What are the best beaches in Tanzania?

When we think of Tanzania, the first thing that comes to mind is the Serengeti Desert and safaris. However, Tanzania has so much more to offer, such as its incredible beaches with crystal clear waters overlooking the Indian Ocean. In this post we have made a selection of the best beaches in Tanzania so you don’t miss the best corners of the country’s coast.

Some of the most famous beaches in Tanzania are those of Zanzibar and Pemba, but there are many others located in tropical paradises where you can relax or practice water sports such as diving or snorkeling. On the coast of Tanzania you will also find impressive coral reefs populated by abundant marine life. Sometimes access to the beaches is paid, so we recommend to check in in advance to avoid any surprises.

Best Beaches in Tanzania

1. Pemba Island and its pristine beaches in Tanzania

Pemba is one of the favorite destination for tourists traveling in search of sun and beach. Tanzania’s second-largest island is 80 km from Unguja and is known as the “evergreen island” for its lush vegetation and pristine beaches.

A point in its favor is that it is not overcrowded, which makes it a perfect refuge for diving. On the island you will also find incredible underwater rooms offered by the few resorts in the area. We recommend a visit to the South Beach, a magical place where Panza Island and Jombe Island meet.

2. Jambiani Beach

On the same island of Zanzibar we find this wonderful beach that captivates with its white sand and light blue sea. Jambiani offers a calmer atmosphere compared to other tourist areas of the island, inviting to rest there. Also its shallow waters make it a paradise for kitesurfing and windsurfing lovers, who can practice without having to face big waves or strong currents.

Next to the beach there is a charming village where you can stroll and have a drink. On the same beach you can also hire a sunset boat ride, an experience not to be missed.

Jambiani Beach is a popular destination for divers from all over the world because it is possible to see manta rays around the shore.

3. Kizimkazi Beach 

Located on the southwest coast of Zanzibar, this beach is famous for being a place to encounter dolphins in their natural habitat. Tourists can book excursions to swim with these friendly animals there. The beach is surrounded by curious rock formations that you can reach at low tide.

This beach is even quieter than Jambiani, and a perfect place to enjoy the authenticity of Swahili culture through fishing and local life. There you can also enjoy yoga classes, amazing sunsets and snorkeling excursions.

4. Kendwa Beach, the most famous beach of Zanzibar

Kendwa Beach is one of the most impressive beaches in Tanzania. It is located on the northwest coast of Unguja, on the island of Zanzibar, and offers an idyllic, postcard-typical landscape. But the main problem with this beach is its popularity, which attracts hundreds of tourists every year who crowd the beach with hammocks and umbrellas. If you are looking for tranquility, this is not the beach for you.

At Kendwa Beach, the Full Moon Party (big parties held on full moon days on the beach) are also very popular. As it is a very touristy destination, in the surrounding area you will find a multitude of bars, restaurants and accommodations to suit all budgets.

The beach is also popular for snorkeling. Its transparent waters allow you to see numerous marine species, including starfish.

5. Mafia Island

This island captivates visitors with its white sand beaches, turquoise waters and coral reefs inhabited by hundreds of marine species. The best thing about the island is that it is off the tourist radar, and offers an uncrowded environment for a perfect a getaway. There are very few hotels in the area and hardly any infrastructure on the beach.

In addition to the serenity it exudes, the island is also a paradise for diving and snorkeling lovers because of the rich marine life that inhabits its coral reefs, such as turtles and whale sharks. Definitely, Mafia Island is a place that you do not want to miss on your trip to Tanzania.

6.  Nakupenda Beach

In the Zanzibar archipelago itself, you can’t miss Nakupenda Beach, its name in Swahili means “I love you”. This beach is quite crowded and has no shadows to protect you from the sun. However, it is worth a visit to enjoy its clear waters and beautiful seabed, ideal for snorkeling.

To get to Nakupenda you can hire a boat at Stone Town harbor, or hire an organized excursion to Prison Island and Nakupenda Beach. This will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty and serenity of this paradisiacal corner, enriching your adventure in the archipelago.

7. Ananda Beach in Paje

Located on the east coast of Unguja, the largest island of the Zanzibar archipelago, and just an hour from Stone Town, Paje offers a quiet and charming atmosphere with a beautiful beach.

Ananda Beach is an idyllic haven of fine white sand mingling with turquoise waters while green palm trees provide shade. This beach is renowned for its excellent conditions for kitesurfing as the waters are shallow and calm. At low tide you can go several kilometers into the Indian Ocean with the water only reaching your ankles.

8. Ras Kisimani

This gorgeous beach of white sand, turquoise blue waters and shady trees is located on Mafia Island, a destination that has always been overshadowed by the fame of Zanzibar, which is a boon for preserving the beauty of the place.

Ras Kisimi is an increasingly popular destination for diving and snorkeling as its Marine Reserve is home to rich and varied life. Also near the beach you’ll find agencies where you can book diving excursions.

9. Bongoyo Beach

Bongoyo Beach is a perfect destination for a day trip. The eponymous island is a protected area belonging to the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve and where there are no hotels. So, if you want to visit it you will have no choice but to rent a boat or hire an organized excursion in Dar es-Salaam to get there.

In Bongoyo you will find two extensive paradisiacal beaches surrounded by lush vegetation. It’s the perfect place to take a day trip and return in the evening to enjoy the livelier atmosphere of Dar es-Salaam.

10. Mbudya Island

Mbudya Island is another perfect day trip to make when in Dar es Salaam as it is only a 20-minute boat ride away.

It is an ideal place to explore the coral reefs by snorkeling. There are no accommodation options on the island, making it a perfect choice for a temporary retreat from the hectic life of Dar es-Salaam.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

Where to dive in Tanzania

Tanzania is a true paradise for diving enthusiasts as it boasts stunning coral reefs that are home to a rich marine biodiversity. In the middle of the Indian Ocean, the coasts of Tanzania and its islands provide the optimal conditions to practice this sport; warm and transparent waters, and exceptional marine landscapes where whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins and all kinds of fish live.

One of the most iconic destinations is Zanzibar, where the Mnemba Marine Reserve is located. It is famous for its corals and a great diversity of species, from colorful tropical fish to turtles and dolphins. It is the most popular spot for diving, but all over the island you will find many more sites.

Mafia Island is another dive gem less traveled than Zanzibar. Its Mafia Marine Park is known for being a whale shark sanctuary and home to spectacular reefs.

And if you’re looking for a variety of scenery, we recommend heading to Pemba, an island north of Zanzibar where you can dive vertical walls with several meters of drop-off.

The best months for diving are March, October and November. And you can book excursions and rent equipment from local schools.

What should I consider before traveling to the beaches of Tanzania

• In some beaches in Tanzania there is an entrance fee.
• The official languages in Tanzania are Swahili and English.
• A visa and passport are required for entry into Tanzania.
• The official currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian shilling.
• Although in the more touristy areas it is possible to find places that accept credit cards, it is advisable to carry cash.
• Tanzania has a tropical climate with pleasant temperatures throughout the year. However, you should be prepared for climatic variations depending on the region you visit and the time of the year.
• Drink only bottled water and avoid consuming raw foods from untrustworthy places to avoid stomach problems.
• Hedge yourself against possible medical emergencies: travel insured.
• Tanzania is a safe destination, but we recommend you take care with your belongings and avoid going out alone at night.
• Don’t forget your sunscreen.
• The best time to travel to Tanzania is between May and October.

How to organize what to see on your trip to the beaches of Tanzania

Sign up or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travelers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
• Organize your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so that they can see and modify all the plans and trip information.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
• Add the stops that most interest you, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
• Book your flights, accommodations, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app to always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documentation…
• Make any modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travelers with your experience. In addition, you can share your own travel tips and your experiences on the beaches of Tanzania.

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.

Frequently asked questions about the beaches of Tanzania