12 BEST BEACHES IN TANZANIA
A young boy rides a bicycle on a beach in Zanzibar. Tanzania isnt just about safaris and soaring mountains, it has some of the best beaches you can find in the whole of Africa / Image: @etvoilaraissa
Most people think of Tanzania as the country for epic wildlife encounters. And it is, but it’s also got some seriously stunning beaches, proving that it isn’t just for adventure seekers; it’s also perfect for anyone looking to relax and unwind by the sea.
The beaches in Tanzania are far from your typical sandy stretches, with most looking like they've come right from the front of a postcard. Think powdery white sand and glass-like water with towering palm trees as your backdrop.
If you know anything about Tanzania's beaches, you've likely heard all about the famed archipelago of Zanzibar. While this dreamy group of islands has some of the country’s most stunning beaches, there are also an assortment of hidden gems that don’t get nearly enough appreciation. In this article, we'll dive into all of Tanzania's beaches that should be on your must-see list!
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Beaches in the Zanzibar Archipelago:
Best Beaches on Mainland Tanzania:
Beach huts sitting beautifully off the shores of Zanzibar. If you are envisioning a picture perfect beach getaway - the beaches in Tanzania will offer you just that and more!
Best Beaches in the Zanzibar Archipelago
Zanzibar is one of Africa’s dreamiest honeymoon destinations and home to some of Tanzania's most impressive beaches, the majority of which are found on the islands of Unguja and Pemba.
Nungwi Beach
Nungwi Beach is perhaps the most famous spot on this list, as its soft white sand and turquoise waters encapsulate everything you think of when you envision a tropical paradise. It's nestled on the northern tip of Unguja, which is the main island of Zanzibar, on the edge of the Nungwi village.
There's a little something for everyone at Nungwi Beach. Those hoping to unwind will love relaxing at a lavish beachfront resort such as Nungwi Beach Resort by Turaco. Keen snorkellers can discover the abundant marine life. And partygoers can enjoy some drinks at one of the many coastal bars like ZeeBar.
Nungwi Beach at sunset with a sailboat floating across its calm seas with the golden sun setting in the background. This beach offers tranquility and relaxation to anyone who travels here / Image: @traveladdict1000
Mtende Beach
If you're looking for something a little more rugged, Mtende Beach deserves a spot on your itinerary. This unspoiled pocket of sand is perched on the bottom of Unguja and is characterized by rocky outcrops and a handful of shacks lining the shores. As gorgeous as the entire area is, the centerpiece is undoubtedly the tranquil cove, which feels a world away from many of the busier beaches in Zanzibar.
There are just a few no-frills lodgings and restaurants near the beach, and as such, the area is best suited to visitors who prefer serenity and rustic scenery to watersports and late-night partying. However, it's around two hours away from the livelier areas in the north of the island, making it ideal for a day trip.
Kendwa Beach
After Nungwi, Kendwa is arguably the most iconic beach in Zanzibar. Lying on the island's northwest coast, Kendwa Beach is as picturesque as they come, with calm sea conditions, bright white sand, and jaw-dropping sunsets.
It's a tad quieter than its more northern neighbor in terms of nightlife, but the area still features some fantastic eateries, including Gold Restaurant, buzzing bars, and dozens of varied accommodation options. If you struggle to stay easy while on vacation, you'll find ample opportunities to dive, snorkel, paddleboard, and jet ski.
Welcome to Jambiani Beach where you can find a fleet of white cows that are iconic to the islands beaches. The cows and their owners saunter the beaches waiting for their famous photos to be snapped / Image: @morgannott
Jambiani Beach
Jambiani might just be the most popular spot on Zanzibar's east coast, yet it's still noticeably quieter than many of the beaches in the north. It has undergone quite a bit of development over the years, meaning you'll enjoy all the modern comforts you need; luckily, it hasn't taken from the old-school charm of the seafront area.
Along the seven kilometers of silky-smooth sand is a slew of luxury hotels, restaurants, and bars, including the Zombie Bar. This beach is all about taking it easy and going with the flow, so it may not be for you if you tend to veer toward more vibrant areas. That said, it's an incredible place to relish Zanzibar's natural beauty without the crowds, meet warm locals, and dive into the island's culture.
Paje Beach
Another much-loved beach on the east coast of Zanzibar is Paje. It's particularly sought-after for its kitesurfing scene, thanks to the area's consistent winds throughout much of the year. Nevertheless, kitesurfing isn't the only watersport. This immaculate beach offers thrill-seeking visitors, as it also has a thriving waterskiing, paddleboarding, and snorkelling scene.
If watersports aren't your thing, you can spend your beach holiday lounging on the sun-kissed sand, sampling seafood at one of the thatched restaurants like Ocean, and sipping cocktails in the evenings atMahali Beachbar.
Get back to basics at Paje Beach. A traveler strumming on a guitar on the beach where the powdery white sands and warm sun entoxicate you / Image: @majklvelner
Makunduchi Beach
For a more local experience, Makunduchi Beach is a fantastic option. It's located in a relatively untouched section of southern Zanzibar. On the surface, this beach is reminiscent of many of the better-known corners of the island, but you'll find just a fraction of the tourists as you will in other parts of Zanzibar.
There's an assortment of beachfront accommodations to choose from, but aside from that, the area boasts just a couple of traditional restaurants and minimal amenities. Just what every intrepid traveler wants!
Vumawimbi Beach
Hidden away in the very north of the mesmerizing Pemba Island is Vumawimbi Beach. Pretty much every beach on this island is undeniably beautiful, but Vumawimbi's isolated location, biodiverse blue waters, and untamed setting set it apart from its counterparts.
There's not a whole lot to do here other than take a dip in the sea and basque in the beauty of the beach, but it's the ultimate place to go to relax and lay low. Currently, there are no hotels, shops, or eateries along Vumawimbi Beach, but that's a part of its allure. However, the western side of the peninsula has a small selection of lodgings.
Zanzibar is renowned for being one of the best beaches in Tanzania. Three children skip along a Zanzibar beach with a lone raft floating in the waters or the sea / Image: Kate Druchenko
Nakupenda Beach
Nakupenda Beach is a pint-sized sandbank off the coast of Unguja in Zanzibar. But it's only visible at low tide, disappearing completely when the tide is high. So long as the tide is on your side, you'll have a chance to explore the fine sand and swim in the crystal-clear seas as part of a day trip.
Of course, the very nature of this beach means that it's not somewhere you can spend extended periods of time, but it's a must-visit spot nonetheless!
A giraffe makes its way across a dirt road in Saadani National Park. One of the best beaches in Tanzania’s mainland is just a stones throw away from here / Image: @the_gallery
Best Beaches on Mainland Tanzania
We don't often hear much about the beaches of mainland Tanzania, but it has over 1,000 kilometers of coastline. As such, it's no surprise that the country's eastern shores are dotted with some magnificent beaches.
Saadani National Park
Who would have guessed that one of the best beaches on Tanzania's mainland would be just a stone's throw from vast grasslands filled with lions, elephants, and hippos? Saadani National Park is the only place of its kind that encompasses both the quintessential African bush and the oceanfront, so you can enjoy game drivers and sea swims on the same day!
Along the beachfront, you'll find a mix of upmarket and modest campsites. Aside from accommodations, there's little else in the area, allowing visitors to marvel at the wildlife in complete tranquility.
Bagamoyo Beach
Bagamoyo Beach sits less than two hours north of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's bustling capital city. It's the focal point of the town of Bagamoyo, and the beach tends to be a bigger hit with locals than international tourists.
The sand isn't quite as pristine as that in other parts of the country due to the presence of seaweed, but the sweeping Indian Ocean views and clear water more than make up for this. Because Bagamoyo is a rather expansive town, the coast is lined with a plethora of hotels, bars, and restaurants, though they tend to be more simplistic than luxurious.
Three boys walk down to the shore at bagamoyo beach with a boat behind them wedged in the sands. Bagamoyo beach is a favorite beach for the locals / Image: @sampol
Ushongo Beach
If you head toward the northern points of the Tanzanian coast, you'll come to Ushongo Beach, some five hours away from Dar es Salaam. This glorious stretch of sand could rival any beach in the country, with its vast swathes of soaring palm trees, gentle tides, and diverse marine life.
Ushongo Beach feels entirely remote, but the small number of hotels and beachside lodges have plenty of amenities for every kind of traveler. Snorkeling, diving, and fishing are some of the most popular activities to partake in here, though resting up on the beach is also a pretty great way to spend your time!
Shangani Beach
Mtwara, a quaint port town in southern Tanzania, features one of the most laidback beaches on the mainland, known locally as Shangani Beach. It's a little more unkempt than many other beaches on this list, with soft sands, superb sunsets, and warm water.
The area has much more of a local vibe, so it's a lovely spot for anyone hoping to get away from the crowds and immerse themselves in Tanzanian culture. When you're not sunbathing or strolling along the coast, you can hop on a boat to other nearby beaches or swim alongside the reefs.
The famed archipelago of Zanzibar. Pristine beaches, white sands and beautiful crystal clear seas make them some of the most stunning places to visit in the world / Image: @elliotparis
Other Beaches in Tanzania to Explore
Some of Tanzania’s beach destinations are tucked away on private islands but are well worth venturing to for a more exclusive experience. This includes islands like Chumbe, Fanjove, and Mnemba, all of which are among the most spectacular parts of the country.
Soak up the Sun at These Idyllic Beaches in Tanzania
If you’ve been craving a sun-soaked escape, the beaches in Tanzania won't disappoint. Each pick feels like its own little slice of paradise; where will you choose? The waves of Zanzibar or the mysterious charm of the mainland, there’s something here for everyone.
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