Fascinating beaches of Tanzania
Tanzania boasts captivating beaches adorned with powder white sand and vivid blue waters, making the country a haven for beachgoers. The best time to visit Tanzania is during its dry season from June through October when temperatures are at their highest point. At this time of year, beaches tend to be less crowded and there are fewer tourists around. This makes it the ideal season for wildlife sightings and safari trips.
Jambiani
Zanzibar is one of Tanzania's most stunning beaches, boasting stunning natural splendor and friendly local people. It makes an idyllic destination to celebrate your honeymoon or simply unwind with someone special! There are various beaches to choose from, each offering something special in its own way. Some offer more seclusion while others are busier. If you're searching for a beach with less people and less tourists, Jambiani is the ideal option. It stretches along 6km of stunning mid-grain white sand and serves as an excellent base to explore some of the island's natural attractions such as caves.
The town itself is quite small, with only a handful of hotels to choose from - helping maintain its authenticity. When it comes to restaurants, you'll find both Swahili and international options available. For a more cultural experience, take the Jambiani Village tour for an insider's look into local life. You'll meet women artisans who craft items like coconut husk rope and doormats from scratch, plus learn how to wear a traditional kanga garment. Nungwi beach is ideal for kitesurfing and scuba diving due to its crystal clear water. Here you can easily spot coral reefs and seahorses as well as dolphins!
Kendwa
Kendwa Beach is often referred to as "the little sister" of Nungwi and offers a more sedate atmosphere than its northern neighbor. With deep water on its northernwestern strip, swimming here is possible all day long and almost all beaches on the eastern shoreline are tide dependent - making Kendwa an ideal spot to take your time and enjoy some relaxation! Kendwa's beach is always clean, offering plenty of sunbeds and parasols to choose from. Just offshore you'll find colourful starfish. And don't forget about Kendwa's legendary sunsets!
On the beach, while it can get noisy at night, there are several restaurants and bars along the sand. Mermaid Bar serves exotic cocktails while The Restaurant offers both Swahili and international cuisine. There are a few hotels nearby, such as Eden Village Kendwa Beach Resort and Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa. The former boasts an upscale vibe with a pool, while the latter provides a more conventional hotel experience. Uroa is the perfect spot to unwind and recharge during a Zanzibar safari. It's one of the smallest beaches in Tanzania, making it an ideal getaway from the overwhelming crowds that plague most Tanzanian beaches.
Kiwengwa Beach in Zanzibar is a beloved destination with miles of white sand and lush vegetation such as coconut palms. There are also adorable exotic animals like monkeys and chameleons to be discovered here. Kiwengwa is situated on Tanzania's northeast coast, eight kilometres from Kinyasini. The small village offers a few restaurants, bars and tourist facilities for visitors to enjoy. Kiwengwa offers a wealth of activities for visitors to enjoy, such as fishing. Additionally, there are several small craft shops that specialize in producing raw materials like wood and beads.
No trip to Kiwengwa would be complete without taking a leisurely walk on the sand at low tide. Additionally, snorkelers will love exploring the stunning coral reef just 250 meters from shore. Kiwengwa Beach Resort offers guests a selection of rooms with iPod docking stations and TVs. Plus, each has its own private bathroom as well as air conditioning for added comfort. Hotel guests can take advantage of the hotel's convenience store and 24-hour front desk. Airport transfers are available for an additional fee, while tickets for local entertainment can be obtained through the resort's tour booking service.
Kigamboni
Kigamboni, located an hour south of Dar es Salaam, boasts the pristine white sand beach known as 'South Beach'. This area is less crowded and polluted than the city centre and boasts beaches that rival those found at Zanzibar's most sought-after resorts. Along the beach are numerous small hotels and restaurants, as well as charming fishing villages and fishermen's cottages. Guests can explore these by foot or boat, which is an excellent way to get acquainted with local culture and observe how islanders live.
Hotel South Beach Resort, situated in Kigamboni's quiet corner, provides the ultimate escape for those seeking pure relaxation. This five-star beach resort overlooks a stretch of powdery sand and sparkling aquamarine waters that rival some of the best in the world. The hotel provides complimentary parking, a garden and bar. It is situated 4.1 km from Dar es Salaam's center and 56 minutes by car to Julius Nyerere International Airport. Alternatively, guests may use public transport for getting around.
Kizimkazi, a small fishermen village on the extreme southern tip of Zanzibar, is renowned for being one of the best places in the world to watch dolphins. It also houses an iconic mosque that dates back over 400 years - one of the oldest Islamic structures along East African's shoreline. Walking through this picturesque town on foot offers a stunning experience, with ancient streets crafted out of coral stone that make for an intriguing adventure. This vibrant mix of Arabic, Indian and European cultures can be seen in its many historic buildings and structures.
Kizimkazi Mosque, built in the 12th century, boasts coral decoration and columns typical of coastal Islamic architecture. The mihrab (semicircle niche) that points out prayer direction (qibla) is blocked by three rows running north-south along its axis. Kizimkazi offers a selection of lodges and is an ideal base to explore the area. As one of Zanzibar's quietest corners, it's often popular among honeymooners or those seeking an idyllic escapade.
Northwestern Zanzibar's northwestern tip boasts unspoiled beaches surrounded by lagoons and mangrove forests. Here, it's much less crowded and you can enjoy some of Zanzibar's most stunning snorkelling and diving reefs without any hassle. Mangapwani's main beach is a wide stretch of sand that can be explored for hours without ever leaving the shoreline. At low tide, coral reefs are revealed in rock pools. This quiet beach is popular with local fishermen who make their living fishing and shellfish. It features a small beach-house restaurant and makes for an idyllic spot to sit back, read a book, or have a drink.
Near the beach, a cave is said to have been used for slave trade before 1873. However, there is no proof of this and it could have even been utilized after the market was abolished. Mohammed Bin Nassor Al-Alwi constructed slave chambers around 1880, located in a cave connecting to the beach two kilometres away. This chamber is surrounded by indigenous trees like breadfruit, rambotans and scent shrubs and served as an important transit point for captured slaves before they were sold outside.
Matemwe
Matemwe Beach in Zanzibar is one of Zanzibar's most picturesque spots for relaxation and rejuvenation. Situated on Unguja island's northeast shoreline, Matemwe has become increasingly popular as a holiday resort over time. Matemwe's main draw is its long, white sand beach. Here, visitors can go swimming, snorkeling and sailing while also finding plenty of space for sunbathing, sports activities and other pursuits.
Matemwe's beachfront makes it a great spot to watch fishermen bring in their daily catch. At high tide, you can witness them gliding across the lagoon in their dhows. Take a reef walk to discover the colorful creatures, stunning shells and coral. For an active vacation, why not snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll nearby? There you may spot large sea animals such as dolphins and sea turtles up close!
Matemwe boasts an idyllic beach, as well as a family-friendly hotel for adults and kids alike. This cozy lodge consists of 12 bungalows that are wide apart, each featuring its own bathroom with shower. Each bungalow is surrounded by lush gardens and features its own private veranda with hammock.