Tanzania Beach Holidays

Tanzania and the Zanzibar archipelago are the perfect destinations to combine a dream safari and a tropical beach retreat in one trip – for when you want to celebrate life and enjoy the good times.

Thanks to the plethora of national parks, diverse regions and a coastline full of stunning beaches, you can choose from a range of safari and beach holiday packages to Tanzania. Below are a few examples of the best beaches in Tanzania.

The Zanzibar archipelago, located 35km off the coast of mainland Tanzania, is home to some of the most sought-after beach destinations. Not only are they easily accessible via a short flight from the mainland, but they also offer a unique experience to visitors. The area is a melting pot of Arabian, African, and European cultures, reflected in its distinct architecture, fusion cuisine, and long history. The archipelago comprises over forty tropical islands, with Zanzibar and Pemba being the two largest islands.

Zanzibar Island is an iconic destination with countless stunning beaches. Start your tour by exploring the ancient city of Stone Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. En route to your beachside retreat, enjoy a fascinating spice tour to discover where some of your favourite spices come from. After settling into beachside accommodation, such as an intimate guest house, five-star luxury retreat, or isolated tropical island, board a traditional Dhow to snorkel or dive in Zanzibar’s beautiful clear waters.

Like Zanzibar, Pemba Island has pristine beaches, ancient Arabic remains, tidal sandbanks and beautiful lagoons. However, Pemba is smaller, greener and less developed, giving you the feeling of leaving the world behind. An absolute highlight is the Pemba Channel Conservation Area, which spans the entire west coast of the island. Seize the opportunity to scuba dive and snorkel in this incredible habitat to spot rare species such as dugongs, dolphins, humpback whales, and five sea turtles.

Mafia Island is a secret tropical paradise 130km south of Zanzibar, which remains unknown to most of the world. Moreover, reaching this beautiful island is much easier than expected and worth the little extra effort. Thanks to being a protected marine reserve since the 90s, abundant marine life and beautiful coral gardens offer some of the best diving and snorkelling experiences in East Africa. The highlight here is swimming with beautifully patterned Whale Sharks during certain seasons.

For those wishing to journey where others have yet to explore, there are multiple mainland beaches to discover. Bagamoyo, a short distance north of Dar es Salaam, has a fascinating ancient history and a beautiful beach. Here, you can stay in a beachside lodge that will make you feel like a castaway on a luxury island.

Another mainland gem is a relatively young national park called Saadani National Park, where the savannah meets the beach.  Although wildlife numbers are still increasing, you can enjoy a morning game drive or boat safari and then relax on a long white tropical beach in the afternoon.

The best time for Tanzania beach holidays is during Tanzania’s two dry seasons, June to October and December to February. No matter where you go, you will receive warm Tanzania hospitality and delicious food whilst staying in world-class accommodation. By day, there are multiple activities, ranging from spice tours, scuba-diving and snorkelling, to keep even the most active people entertained.