Best Beaches in Tanzania
By the Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris team
Written by our Arusha-based guides and safari planners from first-hand experience in Tanzania.
After the dust of the safari trails, Tanzania’s Indian Ocean coast is the perfect place to unwind. Zanzibar is the most popular choice, a short flight from Arusha or the Serengeti, while Pemba and Mafia Island offer quieter beaches and superb marine life.
Zanzibar Beaches
| Beach | Coast | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Nungwi | North | Swimming at most tides, sunsets, lively feel |
| Kendwa | North-west | Calm water and long sunset beach |
| Matemwe | North-east | Quiet stays near Mnemba Atoll |
| Kiwengwa | East | Resorts and wide white sand |
| Paje | South-east | Kitesurfing and a relaxed vibe |
| Jambiani | South-east | Village life and seaweed farms |
On the east coast the tide goes out a long way, revealing pools and seaweed farms; in the north the water stays deeper for swimming. Many guests split their stay between a beach and a night or two in historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pemba and Mafia Island
Pemba Island
Lush, hilly and much less visited than Zanzibar, Pemba is known for clove plantations, secluded beaches and excellent diving along its reefs and walls.
Mafia Island
South of Dar es Salaam, Mafia lies within a marine park and is known for coral gardens, quiet lodges and seasonal whale shark encounters, usually between about October and March.
Things To Do on the Coast
- Snorkel or dive around Mnemba Atoll
- Sail on a traditional dhow at sunset
- Tour a spice farm
- Walk the alleys of Stone Town
- Visit Jozani Forest for red colobus monkeys
- Learn to kitesurf in Paje
Tanzania Beaches FAQs
Which is the best beach in Zanzibar?
It depends on what you want. Nungwi and Kendwa in the north are best for swimming at most tides and sunsets. Paje suits kitesurfers, while Matemwe and Kiwengwa are quieter, with resorts close to the reef.
How do I get from a safari to Zanzibar?
Scheduled light aircraft fly from Arusha and from several Serengeti airstrips to Zanzibar, so you can go straight from the bush to the beach. We arrange these flights as part of your private itinerary.
When is the best time for a Tanzania beach holiday?
The driest months are roughly June to October and late December to February. The long rains from about March to May bring heavier showers, and some coastal lodges close during that period.
Is Zanzibar part of Tanzania?
Yes. Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania. Visitors use the same Tanzania visa, although Zanzibar may have its own entry requirements, such as mandatory travel insurance, so check the latest rules before travel.
Add a Beach Escape to Your Safari
Finish your private tailor-made safari on Zanzibar, Pemba or Mafia Island. We handle flights, transfers and beach hotels.
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