Best beaches in Tanzania

Tanzania and the Zanzibar archipelago are the perfect destinations to combine a dream safari and a tropical beach retreat in one trip – for when you want to celebrate life and enjoy the good times.

Thanks to the plethora of national parks, diverse regions and a coastline full of stunning beaches, you can choose from a range of safari and beach holiday packages to Tanzania.

Below are a few examples of the best beaches in Tanzania.

The Zanzibar archipelago, located 35km off the coast of mainland Tanzania, is home to some of the most sought-after beach destinations.

Not only are they easily accessible via a short flight from the mainland, but they also offer a unique experience to visitors. The area is a melting pot of Arabian, African, and European cultures, reflected in its distinct architecture, fusion cuisine, and long history.

The archipelago comprises over forty tropical islands, with Zanzibar and Pemba being the two largest islands.

Zanzibar Island is an iconic destination with countless stunning beaches. Start your tour by exploring the ancient city of Stone Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

En route to your beachside retreat, enjoy a fascinating spice tour to discover where some of your favourite spices come from.

After settling into beachside accommodation, such as an intimate guest house, five-star luxury retreat, or isolated tropical island, board a traditional Dhow to snorkel or dive in Zanzibar’s beautiful clear waters.

Like Zanzibar, Pemba Island has pristine beaches, ancient Arabic remains, tidal sandbanks and beautiful lagoons. However, Pemba is smaller, greener and less developed, giving you the feeling of leaving the world behind.

An absolute highlight is the Pemba Channel Conservation Area, which spans the entire west coast of the island. Seize the opportunity to scuba dive and snorkel in this incredible habitat to spot rare species such as dugongs, dolphins, humpback whales, and five sea turtles.

Mafia Island is a secret tropical paradise 130km south of Zanzibar, which remains unknown to most of the world. Moreover, reaching this beautiful island is much easier than expected and worth the little extra effort.

Thanks to being a protected marine reserve since the 90s, abundant marine life and beautiful coral gardens offer some of the best diving and snorkelling experiences in East Africa.

The highlight here is swimming with beautifully patterned Whale Sharks during certain seasons.

For those wishing to journey where others have yet to explore, there are multiple mainland beaches to discover.

Bagamoyo, a short distance north of Dar es Salaam, has a fascinating ancient history and a beautiful beach. Here, you can stay in a beachside lodge that will make you feel like a castaway on a luxury island.

Another mainland gem is a relatively young national park called Saadani National Park, where the savannah meets the beach. Although wildlife numbers are still increasing, you can enjoy a morning game drive or boat safari and then relax on a long white tropical beach in the afternoon.

The best time for Tanzania beach holidays is during Tanzania’s two dry seasons, June to October and December to February.

No matter where you go, you will receive warm Tanzania hospitality and delicious food whilst staying in world-class accommodation.

By day, there are multiple activities, ranging from spice tours, scuba-diving and snorkelling, to keep even the most active people entertained.

Zanzibar Holidays: Explore tropical beaches & rich cultural heritage

The spice island of Zanzibar is the crossroads between Africa, the Middle East and Asia. It offers beautiful tropical beaches and a range of places to stay with stunning views of the Indian Ocean.

The Zanzibar Archipelago consists of two main islands, Unguja (commonly known as Zanzibar) and Pemba, as well as approximately fifty smaller islands, where you can discover palm-fringed white sandy beaches that stretch into the warm turquoise waters and invite visitors to unwind and soak up the sun. These idyllic features make Zanzibar holidays a popular honeymoon experience.

Located only 35km from the mainland, these beautiful islands offer the chance to experience an authentic safari and a tropical beach retreat in a single trip. A smooth transition from mainland safari to island beach is achieved by flying from Arusha to Zanzibar. Consequently, nature lovers can opt for a safari and beach package. While the adventurous can choose a Mount Kilimanjaro climb and beach package.

African, Arab and European settlers have influenced the rich culture and intriguing history. Travellers who embark on a spice tour or explore the historic streets of Stone Town, one of the few remaining ancient African cities, will discover how the spice trade brought immense wealth to those in power. This prosperity allowed for the construction of elaborate palaces, forts, and prisons on the islands. However, delving deeper into the archipelago’s history reveals a dark shadow – the trade of thousands of enslaved people and countless elephant tusks for ivory.

Today, the historic centre of Stone Town, situated on Unguja Island, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover cobbled streets, intricately carved doorways, and vibrant colours of Zanzibari clothing. Magnificent Sultan’s palaces and grand Arab houses, winding alleys and bustling bazaars give visitors the feeling of being immersed in the world of Sindbad and Alibaba.

Zanzibar holiday destinations to choose from

 

• The North Coast. Located approximately 50 km north of Stone Town, you will discover a once-sleepy fishing village called Nungwi. Today, it is a popular beach destination. It is also one of the only places to see the sunrise and sunset over the ocean. The beaches in Nungwi offer excellent snorkelling opportunities from the shore. Mnemba Island, only 30 minutes away by boat from Matemwe, is a fantastic location for diving or snorkelling in Zanzibar.
• The East Coast. This island’s east side is very popular amongst visitors seeking a tropical paradise with its miles of palm-fringed beaches. Compared to other regions of the island, the coral reef on the east coast is at its furthest distance from the shore. If you want to go snorkelling, you can easily arrange fun boat trips to the reefs from Pongwe, Jambiani and Paje. The latter is also famous for kitesurfing.
• Chumbe Island. Experience nature at its best on Zanzibar holidays, far away from any form of civilisation and modern infrastructure. Chumbe, an award-winning island, is a 45-minute boat ride from Stone Town and offers secluded pristine beaches. It is surrounded by a biodiverse coral reef, now a protected marine park, and presents an excellent diving and snorkelling opportunity. Its eco-friendly and sustainable setup makes it perfect for nature enthusiasts yearning for the ultimate Robinson-Crusoe feeling.

Tanzania has many other beautiful beach destinations, including the southern Mafia Island and lesser-known mainland beaches like Bagamoyo and Pangani. For a unique experience, visit the Saadani National Park, where the savannah meets the ocean.

WHEN TO GO

Best time to go to Zanzibar

The best time to visit Zanzibar is during the two dry seasons: June to October and December to February. The weather in Zanzibar is warm, with low humidity and hardly any rain. It’s the perfect time of year for a safari or trek in Tanzania, followed by a relaxing beach retreat.

Zanzibar experiences two rainy seasons: the unpredictable short rains between November and December and the long rainy season from March to May, during which heavy rainfall can occur.

January and February can be hot with rising humidity levels, but it’s an excellent time for scuba diving. Spot Humpback whales from August to September, while Whale Sharks and Green Turtles can be seen from September to February.

Dry Season
June to October
Ideal period for a safari followed by a beach getaway

Green Season
November & March to May
Best season for fewer visitors and lower rates.

Why to go
Spoilt for choice – a diverse holiday destination

The Swahili Coastline is an ideal destination if you’re searching for a tropical beach retreat. Zanzibar, in particular, is a cluster of stunning tropical islands easily accessible from mainland Tanzania. This offers a once-in-a-lifetime safari followed by a tropical beach getaway.

Today, the trade winds that brought merchants from far and wide throughout the archipelago’s history are used by local people who fish traditionally in beautiful white-sailed dhows and by modern-day kitesurfers. The outlying reefs provide the chance for excellent snorkelling and scuba diving. And spice tours allow you to discover the island’s history in a unique way.

On Zanzibar beach holidays, you will find world-class accommodation on palm-fringed shorelines, only a few meters away from long white beaches, allowing you to listen to waves crashing on the shore as you drift off to sleep. While there, you’ll experience exceptional hospitality, delectable seafood and the fusion of Zanzibar cuisine.

Finally, the Zanzibar culture, particularly in Stone Town, is rich and captivating, providing a sensory experience that transports visitors far from their daily lives.