Tanzania Beaches and coastal destinations are spectacular white sands and year round temperatures which makes Tanzania a haven for the beach lover.
Beaches and coastal destinations are located on the eastern side of Africa along the tropical belt just below the equator. Comprising of Tanzania mainland beaches covers a total length of the Tanzania coastline is about 800 km extending from the border with Kenya in the north to Ruvuma River in the south on the mainland, 430 km around Unguja and 450 km around Pemba Islands, are blessed with year round sunshine and a balmy climate of around 30 degrees centigrade.
Tanzania beaches and coastal destinations provides unique experience in the following categories:-
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Secluded and Peaceful
Places to sink your feet into the sand, grab a cocktail and relax.
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Great for Divers
Special areas for diving, surfing, sailing, and snorkeling.
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Picture Perfect
Areas for wonderful photo you could imagine, where the Indian Ocean rolls up to the barrier reef and then creates a perfect lagoon that stretches along the flank of the island with lots of a mix of Tanzanian activities.
Please preview brief information about the best Tanzania beaches and coastal destinations below.
- Dar es Salaam
- Zanzibar Stonetown
- Pemba Island
- Mafia Island
- Pangani Coastal Area
- Tanga Coastal Area
- Kilwa Island
- Bagamoyo Coastal Town
Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam is the largest metropolis city on the East African coats, and the commercial centre of Tanzania with the finest natural harbours in the world. Inhabited by more than 2 million people and serving as a melting pot where many races, cultures, and different religions live in tranquillity. Dar es Salaam coastal areas are famous to tourists for the following key activities along the beaches and coastal areas:-
Size
1,350 sq. km
Location & Getting There
Dar es Salaam is located in the eastern part of the Tanzanian mainland at 6o51’S latitude and39o18’E longitude. The beach and shoreline comprise sand dunes and tidal swamps. Coastal plains composed of limestone extend 10 km to the west of the city, 2‐8 km to the north, and 5‐8 km to the south.
Getting there can be by:-
- Speed Boats from Zanzibar
- Scheduled flight International and from Arusha, Mwanza, Mbeya, Mtwara and Kilimanjaro Airports
- By road from up country towns.
What to do
- Explore the beautiful beaches
- Snorkelling
- Diving
- Sailing
- Visit the centuries old Arabic architecture and the ambiance
When to go
- All time around the year
Please check for available tour packages here
Zanzibar & Stonetown
Zanzibar, a Stonetown was awarded status as a World Heritage Site in 2000. It is a spectacular island of spices worldwide leading to its famous name, “Spice Islands”. Tourists flock to Zanzibar for the beautiful beaches, snorkelling, spice tours, centuries old Arabic architecture and the ambiance that isn’t replicated anywhere in the world.
Zanzibar is famous from the following:-
- Used to be the centre of East African slave trade
- Famous for representing Arab culture, the quaint shops and bazaars, and it’s spicy cuisine, and buildings and palaces
- Interesting flora and fauna – Jozani Forest and Musingini Forest Reserve
- Slave caves at Mangapwani
- Spice tour
- Deep harbour with modern and traditional vessels
- Beautiful white, sandy beaches
Size
1,500 sq. km
Location & Getting There
The Island is located on the Eastern side of Tanzania about 96.7 from the Tanzania mainland [Dar es Salaam]. Getting there can be by:-
- Speed Boats from Dar es Salaam,
- Scheduled flight from Arusha, Mwanza,
Mbeya, Mtwara and Dar es Salaam Airports.
What to do
- Explore the beautiful beaches
- Snorkelling
- Diving
- Sailing
- Spice tours
- Visit the centuries old Arabic architecture and the ambiance
When to go
- All time around the year
Please check for available tour packages here
Pemba Island
Pemba Island is part of the archipelago of Zanzibar. The island is situated in the warm blue waters of the Indian Ocean, this tropical paradise providing a genuine island experience of:-
- culture and landscape
- Attractions to include swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing, forest trekking, historical ruins, and bull fights
Size
900 sq. Km
Location & Getting There
The Island is located on the Eastern side of Tanzania about 695 Km from Dar es Salaam and 131 Km from Unguja [Zanzibar – Stone Town].
Getting there can be by Speed Boats from Dar es Salaam, and or Scheduled flight from Arusha, Mwanza, Mbeya, Mtwara and Dar es Salaam Airports.
What to do
- Explore the beautiful beaches
- Snorkelling
- Diving
- Sailing
- Spice tours
- Visit the centuries old Arabic architecture and the ambiance
When to go
- All time around the year
Please check for available tour packages here
Mafia Island
Mafia Island is the archipelago of the Rufiji Delta. The word “Mafia” comes from the Grab word “Morfieyeh” which means a group, and used to describe the group of 4 peaceful coral islands comprising the archipelago. It is considered as a:-
- Natural aquarium, rich in marine fauna
- Paradise for anglers
- Breathtaking palm beaches and azure blue waters.
Mafia Island is a Marine Park as it is surrounded by a dense coral reef. The economy is based on fishing, subsistence agriculture and the market in Kilindoni. The island attracts some tourists, mainly adventure scuba divers, game fishermen, and people wanting relaxation. Tourists enjoy visiting a population of pygmy hippopotamus, the excavated ruins of Kua, as well as cycling and hiking.
Size
394 sq. Km
Location & Getting There
The Island is located on the Eastern side of Tanzania about 137 Km from Dar es Salaam. Getting there can be by:-
- Speed Boats from Dar es Salaam,
- Scheduled flight from Arusha, Mwanza, Mbeya, Mtwara and Dar es Salaam Airports.
What to do
- Explore the beautiful beaches
- Snorkelling
- Scuba diving
- Sailing
- Visit the excavated ruins of Kua
- Total relaxation
When to go
- All time around the year
Please check for available tour packages here
Pangani Coastal Area
Pangani a coastal destination on the Tanzanian mainland was once home to historic Arab slave traders. This is a perfect stop point between the Northern and Southern Circuits. Pangani is famous for its attractions in beach side villages to include untouched beaches, coconut tours, and dinosaur fossils.
Size
1,756 sq. Km
Location & Getting There
The Pangani coastal area in Tanzania mainland is located about 45 Km south of Tanga. Getting there can be by:-
- Speed Boats from Dar es Salaam,
- Scheduled flight from Arusha, Mwanza, Mbeya, Mtwara and Dar es Salaam Airports.
What to do
- Explore the beautiful beaches
- Snorkelling
- Diving
- Sailing
- Visit the centuries old Arabic architecture and the ambiance
When to go
- All time around the year
Please check for available tour packages here
Tanga Coastal Area
One of the largest cities of Tanzania, Tanga coastal area offers a wide range of beautiful bays, uninhabited islands, pristine coastal forest and white sandy beaches, fringed by coconut palms and mangrove communities. Tanga on the Tanzanian northern circuit has a fascinating history as one of the oldest settlements along the East African coast. Key attractions include the following:-
- Historical remains in the coastal towns
- Tongoni Ruins
- Amboni Caves and the Hot Sulphur Springs
- Sand Islands for snorkelling, swimming or diving
- African sailing and cruise along the coastline in a ngalawa (canoe) or a traditional dhow
- Fishing with local fishermen
- Bird watching in the mangrove eco-system
Size
536 sq. Km
Location & Getting There
The Tanga coastal area is located on the Eastern side of Tanzania about 341, 328 and 274 Km from Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Moshi respectively [Driving] and 196 Km by air from Dar es Salaam. Getting there can be by:-
- By road from Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Moshi
- Scheduled flight from Arusha, Mwanza, Mbeya, Mtwara and Dar es Salaam Airports.
What to do
- Explore the beautiful beaches
- Snorkelling
- Diving
- Sailing
- Spice tours
- Visit the centuries old Arabic architecture and the ambiance
When to go
- All time around the year
Please check for available tour packages here
Kilwa Island
Kilwa Island with ruins recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is considered one of the most important Swahili historical sites in East Africa. The ruins are the main attraction on the island, as the town of the island was once the most powerful and prosperous city of the Asian-African trade in, mostly trading on spices, textiles, iron, gold, jewellery, and ivory,
Size
440 sq. Km
Location & Getting There
The Island is located on the Eastern southern side of Tanzania about 330 Km by car from Dar es Salaam. Getting there can be by:-
- By road from Dar es Salaam,
- Scheduled flight from Mtwara and Dar es Salaam Airports.
What to do
- Explore the beautiful beaches
- Snorkelling
- Diving
- Sailing
- Spice tours
- Visit the centuries old Arabic architecture and the ambiance
When to go
- All time around the year
Please check for available tour packages here
Bagamoyo Coastal Town
A quaint coastal town of the mainland, Bagamoyo was once the centre of slave and ivory trading. History’s presence is strong here, with 19th century architecture, and an original slaving building still standing. Bagamoyo one of the active coastal town of Tanzania mainland has attractions to include the Kaole ruins, sailboat building, lovely beaches, and Bagamoyo College of the Arts, a famous school of visual arts.
Size
9,847 sq. Km [Whole District]
Location & Getting There
The Island is located on the Eastern North side of Tanzania about 65 Km from Dar es Salaam. Getting there can be by:-
- By road from Dar es Salaam
What to do
- Explore the beautiful beaches
- Snorkelling
- Diving
- Sailing
- Spice tours
- Visit the centuries old Arabic architecture and the ambiance
When to go
- All time around the year
Please check for available tour packages here