The Top 6 Best Beach Destinations In Tanzania
The Top 6 Best Beach Destinations In Tanzania : Most visitors come to Tanzania for a prime game-viewing safari experience in reserves such as the Serengeti, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, or for a hiking safari on Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, and Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second highest peak. When you’ve had your fill of safari, the country’s coastline beckons with the promise of a relaxing beach vacation. Tanzania has some of the best beaches in Africa for honeymooners, families, friends, and solo travelers, making it a popular choice for those looking for a wildlife safari, hiking safari, and beach combination.
The bustling, sprawling city of Dar es Salaam may not seem like an obvious choice for a beach vacation, but its international airport and central location make it the logistics hub for Tanzania’s coast. Within a 2-hour drive of the city, there are excellent beach hotels and resorts. You’ll be spoiled for choice with an array of beautiful Tanzanian beaches, and the slew of Zanzibar resorts that take pride of place on Tanzania’s main tourist island is another major draw.
- Zanzibar: The Island of Spice
Zanzibar is the crown jewel in Tanzania’s coastal treasure chest, famous for its idyllic setting and boutique beach hotels (not to mention outstanding scuba diving), and a must-see while on a Tanzania beach vacation. Stone Town, the historical quarter of the island’s capital, Zanzibar Town, allows curious visitors to explore twisting alleys, mosques, and markets. Tiny, off-the-beaten-path islands dot the coast of Zanzibar, providing an ideal setting for a romantic honeymoon or a get-away-from-it-all vacation. This tropical island is pleasant to visit throughout the year, but the best time to visit Zanzibar is during the dry season, which runs from June to October.
- Mnemba Island: An Exclusive Escape
When visiting Tanzania’s beaches, many visitors stop at Zanzibar and look no further. However, there is an incredible variety of beautiful island destinations that must be explored. Mnemba, a tiny island paradise a kilometer north-east of Zanzibar Island, is one such place. This intimate island off the coast of Tanzania is the epitome of exclusivity and privacy, home to the celebrated Mnemba Island Lodge and spectacular beaches. Furthermore, its famous reef provides some of the best diving and snorkeling in the Zanzibar Archipelago.
- Pemba Island: Honeymooners’ Paradise
Located 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Zanzibar and long in its shadow, visitors to the wonderful island of Pemba are rarely disappointed. Few people are aware of this wonderful island off the coast of Tanzania, but it offers a spectacular experience all of its own, complete with a unique topography and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stay at The Manta Resort, an underwater hotel. Pemba, surrounded by great beaches and covered in forest and spice plantations, is still in its early stages of tourism, making it ideal for people looking for a Tanzania beach holiday without the crowds.
- The Top 6 Best Beach Destinations In Tanzania : Mafia Island: A Hidden Gem
It’s difficult to believe that there are beaches in Tanzania that haven’t yet been swarmed by sunbathers. Mafia, located 160 kilometers (99 miles) north of Zanzibar, has managed to stay under the radar for decades, a true hidden gem. It is part of a larger archipelago that offers a classic beach vacation experience and is home to one of the world’s best dive sites. There is a limited amount of accommodation available, making it the ideal place to unwind after a day of exploring and swimming in crystal-clear waters.
- The Top 6 Best Beach Destinations In Tanzania : Chumbe Island: A Protected Coral Reef Sanctuary
If the crowds of Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam aren’t your thing for your Tanzania beach vacation, perhaps an uninhabited island 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) south of Zanzibar Town will. Chumbe, with its pristine coral reef and private marine reserve, is an ideal day trip for experienced divers and snorkelers looking to get away from the crowds. If you plan on staying for a night or two, make sure to visit the eco-friendly Chumbe Island Coral Park. The small, cutting-edge eco-lodge offers accommodation in one-of-a-kind thatched bungalows right on the beach.
- The Top 6 Best Beach Destinations In Tanzania : Chole Island: A Peaceful Haven
Because Tanzania has some of the best beaches in Africa, remote beaches are often more sought-after than busy ones. And this tiny sliver of land, barely a kilometer long and accessible only by a 15-minute boat ride from Mafia Island, is unquestionably off the beaten path. Chole is located in the Mafia Island Marine Park, where its shallow-water reefs are teeming with life, and the magical Chole Mjini Treehouse Lodge ensures an exceptionally exclusive experience.
