Tanzania is home to the Great Migration, amazing national parks, ancient towns and cities, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar Island. It is a premium destination for African safaris, but there's more to this country than its exotic wildlife. Tanzania also has an abundance of beaches along its long coastline.
The country has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with powder-white sand, turquoise waters, and palm trees dotting the expanse. The balmy weather throughout most of the year means that you can visit the beaches whenever you want.
The Best Beaches In Tanzania
Here's a look at 10 of the best beaches in Tanzania.
1. Kendwa Beach
Kendwa Beach gets heavy tourist traffic, and with good reason. This beach has everything from bars, hotels, and restaurants, to white sandy shores and sparkling turquoise waters. The water has coral reefs, so scuba diving and snorkelling are a must for those who wish to see beautiful marine wildlife up close.
The beach hosts full moon parties once a month which is a great deal of fun. There's also excellent nightlife for partygoers.
2. Prison Island
Prison Island, sometimes known as Changuu, was used historically as a quarantine site, coral mine, and slave port, hence the name. Today it is a popular tourist spot. The island has a turtle sanctionary and the remains of a prison that was never really used.
It’s covered in trees and gleaming white sand, and blue-green ocean waters lapping on the shore. You can go snorkelling offshore, sunbathe while enjoying the views, and walk the length of the island.
3. Jambiani Beach
Jambiani is located some distance from Paje Beach. The village is small with little accommodations, but it has some of the most beautiful sceneries in the country. It’s known for being a relaxing spot to spend your day in.
Still, there's plenty to do in Jambiani. You can go diving at Stingray City to see hundreds of stingrays swimming in the water.
Visit Jozani Forest to see monkeys jumping on trees, take a cultural tour around the village, or go kite surfing and fishing.
4. Nakupenda Beach
Nakupenda means "I love you" in Swahili, and we can guarantee you'll love this Stone Town beach. You have turquoise waters on either side of the beach and coral reefs, making it perfect for diving and snorkelling.
If you go early in the morning, you'll be able to see dolphins swimming in the clear water. It really is the perfect place to have a relaxing beach holiday. Nakupenda is a sandbank with no trees, so we encourage you to bring your umbrellas and parasols.
5. Mbudya Island Beach
Mbudya Island is a 20 minute boat ride from Dar es Salaam. This idyllic beach is a respite from the hectic city life with its beautiful white sand and intensely blue-green waters. There are coral reefs surrounding the island; if you go diving or snorkelling, you'll see multicoloured fish swimming in and out of the reef. You could bring your own food, or you can eat delicious traditional food at its beach shop.
6. Saadani National Park
Saadani is Tanzania's newest national park. It also is the only coastal wildlife sanctuary on the eastern coast of Africa. The Indian Ocean lies on the eastern boundary of the park and flows into the mouth of the Wami River, where hippos and crocodiles live.
The sandy beach stretches out to the horizon, and you also have sand islands offshore. You can go on boat safaris on the Wami River, swim in the ocean near the lodge, snorkel on the offshore sand islands, and walk around the village
7. Nungwi Beach
Nungwi beach is found 60 kilometres from Zanzibar Island. It has incredible white sands, palm and mangrove trees, and of course, the warm, blue waters of the ocean. You can swim, dive, and snorkel, visit the Turtle Care centre, or play football and volleyball on the sand.
The sunsets on this island are like nothing you've ever experienced, with the clear ocean water turning yellow, orange, and red. Nungwi has luxurious accommodations like restaurants, beachfront guesthouses, and bars.
8. Paje Beach
Found on the east coast of Zanzibar Island, Paje Island has stunning, idyllic beaches. The white sandy beaches are long, with palm trees on one side and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean on the other.
The island is great for kite surfing, diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, swimming, and more. One of the highlights of Paje is that when the tide is low, the water retreats for kilometres. You can actually walk on the floor of the Indian Ocean for hours.
9. Kipepeo Beach
Located on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam, this beach is a popular getaway thanks to its relaxed atmosphere. Kipepeo, named after the butterfly, has palm trees bordering the white shores and blue waters. You can find makeshift houses made traditionally with thatched roofs near the beach.
On Kipepeo, you can go snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and fishing on traditional dhow boats. It's also a great place for swimming, thanks to the lack of rocks.
10. Bongoyo Island Beach
Bongoyo is an uninhabited island located near Dar es Salaam. It's perfect for day trips from the city. There are a few bars on the island, but you can bring your own food and refreshments. This untouched island is covered in verdant forests, rocks, and soft sand; its two beaches are very beautiful. While visiting the island, you can snorkel and swim in the warm water.
The Best Time To Visit Tanzania
The best time to enjoy Tanzania's beaches is during the long dry season, which falls from July to September. These are also the best months to see the Great Migration and go on safaris. Do keep in mind that this is the peak season for tourists, so expect big crowds, especially in popular tourist destinations. To avoid big crowds, try visiting the country in June or September.
The worst time to visit is during the rainy season. You can expect heavy downpours and humidity in the coastal region during this season.
There are so many reasons to visit Tanzania, and the Tanzanian coast is one of them. The coastline has pleasantly warm weather, beautiful white sandy beaches, and vivid blue-green waters of the Indian Ocean.
The idyllic islands and sunkissed beaches have attracted many tourists hoping for peace and quiet while they take in the incredible scenery. It is the perfect beach holiday destination filled with adventures at sea, outstanding accommodations, historic sites, and colourful marine life.
Are you ready to visit the Tanzanian coast? Book a trip with us now and enjoy all that Tanzania has to offer!