Beaches in Tanzania
Discover the best Beaches in Tanzania. Most beaches are close to the safari park, so you can easily combine a safari with some time on the beach. Zanzibar Island is the most popular beach destination, with its miles of white sand beaches and luxury lodges. Pemba Island, just north of Zanzibar, is another great option for diving and whale watching. And finally, Mafia Island in the south is a laid-back spot perfect for spotting sea turtles.
Top Beaches in Tanzania to go for a holiday
Zanzibar Island
The crown jewel of Tanzania’s coast, Zanzibar is famous for its idyllic holiday resorts and boutique beach hotels. But there’s more to the island than meets the eye. In Zanzibar Town, the historical quarter of the island’s capital, travelers can explore twisting alleys, mosques, and markets. And scattered around Zanzibar are tiny, off-the-beaten-track islands, ideal for honeymooners and get-away-from-it-all vacations.
Mnemba Island
Mnemba Island, a tiny paradise located northeast of Zanzibar Island, is known for its exclusivity and privacy. The island’s legendary reef is a popular spot for diving and snorkeling.
Pemba Island
Pemba, located 50km from Zanzibar, is a hidden gem that few tourists know about. It’s covered in forest and spice plantations and has great beaches. Tourism is only starting to develop here, so it’s perfect for people looking for a Tanzania beach holiday without the crowds.
Mafia Island
Mafia Island is located 160km north of Zanzibar and is a classic Indian Ocean island with a serene tropical ambiance. It is home to one of the world’s best dive sites..
Chumbe Island
An uninhabited island 12km south of Zanzibar Town and home to a pristine coral reef and private marine reserve, Chumbe makes an ideal day trip for keen divers and snorkellers.
Kendwa beach
Kendwa Beach, located on the northwestern coastline of Unguja, is known for its lively nightlife and tourist-friendly atmosphere. The Full Moon Parties organized by Kendwa Rocks are a highlight, where visitors can party on the beach until the early hours of the morning. In addition to the beach, Kendwa has plenty of bars, restaurants, and hotels to choose from, as well as many activities and day trips.
Nakupenda beach
Nakupenda Beach, meaning “I love you” in Swahili, is a sandbank located a short boat ride from Stone Town. It has white sand and clear turquoise water, making it a perfect spot for swimming or snorkeling. There are no trees or shade on the sandbank, so be sure to bring a parasol. You can also relax in one of the beach bars and watch the sunset.
Nungwi beach
Nungwi is one of the best beaches in Tanzania and is located on the northern tip of the island and has stunning views of the Indian Ocean. The white sands and warm waters make it a great place to relax and swim, and the sunsets are particularly beautiful. At night, you can also see the local fishing boats out on the water, which makes for some great photos.
The best time to visit beaches in Tanzania
Zanzibar has a fabulous climate to meet all your Indian Ocean beach holiday dreams. It is an average of 30 year-round – the catch is, you want to go when there is minimal chance of rain. We don’t think the beach is much fun when it is raining, especially if you are coming from a less than tropical climate like the UK! For the absolute minimum chance of rain, it really has to be the dry season from mid-June – mid-October.
The best time to go is during the dry season, which is January and February. December and March might have some showers, but there’s still a good chance of nice weather. It’s a gamble going in November, March, and December, and you should avoid April and May.