By the mainland, Zanzibar and the other islands of the archipelago are the 9 most beautiful beaches in Tanzania.
A pearl of Africa, dazzling by its myriad of rare and exotic landscapes, ethnicities and species, Tanzania is often the journey of a lifetime. Its territory, shaped by the tectonic forces millions of years ago and dominated by the Kilimanjaro, constitutes a virgin and wild sanctuary.
If this African country can be proud of its animal concentration, it can also boast the splendour of its beaches. So, after admiring the mythical spectacle of migratory birds, lions, hyenas, herds of zebra and gus, fly to the coasts and tropical islands.
Celined with corals and species refuges that awaken the imagination, they offer an unforgettable atmosphere. Here are the 9 most beautiful beaches in Tanzania.
1. Island Fanjove, the
Photo credit: Shutterstock – federico neri
- 📍 Location: one of the five islands of the Songo-Songo Archipelago, south of Mafia Island
- ✱ Attempts: well-kept secret, Fanjove stretches like a lost and wild paradise
- i in Good to know: a private island accessible from Dar es Salaam by plane and then by boat
We start in beauty with one of the most enchanting places to swim in Tanzania: the isolated and private island of Fanjove. Only twelve travellers at a time: as often in Tanzania, the preservation of nature prevails over consumerism tourism.
In addition to the authenticity and privacy of the place, Fanjove excels with the immaculate beauty of its beaches and the richness of its fauna. The island is discovered during a picnic between white sand and turquoise water, during a sunset on a stretcher, on a traditional dhow and even a kayak in the mangrove.
2. Kendwa, the Saved
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- 📍 Location: northwest coast of Zanzibar
- ✱ Attempts: in Zanzibar and just three kilometers from Nungwi, but far from the tourist boom
- i in Good to know: This is where the monthly Full Moon Party celebration is held. Less disgusted than her Thai twin, she instead gives way to Maasai warriors in colorful traditional outfits
Kendwa's authentic beach is a permanent invitation to swim and relaxation. The descent points in the water are all more attractive than the others. Beyond the pearly white sand from which coconut trees emerge, you will be pleased to explore the beautiful fishing village of the same name.
3. Paje, the sportsman
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Marius Dobilas
- 📍 Location: southeast coast of Zanzibar
- ✱ Attempts: one of the best Zanzibar spots to practice surfing and kitesurfing
- i in Good to know: swept by strong tides, swimming is not possible at every hour of the day
If this beach with strong winds is one of the most beautiful places to swim in Tanzania, it is also a perfect place to admire the work of algae pickers.
In fact, at low tide, when the water collapses, the algae cover the beach. Women harvest them for medicinal, hygienic and food purposes: one of the country’s main economic activities.
4. Jambiani, animated
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Becker Stefan
- 📍 Location: southeast coast of Zanzibar
- ✱ Attempts: one of the most beautiful beaches in Tanzania, where parties, nautical activities and quiet
- i in Good to know: go for a tour on the side of the fish stalls freshly fished: a delight without name
The lively beach that runs along the small houses with the chaume roofs is full of life and animations. It must be said that its white and fine sand, licked by turquoise water and nibbled with some caves, is an ideal setting for setting up all kinds of activities and partying to the dawns. However, Jambiani breathes authenticity.
5. Mafia Island, the only
Photo credit: Shutterstock – MOIZ HUSEIN STORYTELLER
- 📍 Location: southwest of Dar es Salaam
- ✱ Attempts: exceptional place where you can observe the sharks-baleins (the largest fish on our planet) and visit one of the last dhows factories (traditional wooden cars made by hand)
- i in Good to know: a quieter alternative to Zanzibar but certainly no less sublime. But be careful, the number of visitors to the island is limited
Paradise of divers and nature lovers, the island of Mafia is the island of all superlatives... If this piece of paradise is full of dark beauty beaches, it is also well known for its protected marine park. So protected and fertile that it is full of planktons attracting the whale sharks.
6. Matemwe, the unsubscribe
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Luisa Puccini
- 📍 Location: northeast of Zanzibar
- ✱ Attempts: perfect balance between animation and calm, Matemwe has developed and preserve its charms
- i in Good to know: one of the most beautiful places to swim in Zanzibar and observe the waterbeds populated with multicolored corals and rare fishes
An enfilade of coconut trees diping in a translucent water. Close by, the laughter of the village's children. A little further, the broom of the fishermen to the work. Faced with you, the Mnemba atoll: high place of diving and snorkeling in Zanzibar. It's a time of change.
7. Mnemba Island, Whiteest
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Michal Wegrzyn
- 📍 Location: three kilometres from Zanzibar Island
- ✱ Attempts: the most beautiful beaches in Zanzibar according to the said, thanks to the absence of low tide algae
- i in Good to know: There is only one and only one hotel on the island, with only eleven villas. So better anticipate to enjoy this dream setting
By falling nose to nose with the island of Mnemba, the traveller feels humility. It is difficult not to feel her littleness in the face of such a painting by Mother Nature. The island of Mnemba is shining under an impeccable white sand coat, with azurean waters and caressed by a marine life in the colours of the rainbow.
You’ll make the tour in twenty minutes on foot, but it would take years to get tired of it. Snorkeling, diving, farniente, dhow tour, turtle deck show: free the Robinson in you.
8. Pemba Island, green
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Stephen Butler
- 📍 Location: off Zanzibar
- ✱ Attempts: often combined with a visit to Zanzibar and/or the island of Mafia, the island of Pemba is the most romantic and contrasting of the three
- i in Good to know: nicknamed the green island, Pemba will surprise you by the density of its vegetation and its spice crops, coconut, bananas, rice, cassava and beans
Sublimated by the voluptuous curve of its green vallons, the island of Pemba is the most isolated from mass tourism. Despite the hills, it does not lack beaches where it is good to swim in Tanzania, away from the world.
If you have to choose: discover the beach Vumawimbi to the extreme north and that of Misalsi Island On the south-east coast. No home and only company: your serenity and the underwater life of the coral reef.
9. Kigamboni, the urban
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Arnold Tibaijuka
- 📍 Location: district southeast of Dar es Salaam
- ✱ Attempts: a beach close to the city but similar to a piece of paradise lost
- i in Good to know: hotels in this region rely on the fingers of the hands, think to book as soon as possible to stay there
The beach of Kigamboni extends like a long white sand tongue buried in thick vegetation. Unknown to tourists despite its proximity to the city, Kigamboni offers relaxation and snorkeling session away from the crowd.
The deserted island of Sinda is laid off Kigamboni. It is possible to go there in sailing at the day: a privileged experience in a marine setting of all superlatives!
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