All-inclusive Tanzania Beach Holidays. Best Tanzania Beaches
Tanzania is renowned as one of Africa’s premier safari destinations, although it also boasts over 800 miles of stunning Indian Ocean coastline to discover, in addition to the exotic Zanzibar and other tropical islands.
Why Visit Tanzania’s Coast
A Tanzania beach break offers sufficient diversity to serve as the perfect conclusion to a safari or as an independent vacation, appealing to all types of travellers. The beaches are among the finest on the East African coast, and the array of world-class dive spots will please scuba divers and snorkelers. Couples on their honeymoon will appreciate the luxurious beachside resorts, while parents will value the variety of family-oriented accommodations and activities offered.
However, the Tanzanian coast encompasses more than just beaches and coral reefs; it features a captivating amalgamation of cultures and culinary traditions. Engage in the exploration of back-street markets, savour local cuisine, and mingle with local vendors; the ambiance is amicable and laid-back, although, owing to the significant Islamic influence, rather conservative, necessitating respect for local customs and sensibilities.
Tanzania Beach Holidays
The majority of tourists visit Tanzania for exceptional wildlife observation in northern reserves such as the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. However, once you have satisfied your safari experience, the nation’s coastline invites you with the allure of a perfect beach vacation. Tanzania boasts some of the finest beaches in Africa, rendering it a premier destination for individuals desiring a safari and beach experience.
We recommend commencing your tour in Southern Tanzania, namely in the secluded wilderness of Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park. The flight duration from the southern safari parks to exclusive island retreats is about two hours, facilitating a smooth transition from the wilderness to tranquil coastlines.
Tanzania Beach Destinations
1. Zanzibar: The Island of Spice
Zanzibar, the crown jewel of Tanzania’s coastline allure, is renowned for its picturesque environment and boutique beach accommodations, as well as exceptional scuba diving and various other activities, making it a favoured destination for beach holidays in Tanzania. Stone Town, the historical district of Zanzibar Town, provides the curious traveler an opportunity to navigate winding streets, mosques, and markets. Dispersed around Zanzibar are small, secluded islands, providing an exceptional setting for individuals desiring a romantic honeymoon or an escape from the everyday. This tropical island is generally favourable for visitation throughout the year due to consistent sunshine; nevertheless, the optimal period to visit Zanzibar is during the dry season from June to October.
2. Fanjove Private Island: An Exclusive Escape
Fanjove Private Island is a small island paradise situated one kilometre northeast of Zanzibar Island. This small island, home to the renowned Fanjove Private Island Lodge and stunning beaches, exemplifies exclusivity and isolation off the coast of Tanzania. In addition to its natural allure, Fanjove Private Island is dedicated to responsible tourism, aiming to enhance the welfare of local populations and the environment. The island’s programs encompass sustainable practices, community involvement, and conservation efforts, guaranteeing that your visit positively impacts both the locale and its inhabitants.
3. Pemba Island: Honeymooners’ Paradise
Pemba, located 50 kilometres (31 miles) from Zanzibar and often overshadowed by it, rarely disappoints tourists who visit its remarkable shores. Few are aware of the remarkable island off the Tanzanian coast, which provides an extraordinary experience characterised by its distinctive topography and the unparalleled opportunity to reside at The Manta Resort — an underwater hotel. Pemba, adorned with forests and spice farms and surrounded by magnificent beaches, remains in the nascent stages of tourism, rendering it ideal for those seeking a tranquil beach holiday in Tanzania devoid of crowds.
4. Chumbe Island: A Protected Coral Reef Sanctuary
If the bustling throngs of Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam do not appeal to you for a beach break in Tanzania, an uninhabited island located 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) south of Zanzibar Town may capture your interest. Chumbe, featuring an unspoiled coral reef and a private marine reserve, serves as an excellent day trip destination for avid divers and snorkelers seeking to evade crowded tourists. If you intend to remain for one or two nights, be sure to visit the environmentally sustainable Chumbe Island Coral Park. The compact, cutting-edge eco-lodge provides lodging in distinctive thatched bungalows directly on the beach.
5. Mafia Island: A Hidden Gem
Envision uncovering untouched beaches in Tanzania that remain unspoiled by throngs of sunbathers. Mafia Island, situated 160 kilometres (99 miles) north of Zanzibar, has effectively avoided the influx of tourists for decades, rendering it a genuine hidden gem. Mafia Island, a segment of an extensive archipelago offering an authentic and economical beach vacation, and one of the premier dive locations globally. This unconventional resort caters to the adventurous, featuring a limited selection of comfortable lodgings that serve as the perfect sanctuary for relaxation following a day of exploration and swimming in its pristine waters.
