Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti and many more trekking and safari options make Tanzania’s guests happy. An extra are the many beaches along the mainland coast and the offshore islands. Beach holiday and relaxation at its finest. These are some of the best beaches in Tanzania, with accommodation right next door.

Zanzibar Archipel

An oasis of relaxation, Zanzibar may no longer be an insider tip, but it still retains much of its alluring vibe. The beaches of the main island of Unguja alone, which many people have in mind when they refer to Zanzibar, could already fill this blog. But I would like to recommend 2 beaches in particular for their versatility.

Nungwi Beach

Nungwi Beach is without a doubt one of the liveliest beaches on Zanzibar’s main island of Unguja. During the high season it can get quite busy here on the northern tip of the island. The beach is also lined with first class hotels and resorts. And the neighbouring town of Nungwi offers plenty of opportunities to eat, drink and shop. But Nungwi Beach is a picturesque beach that seduces with a vast expanse of soft white sand and clear blue ocean.

Photo: Z-Hotel

Paje Beach

Located on the east coast of Unguja, Paje Beach is particularly popular with young backpackers. With the many hotels and hostels dotted along the beach, it’s another great place for a lively beach holiday. Above all, it is a popular beach for romantic sunrises and water sports. Paje and the surrounding area offer a small kite surfing paradise. But many surfers also ride on the impressive reef breaks here, although they have to paddle out to the reef for a few minutes at low tide.

Photo: Mwezi Boutique Resort, between Paje and Jambiani Beach

Mafia Island – Utende Beach

Mafia Island is south off the coast of Dar es Salaam. Above all, it is the surrounding waters that allow those who carry oxygen bottles and snorkel equipment to immerse themselves in a fairytale world. The reasons for this are the sheltered location, the many small neighbouring islands, and the adjacent coral reef. Utende and its beaches are located in the Mafia Island Marine Park. You have to pay extra for this, but with the white sand and turquoise water you have a breathtakingly beautiful paradise around you. Wooden dhow boats with their traditional sail rigging also provide a romantic backdrop for gazing out to sea at sunrise.

Kilwa Masoka – Jimbizi Beach

Jimbizi Beach is a bit off the usual tourist trail, located in Kilwa Masoka, a mainland port city in south-eastern Tanzania. If you happen to be nearby, then do go for a visit. Jimbizi Beach is a beautiful, tourist-friendly beach with soft sand and shallow, warm water. The sea is so shallow that you can wade across the sandbanks and spend hours in the water. It’s a bit rocky in some places though. The beach is in a sheltered bay, where the occasional palm or baobab tree provides some shade. Just be careful not to have fruit drop on your head.

Ungindoni – Family Beach

A particularly recommended beach for everyone on the mainland is Family Beach in Ungindoni, just southeast of Dar es Salaam. As the name suggests, it is a real family beach. Over 1 km of golden sand along turquoise waters. The shallow, reef-free access to the sea is safe for all ages. There are picnic areas, sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, restrooms, and restaurants. However, there is only natural shade under the palm trees and trees in the back row. For those interested in water sports, there are sea kayaks and jet skis, among other things. There is a beach volleyball facility on the beach. In high season it can get busy. But you meet a lot of locals.

Saadani National Park

The Saadani National Park offers the unique opportunity in East Africa to combine game drives and a subsequent swim in the Indian Ocean. In one moment, you can admire wildlife like elephant, buffalo, lion, giraffe, sable antelope and so on. And the next moment you can be jumping into the Indian Ocean along miles of pristine beaches. Only at high tide, of course. 4×4 safaris, hippo, and crocodile boat trips on the south end of the beach into the Wami River, or swimming and snorkelling offshore: there’s plenty of excitement to be had here.

These are some of the best beaches in Tanzania, which will hopefully help you as a first orientation. In one of the next blogs, we will also give you a small overview of the most beautiful beaches on the uninhabited islands of Tanzania. Otherwise, we are always available for questions and support in planning your trip to Tanzania. Here on site, we are always well informed about the current situation. So get in touch with us!