Destinations

While most travellers visit Tanzania for its outstanding wildlife viewing reserves and to catch a glimpse of the legendary Great Wildebeest Migration, the country is also blessed with a stunning stretch of Indian Ocean coastline. Despite being a large country, frequent scheduled flights between the inland parks and coastline make travelling between the two more convenient than you might think. This makes Tanzania one of East Africa’s best bush-and-beach destinations, with the opportunity to combine an unforgettable safari adventure with a few days kicking back on pristine stretches of sand.

 

In this article, we’ll introduce some of Tanzania’s most beautiful beaches and islands for all styles of travellers and how to combine them with the country’s top wildlife parks to create an incredible getaway. From the ever-popular beaches of Zanzibar Island to some of the country’s lesser-known gems, we’ll help you craft the best safari in Africa that you won’t soon forget.

 

Nungwi Beach (Zanzibar)

Nungwi Beach is located at the northern tip of Zanzibar and is home to some of the island’s best beach resorts that overlook the Indian Ocean’s crystal-clear waters. There’s a lively atmosphere of waterfront bars and restaurants where you can while away your days or jump on a traditional dhow to explore the offshore reefs. Nungwi’s popularity means that it can get quite busy during the peak tourist season, so isn’t ideal for those who like the quiet life. With direct flights from the Serengeti to Zanzibar, it’s easy to combine a Serengeti migration safari with a few days in Nungwi.

Kendwa Beach (Zanzibar)

If you want to be based on Zanzibar Island but also want to escape the crowds, you might want to consider Kendwa Beach. It’s situated just to the southwest of Nungwi and with a west-facing location, it boasts magnificent sunsets. It’s a great base for those who like to swim thanks to its deep waters and is also within easy access of coral reefs for snorkelling and local village visits. So why not jump aboard a direct flight from Tarangire National Park to Zanzibar for the ultimate Tanzania safari holiday, combining lion spotting and underwater adventures at Kendwa.

 

Mnemba Island

If the hustle and bustle of Zanzibar are all too much, escape to the private getaway of Mnemba Island, which is just off Zanzibar’s northeastern shore. It’s home to the exclusive &Beyond Mnemba Island Lodge that is a barefoot paradise and ringed by picture-perfect beaches and protected coral reefs. Spend your days scuba diving, taking yoga classes or being pampered during open-air massages, then be treated to private dinners crafted by their skilled chefs. Mnemba is just a short boat ride from Zanzibar, from where you can fly direct to Arusha to access the national parks and reserves along the Northern Circuit.

 

Pemba Island

Another excellent choice if you want the Zanzibar vibe without the crowds, Pemba Island is blanketed in rolling, green hills and aromatic clove plantations. It’s separated from mainland Tanzania by the Pemba Channel, which is renowned for its colourful coral reefs and abundant marine life. Base yourself in one of the luxury beach resorts that dot the coast and embark on a day trip to stunning Misali Island to see nesting sea turtles and spot rare Fischer’s turaco. If you’re planning on a Kilimanjaro safari, there are direct flights from Arusha to Pemba where you can rest your weary muscles on the beaches of this idyllic Indian Ocean island.

 

Saadani National Park

 

If you want to combine your safari and beach experience into the one destination, then look no further than Saadani National Park. It’s around 300 kilometres’ drive north of Dar es Salaam (directly opposite Zanzibar) and is the only wildlife sanctuary in Tanzania that fronts the Indian Ocean. Wake early for game drives to spot lions, elephants and giraffes, then kick back on the golden sands during the heat of the day when the animals retreat. The park is also home to Cape buffaloes, leopards, vervet monkeys and yellow baboons, with the animals sometimes seen basking along the beach shores.

 

Sange Beach

If complete seclusion is what you’re after, head north from Saadani National Park to Sange Beach, an off-the-beaten-track destination that’s been dubbed “Tanzania’s best-kept secret”. It’s home to the thatched-roof Kijongo Bay Beach Resort that fronts an idyllic stretch of sand, with swaying coconut palms and turquoise waters where you can snorkel right off the beach. The mangrove forest also attracts myriad birdlife while dolphins are often spotted playing off the coast. It’s the ideal setting for a luxury safari in Tanzania, with Saadani National Park an easy day-trip south.

 

Pangani Beach

A stone’s throw north of Sange Beach is the small Swahili town of Pangani, which is surrounded by powdery white beaches that are largely deserted. It’s the ultimate destination for those who want to get away from it all and soak up the quiet seclusion while swimming in the calm waters or during romantic walks along the beach. There are a handful of resorts where you can base yourself, with outstanding bird watching and scuba diving all on offer. Pangani Beach is within easy access of the Usambara Mountains whose tropical mountains are considered a biodiversity hotspot and home to endemic species that include the Usambara eagle-owl, the Usambara weaver and the African violet.

 

Mafia Island

A haven for divers and snorkelers, Mafia Island is situated just off the southeast coast of Dar es Salaam and is situated within its very own marine park. The surrounding waters are teeming with marine life, as well as colourful hard and soft corals, while above water you’ll find palm-fringed beaches where you can recount your day’s adventures. Base yourself in one of the resorts of secluded Ras Kisimani or bunk down at Utende Beach in Chole Bay. Why not combine your visit to Mafia Island with a safari adventure along the Southern Circuit, visiting Mikumi National Park, the Udzungwa Mountains National Park, Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park?

 

Ras Kutani Beach

If you’re short on time after exploring the Southern Circuit and don’t want to venture too far from Dar es Salaam, consider staying at Ras Kutani Beach. At just 25 kilometres from the heart of Tanzania’s largest city, it feels a world away, with idyllic white sands, safe waters for swimming and even a shipwreck that will keep snorkelers entertained. The Ras Kutani Lodge is the only place to stay and boasts sweeping views across the Indian Ocean, with plenty of hammocks where you can get lost in a good book. Spend your days kayaking, fishing or searching for nesting sea turtles, then be treated to some of the coast’s freshest seafood at the on-site restaurant.

 

Fanjove Island

Ever wanted to stay on a private island? Then head south from Dar es Salaam to Fanjove Island, which forms part of the Songo Songo Archipelago. It features just six rustic beach bandas that offer stunning ocean views and are constructed using locally sourced building materials. It’s an excellent choice for environmentally-minded travellers who are after a private safari in Tanzania and are happy to ditch the air-con and TV in favour of solar-powered amenities. Aside from the stunning views, you’ll be sharing the island with abundant marine life, migrating seabirds and coconut crabs. Fanjove Island is best combined with the game reserves and national parks along the Southern Circuit. Alternatively, it’s just a short flight from Dar es Salaam to the wildlife-viewing destinations along the Northern Circuit.