Best beaches in Tanzania, After an exhilarating safari in Tanzania, there’s no better way to unwind than on a tropical beach with crystal-clear waters, white sand, and swaying palm trees.
✔ Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia Island offer some of Africa’s best beaches, perfect for snorkeling, diving, and beachfront relaxation.
✔ Whether you want a luxury resort, a secluded island retreat, or a budget-friendly beach lodge, Tanzania has a beach for every traveler.
This guide covers the best beaches in Tanzania, the top resorts, and activities to enjoy after your safari.
1. Why Visit Tanzania’s Beaches After a Safari?
✔ Relaxation After a Safari – Unwind after days of game drives.
✔ Year-Round Warm Waters – Ideal for swimming & water sports.
✔ World-Class Diving & Snorkeling – Coral reefs, dolphins, and whale sharks.
✔ Luxury & Budget Options – From 5-star resorts to backpacker-friendly lodges.
✔ Tip: The best time for beach vacations in Tanzania is June–October & December–March (dry season, best visibility for diving).
2. Best Beaches in Zanzibar – The Ultimate Post-Safari Retreat
🏝️ Nungwi Beach – Best for Luxury & Nightlife
✔ Why Visit? Powdery white sand, calm turquoise waters, vibrant nightlife.
✔ Best For: Luxury travelers, honeymooners, and partygoers.
✔ Top Resorts:
- Zuri Zanzibar (Luxury) – Best beachfront luxury resort.
- The Z Hotel (Mid-Range) – Stylish boutique hotel with sunset views.
- Flame Tree Cottages (Budget) – Great for backpackers & budget travelers.
✔ Tip: Nungwi is one of the few beaches in Zanzibar where you can swim at low tide.
🏝️ Kendwa Beach – Best for Swimming & Sunsets
✔ Why Visit? Less crowded than Nungwi, but still lively.
✔ Best For: Couples, families, and sunset lovers.
✔ Top Resorts:
- Gold Zanzibar Beach House (Luxury) – Private villas & top-tier service.
- Kendwa Rocks (Mid-Range) – Famous for its Full Moon Parties.
- Sunset Kendwa (Budget) – Backpacker-friendly beachfront lodge.
✔ Tip: Kendwa has the best sunset views in Zanzibar.
🏝️ Paje Beach – Best for Kitesurfing & Backpackers
✔ Why Visit? Strong winds make it Zanzibar’s top kitesurfing spot.
✔ Best For: Adventure seekers, digital nomads, budget travelers.
✔ Top Resorts:
- Cristal Resort (Mid-Range) – Perfect for kitesurfers.
- New Teddy’s on the Beach (Budget) – Fun hostel-style beach lodge.
- The Nest Boutique (Luxury) – Great mix of relaxation & adventure.
✔ Tip: Visit between June–September & December–March for the best kitesurfing conditions.
🏝️ Matemwe Beach – Best for Peace & Diving
✔ Why Visit? Secluded, quiet beach near Mnemba Atoll (Zanzibar’s top diving spot).
✔ Best For: Scuba divers, honeymooners, and those seeking privacy.
✔ Top Resorts:
- Matemwe Lodge (Luxury) – Stunning bungalows with ocean views.
- Villa Kiva (Mid-Range) – Small boutique hotel with excellent food.
- Tamani Villas (Budget) – Great for families & groups.
✔ Tip: Mnemba Atoll is famous for dolphin encounters & vibrant coral reefs.
3. Pemba Island – Tanzania’s Secret Paradise
✔ Why Visit? Fewer tourists, untouched beaches, and world-class diving.
✔ Best For: Honeymooners, divers, and nature lovers.
✔ Top Resorts:
- Manta Resort (Luxury) – Stay in a floating underwater room.
- Fundu Lagoon (Mid-Range) – Secluded luxury on a private beach.
- Pemba Lodge (Budget) – Eco-friendly lodge with rustic charm.
✔ Tip: Pemba is more off-the-grid than Zanzibar—perfect for a secluded getaway.
4. Mafia Island – Best for Diving & Whale Sharks
✔ Why Visit? Incredible coral reefs, whale sharks, and marine life.
✔ Best For: Scuba divers, snorkeling enthusiasts, and eco-travelers.
✔ Top Resorts:
- Pole Pole (Luxury) – Eco-friendly beachfront bungalows.
- Mafia Island Lodge (Mid-Range) – Best location for whale shark tours.
- Ibizza Inn (Budget) – Great for backpackers & divers.
✔ Best Time to See Whale Sharks: October–March.
✔ Tip: Mafia Island Marine Park is a protected area, offering some of East Africa’s best diving sites.
5. Best Beach Activities in Tanzania
✔ Snorkeling & Scuba Diving – Mnemba Atoll (Zanzibar), Pemba, Mafia Island.
✔ Dolphin Watching – Kizimkazi (Zanzibar), Mafia Island.
✔ Kitesurfing & Windsurfing – Paje & Jambiani Beach (Zanzibar).
✔ Whale Shark Swimming – Mafia Island (October–March).
✔ Dhow Sunset Cruises – Stone Town & Kendwa Beach.
✔ Cultural Tours – Visit Zanzibar’s Stone Town or Pemba’s spice farms.
✔ Tip: Zanzibar’s East Coast has the best kitesurfing, while Mafia Island is best for whale sharks.
6. Best Time to Visit Tanzania’s Beaches
| Season | Best For | Weather |
|---|---|---|
| June – October (Dry Season) | Best beach weather, diving, snorkeling | Sunny, warm, little rain |
| November – March | Whale sharks, diving, fewer tourists | Hot & humid, occasional rain |
| April – May (Rainy Season) | Budget travelers, fewer crowds | Heavy rains, some resorts close |
✔ Tip: Avoid April–May if you want perfect beach weather, as Zanzibar & Mafia Island experience heavy rains.
7. How to Get to Tanzania’s Best Beaches
| Destination | Closest Airport | How to Get There |
|---|---|---|
| Zanzibar | Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) | 1-hour flight from Dar es Salaam |
| Pemba Island | Pemba Airport (PMA) | 30-min flight from Zanzibar |
| Mafia Island | Mafia Airport (MFA) | 40-min flight from Dar es Salaam |
✔ Tip: Domestic flights are the easiest way to reach Pemba & Mafia Island—boats can be slow & unreliable.
Conclusion: Where Should You Go for the Best Beach Experience?
✔ For luxury & nightlife: Nungwi & Kendwa (Zanzibar).
✔ For diving & peace: Pemba Island or Mafia Island.
✔ For kitesurfing & adventure: Paje & Jambiani (Zanzibar).
✔ For a secluded escape: Matemwe or Pemba Island.
Ready to Plan Your Safari & Beach Escape?
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