When you think of the sea in Tanzania, you think of Zanzibar, and rightly so: its beaches are among the most beautiful in the Indian Ocean. But the country has about 1,400 km of coastline and dozens of islands, and the most spectacular beaches are often the very ones that almost no one knows about. Among these are:
- the deserted bays of Pemba;
- the waters off Mafia Island, where whale sharks swim from October through February;
- the coast of Ushongo, with a sandbar that emerges at low tide;
- Saadani, Tanzania’s only national park where the savanna stretches all the way to the sea.
Here are Tanzania’s most beautiful beaches, region by region, with everything you need to make your choice.
The Most Beautiful Beaches in Tanzania (In Our Opinion!)
| Beach or area | Where is it located | Why visit | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje | Zanzibar (Unguja) | Pure white sand, amenities, sunsets | First trip, the beach after the safari |
| Vumawimbi and the Northern Bays | Pemba Island | Empty beaches nestled between forest and mangroves | Diving, seclusion |
| Utende and Chole Bay | Mafia Island | Marine Park, whale sharks | Snorkeling, nature |
| Ushongo and Maziwe | Tanga Coast, near Pangani | Palm trees, few people, a sandbar | Relaxation off the beaten path |
| Saadani | Coast between Dar es Salaam and Tanga | Safari and beach in the same park | For those who want it all in one place |
| Bongoyo and Mbudya | Off the coast of Dar es Salaam | Small islands a half-hour boat ride from the city | A day at the beach in the city |
| Kilwa Masoko | South Coast | Quiet beaches and UNESCO ruins | Sea and history |
| Matema | Lake Nyasa, southwest | Lake beach at the foot of the mountains | Curious travelers |
Zanzibar: The Most Famous Beaches
The main island of the archipelago, Unguja—which everyone calls Zanzibar—has beaches that vary greatly depending on the stretch of coastline.
- North (Nungwi and Kendwa): The tide has little effect here, so you can swim at any time of day and watch the sunsets over the ocean.
- East and Southeast (Matemwe, Paje, Jambiani): The sand is extremely fine and the lagoon is turquoise, but at low tide the water recedes hundreds of meters. It’s a kitesurfing paradise.
- Mnemba Atoll and Menai Bay: These are the best spots for snorkeling, sea turtles, and dolphins.
We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to Zanzibar’s beaches, coast by coast, with explanations of the tides and recommended places to stay.
Pemba: the green island for those seeking deserted beaches
North of Zanzibar, a half-hour flight away, Pemba is the other major island in the archipelago. It is hilly and covered with clove plantations, mangroves, and forest. It receives very few tourists compared to Zanzibar, and its beaches reflect this: you can walk for an hour without seeing a soul.
- Vumawimbi: a long white-sand beach at the northern tip, protected by the Ngezi Forest, the island’s last remaining stretch of primary forest.
- Misali Island: This is a marine conservation area with coral-sand beaches and trails through the mangroves. Sea turtles come here to lay their eggs.
- The seabed: The deep channel between Pemba and the mainland forms vertical coral walls. Many divers consider these to be the best dives in East Africa.
Mafia: The Sea of the Marine Park
The name has nothing to do with Italy: the island is located about 130 km south of Dar es Salaam, across from the Rufiji River delta. Much of its waters are part of the Mafia Island Marine Park, Tanzania’s first marine park, established in 1995. That’s why the coral reefs are in better condition here than elsewhere. The most beautiful beaches are in Utende and around Chole Bay, with sandbars that emerge at low tide.
The main reason to visit Mafia is to see the whale sharks. From October/November through February, they gather off the coast of Kilindoni, sometimes just a few minutes from shore. Swimming alongside the world’s largest fish—which is harmless because it feeds on plankton—is a rare thrill. Mafia is about a 30–40-minute flight from Dar es Salaam. Details and travel periods are available in ourMafia Island guide.
Ushongo and the Pangani Coast: Palm Trees, Dhows, and Silence
About 50 km south of Tanga, near the historic town of Pangani, Ushongo Beach stretches for miles between coconut palms and fishing villages. It’s the authentic Swahili coast: few accommodations, no nightclubs, and dhows (traditional sailing boats) returning at sunset.
Offshore lies Maziwe, a marine reserve consisting of a sandbar that emerges only at low tide. You can reach it by sailboat for a day of snorkeling among tropical fish, and dolphins often swim by. From August through October, humpback whales can also be spotted off this coast.
Saadani: Where the Savannah Meets the Sea
Between Dar es Salaam and Tanga lies Saadani National Park, the only national park in Tanzania that overlooks the ocean. In the morning, take a jeep safari among giraffes, buffalo, antelopes, and elephants. In the afternoon, travel upriver on the Wami River by boat, passing hippos and crocodiles. In the evening, return to the beach.
The beaches aren’t the whitest in the country, and there aren’t as many animals as in the north. But it’s the only place where you can see both without taking domestic flights. Green sea turtles lay their eggs on some of the park’s beaches.
Dar es Salaam: Islands Half an Hour from the City
The city’s beaches, such as Coco Beach in Oyster Bay, are pleasant for a stroll at sunset, but not for swimming. The real ocean is a half-hour boat ride from Msasani, on the small islands of the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve:
- Bongoyo: It has a coral beach with thatched huts and trails through the scrub.
- Mbudya: It’s smaller and quieter.
Further north, Kunduchi has well-equipped beaches and a water park, making it ideal for families. South of the harbor, on the Kigamboni Peninsula, the beaches are wider and less crowded. For things to do in the city between swims, check out our guide to Dar es Salaam.
Kilwa and the southern coast
Kilwa Masoko, on the southern coast, has quiet beaches. Across from it lies Kilwa Kisiwani, which between the 12th and 15th centuries was the wealthiest city on the Swahili Coast, boasting a grand mosque, a palace by the sea, and its own minted coins. Its ruins have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. Further south, toward the border with Mozambique, the Mnazi Bay Marine Park and the Ruvuma Estuary protect nearly pristine coral reefs. It is an area still off the beaten path, ideal for travelers with plenty of time and a willingness to adapt.
Lake Beaches: The Sea You Don’t Expect
Tanzania has beaches even far from the ocean. Its large lakes are so vast that they have waves, sand, and clear water:
- Matema, on the northern tip of Lake Nyasa, has a dark beach at the foot of the Livingstone Mountains. Fishermen set out at dawn in dugout canoes.
- Kigoma, on Lake Tanganyika, has small beaches from which boats depart for Gombe National Park and its chimpanzees.
Before swimming in the lakes, ask for local information. In some areas, there is a risk of schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease contracted in still freshwater, and in others, there are crocodiles and hippos.
When to Visit the Beach in Tanzania
The coast is warm year-round, with temperatures ranging from 26 to 32 °C and water temperatures always above 25 °C. What makes the difference are the rains and the winds:
- June–October: This is the dry and windy season, the best time to combine a beach vacation with a safari. The southeast wind, the kusi, makes the sea rougher along Zanzibar’s east coast, which is great for kitesurfing.
- December–February: It’s warmer, and the sea is often calm and crystal-clear. It’s ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving, as well as for seeing whale sharks in Mafia.
- March–May: These are the months of the long rains. Many accommodations close, especially in April and May.
- November: The short rains arrive, with downpours usually concentrated in the afternoon.
For a month-by-month breakdown of Zanzibar, check out our guide on the best time to visit Zanzibar.
Practical Tips for the Beach in Tanzania
- Documents: You’ll need a passport valid for at least six months and a visa, which you can apply for online. Travel insurance is mandatory in Zanzibar and, starting October 1, 2026, also in mainland Tanzania. You can find all the instructions in our visa guide for Tanzania and Zanzibar.
- Health: No vaccinations are required for travelers arriving from Italy. A yellow fever certificate is required only if you are arriving from a high-risk country or after a long layover in one of these countries. On the coast and on the islands, you should consult your doctor about malaria prophylaxis.
- Clothing: Swimwear is appropriate only on the beach. In villages and cities, which have a Muslim majority, cover your shoulders and knees.
- Environment: Use sunscreen that is safe for coral reefs. Do not touch or walk on the coral reef, and choose tour operators who maintain a safe distance from dolphins and whale sharks.
- Money: ATMs are rare on the smaller islands and along the southern coast, so be sure to bring enough schillings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tanzania’s Beaches
What is the most beautiful beach in Tanzania?
The most famous beaches are those in Zanzibar, such as Nungwi, Kendwa, and Paje. For those looking for deserted beaches and pristine underwater landscapes, however, Pemba and Mafia Island are often more spectacular.
Where can you go to the beach in Tanzania besides Zanzibar?
The best alternatives are Pemba Island, Mafia Island, the Ushongo coast near Pangani, Saadani National Park, the small islands off the coast of Dar es Salaam, and Kilwa on the southern coast.
Where can you see whale sharks in Tanzania?
The best place is Mafia Island, where whale sharks gather off the coast of Kilindoni from October or November through February. They can be observed on guided boat tours, while swimming at a safe distance.
When is the best time to visit the beach in Tanzania?
The best times are from June to October, when it’s dry and breezy, and from December to February, when it’s warmer and the sea is often calm. From March to May, it rains a lot, and many establishments close.
Can you go on safari and go to the beach in the same place?
Yes, in Saadani National Park, Tanzania’s only oceanfront park. For a safari richer in wildlife, the most popular option is to combine the northern parks with a few days at the beach in Zanzibar.
Are there beaches on Tanzania’s lakes?
Yes. The most beautiful are Matema, on Lake Nyasa, and the beaches around Kigoma, on Lake Tanganyika. Before swimming, it’s best to check locally, due to the risk of schistosomiasis and the presence of crocodiles and hippos.
A week on safari and then your feet in the sand: this is the trip we’re most often asked for, and we can even plan it with an island off the beaten path than Zanzibar. See how we combine parks and ocean in our safari and beach packages , or tell us which beach piques your interest and we’ll help you get there.
