Best Beaches in Tanzania for a Perfect Coastal Escape

Most tourists come to Tanzania for the best game viewing in reserves like the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, but when you’ve seen your fill of the Big Five, Tanzania's stunning coastline awaits. Numerous beaches in Tanzania provide breathtaking views of ancient-looking giant tortoises, vibrant schools of fish, delicate coral reefs, and frolicking dolphins.

Soft white dunes, crystal-clear waters, and unspoiled beauty make these places ideal for solo exploration or as a way to relax after a dusty safari or even a Tanzania safari beach holiday. Come along as we explore the best beaches in Tanzania.

The beaches of Tanzania offer diverse holiday experiences, from water sports and cultural heritage 

Top beaches in Tanzania for relaxation

Tanzania, located on the continent's east coast, is one of the few places in Africa where you can combine the best safaris with Tanzania beach holidays.

With its powder white sands and azure waters, Tanzania's mainland and islands that line the shoreline are home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Here is our list of the top beaches in Tanzania.

Nungwi Beach

Nungwi Beach, situated at the northernmost point of Unguja Island (often referred to as Zanzibar), is one of the top beaches in Zanzibar and the island’s most well-known beach for a good cause.

Clear waters lap against white sand beaches, and anchored dhows create a moody background for your trip selfies.

Spend the day snorkeling, diving, jet skiing, parasailing, or simply lounge all day on the sand. When you tire of Tanzania beach holidays, tour the local village, interact with the amiable people, and even take in the superb workmanship of the dhow boat building. It’s a popular beach destination in Tanzania and offers a good selection of beach bars and restaurants, as well as water sports activities.

Nungwi Beach is situated at the northernmost point of Unguja Island

If you're planning a coastal getaway, exploring a nice beach in Dar Es Salaam is a great way to enjoy relaxing shores and vibrant seaside views.

Kendwa Beach

Visitors to Zanzibar who are searching for a more sedate spot to get tan will adore Kendwa Beach, which is situated on the northwest tip of the island. At low tide, you may walk there from Nungwi and discover the same pristine sand and blue waters—just fewer crowds.

With beach parties, live music, and a variety of entertainment options available, Kendwa Beach comes alive with an electrifying atmosphere as the day turns into night. Not far away is Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar Island and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tanzania.

Visitors to Zanzibar who are searching for a more sedate spot to get tan will adore Kendwa Beach

If you're planning a broader itinerary, be sure to explore the best places to go in Tanzania to combine stunning beaches with unforgettable inland adventures.

Sange Beach

This stunning and secluded beach, known as "Tanzania's best-kept secret," is located between Pangani and Saadani National Park. It has powder white sands surrounded by mangrove forests and shade-giving palms. 

In this unspoiled paradise, enjoy a sundowner as the twilight sky fills with stars, snorkel in the turquoise waters, or spot dolphins off the coast.

If you’re looking to add variety to your coastal trip, a Pugu Hills tour is a great way to explore lush forests and enjoy a peaceful break from the beach.

Mafia Island Beach

Mafia is one of the most beautiful beaches in Tanzania and the best place in East Africa for game fishing, snorkeling, and diving. Within a marine park, the vast offshore coral reefs are safeguarded. They are home to about 400 different kinds of fish and 50 different genera of coral.

There is more to Mafia Island than just breathtaking scenery. Here, you'll find historical sites, including the old baobabs and 19th-century houses of Chole Mjini, the abandoned settlement of Kua on Juani Island, and the traditional shipbuilding hub on Jipondo Island.

Mafia is one of the most beautiful beaches in Tanzania

Beyond the coast, exploring the majestic mountains in Tanzania offers a perfect contrast—with scenic hikes, cool climates, and breathtaking highland views.

Mnemba Island

Mnemba Island, off the northeast coast close to Matemwe, offers a wide variety of dive locations. Its beautiful, healthy coral reefs and abundance of aquatic life are worth exploring.

Notable locations on the island, which is currently a marine sanctuary, include Kichwani, Aquarium, and Big Wall. The yearly arrival of whale sharks, which range in size from 5 to 12 meters (16 to 39 feet) and offer an elegant and harmless show in the water, is a highlight. Seeing these enormous animals in person is a unique experience that inspires a lot of people.

Mnemba Island offers a wide variety of dive locations

For a refreshing inland adventure, visiting the biggest waterfall in Tanzania adds a stunning natural contrast to your beach getaway experience.

Paje Beach 

It is almost mandatory to take long walks on Paje Beach, situated on Zanzibar's southeastern coast. The beach is home to palm trees, the fronds of which offer much-needed protection from the scorching sun. The ocean appears to dissolve into the sky, with pristine blue waves reaching the horizon. The consistent breeze makes it a popular spot for thrill-seeking water sports like windsurfing and kiteboarding

To book deep-sea fishing excursions with professionals, head to the fishing communities of Bwejuu or Michamvi. Additionally, land-based trips to the Jozani Forest and Kuza Cave—a bizarre sinkhole in the bush with flawless blue waters—must be scheduled.

It is almost mandatory to take long walks on Paje Beach

For a truly unforgettable experience beyond the coast, consider a hot air balloon Africa Serengeti adventure—offering breathtaking aerial views of Tanzania’s vast landscapes.

Ushongo Beach

Tanzania's north coast has a traditional fishing community called Ushongo Beach, mainly unexplored by tourists. On a palm-fringed shore that borders the Maziwe Marine Reserve, expect to meet friendly local fishermen instead of intimidating beach hustlers. Enjoy balmy days beneath the shelter of palm trees while sauntering along pristine, empty stretches of pale sand.

There will not be many people around and no "beach boys," so you are free to think in peace. It is paradise, but schedule a day excursion to neighboring Maziwe Island if the calm days get a bit too much for you.

Matemwe Beach

Matemwe Beach on Unguja Island is one of the most beautiful beaches along the Unguja coast. Its captivating beauty is defined by the beach's golden sands, which are matched by craggy coral cliffs like miniature Himalayas.

This is by far one of the best beaches in Tanzania. The scenery is complemented by seaweed-drying frames swaying between coconut trees, as happy children play among the beautiful white coral rag huts and beached canoe. There are several places to stay nearby.

Matemwe Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches along the Unguja coast

To diversify your itinerary, exploring the major lakes in Tanzania offers a peaceful escape—combining scenic beauty, rich wildlife, and tranquil surroundings beyond the coast.

Kipepeo Beach

Kipepeo Beach, with its immaculate coastlines and blue seas, is a beautiful beach in Tanzania. This isolated beach, located off the usual route, provides a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Visitors may unwind on the smooth beaches, soak up the sun, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the surroundings. Kipepeo Beach is a true sanctuary for anyone seeking peace and natural beauty.

Dreaming about visiting Tanzania's gorgeous beaches? Our tailored trip service allows you to go on the trip of your dreams without the preparation and bother.

For a unique inland experience, discovering the best things to do in hot springs adds a relaxing and adventurous touch to your Tanzania beach itinerary.

Planning your trip to the best beaches in Tanzania

Tanzania is among the most complex, romantic, hospitable, and breathtakingly beautiful nations in Africa. It is renowned for both its rich historical background and stunning scenery. Tanzania is known for its wildlife, but the nation also boasts some of the most beautiful beaches on the continent.

The balmy temperatures are around 30 degrees centigrade throughout the year, making beautiful beaches in Tanzania the perfect getaway, whatever time of year you want to go.

To experience the top beaches in Tanzania, travelers need to plan their trip accordingly. Applying for a Tanzania eVisa is a crucial part of your travel preparation. Our website offers a convenient and secure way to apply for your eVisa, ensuring a hassle-free process from the comfort of your home or company. By choosing our platform, you can rest assured that your application will be processed just within a few days

Don't let visa formalities stand in the way of your dream beach getaway. Apply for a Tanzania eVisa via our website today and embark on an unforgettable journey to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.