possess the Turtle Care center
Best time to visit: 5 PM – 7 PM
How to reach: From Zanzibar town, you can hire a vehicle or else can be easily reached via public bus or Dala-Dala
Things to do: Play volleyball & football, go diving or snorkeling, or enjoy sunset cruises, turtle aquarium
Places to stay: Essque Zalu Zanzibar and Nungwi House
Nearby attractions: Mnarani Aquarium and Fish Market
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2. Zanzibar Beach
How about an adventure-filled safari in the iconic national parks of Tanzania followed by a relaxing excursion to the pristine beach in Zanzibar? Sounds amazing, right? Yes, you will get an opportunity to witness the distinctive wildlife of Serengeti, Lake Manyara, and Ruaha National Park along with exploring the fascinating Zanzibar beach. Tanzania is home to unique species of birds and is a perfect place to spot hyenas, cheetahs, leopards, lions, and other wild animals. After your safari ride, it’s time to embark on several beaches like Kendwa Beach, Pongwe Beach, and Paje Beach in Zanzibar to relax your body and soul.
Highlights: You will get to explore a wide range of wild species
How to reach: After finishing your safari rides at safari capital Arusha, head to Zanzibar International Airport and from there hire a taxi or a cab from the airport to the beach
Things to do: You will be able to experience the thrilling safari in national parks and snorkeling, scuba diving, and other activities on the beaches of Zanzibar
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3. Mbezi Beach
Situated between the Indian Ocean and Bagamoyo Road, Mbezi Beach in Tanzania is nestled about 20 km north of the city center of Dar-es-Salaam. The insanely beautiful sunsets, warm blue water, and white sand bounding the stunning Indian Ocean are what makes this beach a perfect site for nature lovers.
Highlights: It has many shopping locales nearby
Things to do: Sunbathe, walk on the sand, dive or just swim
Places to stay: Ramada Resort, and Hotel White Sands- the beach resort
Nearby attractions: Karibu Art Gallery, St Joseph Cathedral, and Dar-es-Salaam Zoo
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4. Paje Beach
Found on the east coast of Zanzibar Island, Paje Beach is prominent for a long stripe of pure white sand, transparent turquoise water. Paje Beach is a favorite spot among kitesurfers, as the beach witnesses extremely strong winds. For the peace lovers and fun-loving souls, nothing can beat the charm of Paje Beach, which is one of the best beaches in Tanzania.
Highlights: It is one of the famous destinations for water sports and has good restaurants and bars
Best time to visit: 8 AM – 9 PM
How to reach: You can just catch a minibus, taxi, or the local Dala-Dala to reach Paje Beach
Things to do: Kite-surfing, wind-surfing, diving, fishing, snorkeling, dolphin safari, and swimming
Places to stay: Zanzibar Ocean Blue Hotel, Jambo Beach Bungalow, and Cristal Resort
Nearby attractions: Jozani Forest and Stone Town
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5. Kendwa Beach
Overlooking the Daloni Island, Kendwa Beach is situated 3Km south of Nungwi Village. Kendwa Beach attracts millions of tourists throughout the year and has become one of the spectacular beaches in Tanzania for party lovers and beach bums. With lots of bars, restaurants, and hotels, Kendwa beach creates a perfect ambiance for the tourist to cherish every single moment.
Highlights: It’s the only beach in Tanzania that hosts monthly full-moon beach parties
Best time to visit: 4 AM – 6 PM
How to reach: From any hotels in Kendwa, catch a shuttle bus, which will charge $10 per person and takes around 1.5 hours
Things to do: Parasailing, scuba diving, and snorkeling
Places to stay: White Sand Bungalows, Kendwa Rocks and Sunset Bungalows
Nearby attractions: Nungwi Beach, Bahati Beach Boutique, and Ocean Maze
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6. Mafia Island Beach
Mafia Island is considered as one of the excellent destinations for adventurous spirits, nature lovers and scuba divers. Situated off Tanzania’s coast, Mafia Island is one of the most hidden gems of the Indian Ocean. Considered as one of the best beaches in Tanzania, Mafia Island is home to Humpback Whales and Whale Sharks. Mafia Island makes a perfect holiday for anyone looking for adrenaline rush activities.
Highlights: Popular for its underwater reefs, Mafia Island is one of the world’s top spots for scuba diving
How to reach: It takes around 30 minutes, if you are traveling via airplane, from Dar-es-Salam to Mafia’s Kilindoni airport
Things to do: Scuba diving, afro whale shark safari, blue world Diving, snorkelling, whale shark safari
Places to stay: Kinasi Lodge, Lua Cheia, and Ras Mbisi
Nearby attractions: Jibondo, Ras Kisimani, and The Lighthouse at Ras Mkumbi
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7. Nakupenda Beach
One of the best things you can do, when you are in Nakupenda Beach is to rent the diving equipment from the beach diving center to witness the multi-colored marine life. You can just peacefully lie down and watch the sun go down or enjoy swimming with dolphins. Limpid crystalline water, pure white sand, and a variety of coral reefs are what define Nakupenda Beach.
Highlights: It is another great spot for diving
Opening hours: The ideal time to visit is between 7 AM – 8:30 AM as you can spot dolphins in the morning
How to reach: From Zanzibar capital, you can take a short boat ride to reach Nakupenda Beach
Things to do: Savour some seasonal fruits, enjoy delectable seafood, snorkeling, and sunbathing
Places to stay: Park Hyatt Zanzibar, and DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Zanzibar
Nearby attractions: Tippu Tip’s House, Tatu, and Cinnamon Spa
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8. Misali Island Beach
Tucked in a serene and calm location, Misali Island beach is an ideal beach in Tanzania for peace seekers. Tucked on the coast of Pemba Island, Misali Island beach is completely uninhabited. Listening to the beach waves, basking under Tanzania’s sun, laying down on the silky white sand is nothing more than sheer bliss.
Highlights: Here you get to see an abundance of stunning coral reefs
How to reach: Arrange a boat from Wesha to get to Misali Island Beach. For convenient commuting, it would be better to arrange an excursion from travel agencies and hotels
Things to do: Play with sand, or venture into snorkeling
Places to stay: Pemba Lodge, and Lala Lodge Pemba Zanzibar
Nearby attractions: Pemba Flying Fox Forest, and Kigomasha Peninsula
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9. Jambiani Beach
Jambiani is one of the best beaches in Tanzania known for its tranquillity and spectacular sceneries. It is worth witnessing the breath-taking sunset with a refreshing drink in your hand. Most of the people head to this beach to go for a boat trip on the dhow or just lay back and relax. One of the most fabulous places to visit in Tanzania, this is where you can go for a cultural tour to know the traditions of this country as well as take a local cooking class.
Highlights: You can opt for cultural tours and local cooking classes
How to reach: You can reach here via Dala-Dala or hire a taxi
Things to do: Biking tour, big game fishing, kite surfing, and scuba diving
Places to stay: Villaggio Seconda Stella a Destra, and Zanzest Beach Bungalows
Nearby attractions: Kuza Cave, and Pili Pili House
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10. Kipepeo Beach
This delightful name Kipepeo means ‘butterfly’ in Swahili – is a spectacular beach away from the hustle-bustle of the city. Kipepeo Beach is nestled on the border of Dar-es-Salaam and bordered with thatched roofs and traditional vibanda buildings amidst palm trees. It’s a secluded beach as not many people know about it, especially travelers.
Highlights: It’s great for swimming owing to the absence of rocks and sea urchins
How to reach: Hire a taxi or reach through Dala-Dala
Things to do: Dhow snorkelling and sailing, dhow fishing trips, and kayaking
Places to stay: Sunrise Beach Resort, Villa Dahl and Hotel South Beach Resort
Nearby attractions: Kivukoni Fish Market, St. Joseph Cathedral and Kigamboni Bridge
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So, which among these enchanting beaches in Tanzania are you going to check out first? Whether you choose to go scuba diving to explore the island’s colorful coral reefs or end up basking under the sun in the midst of natural beauty, these Tanzania beaches are the perfect locales for your next beach holiday. Pack your bags at once and explore all these marvelous shores with a joyous vacation in Tanzania.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Beaches In Tanzania
What is Tanzania famous for?
Tanzania is renowned for destinations wildlife-rich national parks, Africa’s highest mountain like Kilimanjaro, and beautiful magnificent beaches.
Can you wear shorts in Tanzania?
You can wear knee-length shorts, or long trousers while visiting the bazaars, local markets, and other attractions. Avoid wearing clothes that reveal the thighs and shoulder area to respect the local culture.
What is the best month to visit Tanzania?
July to October are the best months to explore Tanzania. Avoid going between April and May, when it rains heavily.
Are there sharks in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is home to many sharks. Zanzibar is an ideal location for diving where the whale sharks, turtles, and dolphins are spotted in the months of September to December.
Is Tanzania expensive to visit?
Tanzania, in fact, is a very cheap country to visit. But, the entry fees in the national parks and safari rides are too expensive.
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A keen observer, an avid reader, a complete foodie, a pet lover and a curious entrepreneur with a vision to empower women. Penning down thoughts and musings come naturally, so, what better way to make a living than do what you love the most. Sujata started off as a content writer and today spearheads a content agency with an all-women team, where each day is about exploring the strength within, overcoming challenges and aiming to scale new heights. Her idea of a holiday well spent is visiting beautiful destinations, experimenting with food and trying out adventure activities.
