Tanzania’s long and beautiful coastline runs 1,424 kilometers (885 mi) along the Indian Ocean coast of East Africa. Tanzania’s oceanfront, which stretches from its northern border with Kenya to its southern border with Mozambique, is made up of a series of islands, a coastal national park, the country’s largest and most vibrant city, stunning beaches with corresponding beach resorts, coral reefs, tiny fishing villages remote from the tourist industry, and even medieval ruins that reveal fascinating historical details.

Zanzibar, the city-state archipelago that appears to have it all, is where that story achieves its intriguing climax. However, Zanzibar is merely the beginning of a coastline that could easily be explored for a lifetime. Our top ten recommendations for seeing Tanzania’s captivating coastline are listed below.

1. Zanzibar

Zanzibar is unlike any other place on the Tanzanian coast, and its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural history is unmatched. One of the greatest beach spots in East Africa may be found in this most renowned of island archipelagos. The typical picture scenes of lush palm trees, white sand beaches, glistening oceans, and charming beach resorts are to be expected.

However, Stone Town, a maze of streets and roads that stretches back to Zanzibar’s days as a significant port for the trade of spices, is another aspect of Zanzibar. You’ll enjoy strolling through its charming alleyways and markets, which are brimming with pleasant sea breezes and the eerie Islamic call to prayer, as well as exploring the gilded architectural gems.

Where to stay: From beach resorts to renovated Stone Town mansions, Zanzibar offers amazing lodging options on all of its islands.
Activities include diving, snorkeling, city excursions, water sports, and beach visits.
June through February is the ideal time to visit.
How to get there: flights from Dar es Salaam and other East African locations, two-hour one-way catamarans from Dar es Salaam, and six-hour one-way ferries

 

2. Dar es Salaam

There is a lot of excitement surrounding Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest city and the nation’s commercial hub. Markets, museums, and some great beaches are all within easy reach of the city. It also boasts a vibrant nightlife and excellent dining options. The laid-back vibe of the city, however, is one of the nicest aspects of any trip here; it’s one of the friendliest and least complicated big towns in Africa. When you’re sick of the city, Dar serves as the entry point to the southern region of Tanzania and the rest of the country’s coastline.

Where to stay: Dar has top-notch hotels at various price ranges, some of which are near the beach.
Activities include boat rides, beach visits, and city tours.
June through September is the ideal time to go.
How to get there: A few transcontinental flights are available, along with flights from Arusha and other locations in Tanzania and East Africa.

 

3. The National Park of Saadani

Greetings from Tanzania’s only national park where you may see giraffes and elephants (along with crocs and hippos) very next to the ocean. It gives your safari experience a whole new dimension (not to mention a refreshing sea breeze), and it makes choosing where to go on a tour along Tanzania’s coastline even more challenging.

Sange Beach, a boat ride on the Wami River, and even a bushwalk are some of the other attractions here. Many folks visit over the weekend because it’s so close to Dar es Salaam. It might be yours alone if you visit during the week.

Accommodations: Basic campgrounds and bungalows are available within the park, while additional options, such as opulent tented camps, are located just outside.
Activities include boat excursions, game drives, and bushwalks.
January and February and June through August are the best times to go.
How to get there: Road travel from Dar es Salaam takes three to four hours, or there are flights from Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.

4. The Island of Mafia

The island of Mafia ought to be on the top of any list of places to visit along Tanzania’s coastline. With its turquoise waters, beaches fringed with sandbanks and mangroves, and some of East Africa’s best coral reef ecosystems, it has few rivals in terms of natural beauty. However, this evocative location also features sea turtle nesting grounds, a lengthy human history preserved in ruins, and strong traces of coastal Swahili culture.

Where to stay: In Kilindoni, Utende, and Chole Bay, as well as on the outlying island of Chole, Mafia offers decent lodging options for all price ranges.
Action items: Beach visits, fishing, diving, and snorkeling
The greatest time to go is in October, when diving and snorkeling are most enjoyable. Whale sharks are prevalent from November through February.
How to get there: Slow ferries to Mafia from Nyamisati on the mainland and flights from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and other Tanzanian locations to Mafia’s modest major airport

5. Island of Pemba

Pemba has long been in Zanzibar’s shadow, and we enjoy it that way. Pemba may have more natural beauty than its more well-known neighbor, Zanzibar, because it is more mountainous and covered with trees. Pemba boasts the richest coral reefs on the Tanzanian coast, and some of its beaches and coves resemble lost-world finds. What you’ll love most, though, is the constant feeling of peacefulness and tropical island bliss.

Where to stay: Pemba offers a wide variety of lodging options throughout the island, but it mostly lacks the vast mass-tourism resorts that are found along Tanzania’s coastline.
Activities: Beach visits, diving, and snorkeling
June through February is the ideal time to go, and September through February is when diving and snorkeling are at their peak.
How to get there: There are flights from Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, and Tanga, as well as five-hour boats between Pemba and Zanzibar twice a week.

6. Pangani

Pangani is a charmingly relaxed town on Tanzania’s north coast, south of Tanga, where history permeates every aspect of life. Here, large groves of coconut trees and a few baobabs mix with colonial-era architectural remnants and flourishes, as well as much older reminders of the spice trade. Along the coast, beaches stretch north and south, and the offshore region is stunning for diving and snorkeling as well as boat trips.

Where to stay: For a town this little, there are a lot more hotels, coastal cottages, and guesthouses than you might think.
Activities include diving, snorkeling, beach visits, and boat excursions.
June through February is the ideal time to go, and September through February is when diving and snorkeling are at their peak.
How to get there: Boats to Zanzibar and flights to and from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and Arusha depart at Mashado Airstrip near Pangani.

 

7. Bagamoyo

The 13th-century Kaole ruins, which include one of East Africa’s oldest mosques, and a charming old town with homes from the 19th century may be found in Bagamoyo. With the Ruvu River delta, the gorgeous Mwambakuni Sandbar, and a charming lagoon surrounded by mangroves, this shoreline is also rather unique.

Where to stay: There are a few hotels and guesthouses in Bagamoyo, but no upscale options.
Activities: Beach visits, boat excursions, and city tours
June through February is the ideal time to visit.
How to get there: Take a car trip approximately one hour north of Dar es Salaam.

 

8. Kisiwani Kilwa

Despite its modest size, Kilwa Kisiwani’s past is significantly more extensive than its present. Beautifully reconstructed ruins from the 12th to the 19th century may be seen here, including a mosque, a fort, and numerous other medieval civic structures. As you explore the site, a guide will show you its treasures. All of this heritage contrasts beautifully with the surrounding fishing community.

Where to stay: Most tourists stay at one of the mainland’s hotels in Kilwa Masoko.
Activities: Guided tours of historical sites
June through February is the ideal time to visit.
How to get there: Kilwa Masoko boats

 

9. Songo Songo

The Songo Songo Archipelago, a seldom-visited treasure teeming with seabirds, sea turtles, swaying coconut trees, and exceptional reef systems, is located not far from the Rufiji River’s mouth. The pinnacle of rustic exclusivity can be found on Fanjove Private Island. All of it serves as a lovely diversion from the world of mass island tourism and a reminder of what the Tanzanian coast must have been like in the past.

Where to stay: The upscale Fanjove and a basic guesthouse
Activities: Beach visits, diving, and snorkeling
June through February is the ideal time to go, and September through February is when diving and snorkeling are at their peak.
How to get there: Boats from Kilwa Kivinje, flights from Dar es Salaam, and flights from Kilwa Masoko and Mafia

 

10. The Tanga

Don’t let Tanga’s size deter you; this large seaside city has a delightfully tranquil vibe in some parts and is a great spot to experience Tanzanian regional urban life. Tongoni and Toten Island include some interesting ruins and a museum. In particular, Tongoni is magnificently vegetated and has huge ruins. The greatest cave network in East Africa, the Amboni Caves, is also nearby.

Where to stay: There are several hotels and guesthouses, but not many that cater to luxury tourists.
Activities include swimming, caving, historical site visits, and city tours.
June through February is the ideal time to visit.
How to get there: Buses traveling up and down the coast, or flights to and from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Arusha, and Pemba