The Best Beaches in Tanzania
Tanzania is well known as a safari destination, but many people don’t realize that the beaches in Tanzania are some of the best in the world. In this blog, we’ll share a comprehensive guide to the best Tanzania beaches as well as where to stay on your beach vacation.
A Guide to the beaches of Zanzibar
Zanzibar, also known as Unguja, is the largest of the islands located off Tanzania’s coastline, and is also the most popular vacation spot, with many resorts dotting the coastline. Zanzibar has a number of pristine beaches, so the island has to be included when writing about Tanzania’s best beaches.
The most famous beach in Zanzibar is Nungwi, located in the north of the island. It’s the perfect strip of coast, with white sand and warm, crystal blue waters. Unfortunately, Nungwi is also a very popular beach, so if you’re looking for exclusivity we wouldn’t recommend it. However, if you like the buzz and access to the many bars and restaurants along the sand, Nungwi beach is the place to be.
For travelers wishing to skip the crowds, Kendwa Beach is a better option on Zanzibar Island. It’s close to Nungwi, with the same crystal waters and clean sand, but it is also much quieter. In many of the islands off East Africa’s coast, the ocean waters along the beach is very shallow, making it difficult to swim, but the water at Kendwa gets deep relatively quickly, so it is always a good swimming beach, no matter the tidal levels. Kendwa Beach faces west, so it is also the ideal location for sundowners on the island.
Our choice of accommodation on Zanzibar Island is Zuri Zanzibar, located in the Kendwa Village along this beautiful stretch of sand. The resort offers exclusive access to this pristine beach as well as total privacy in the villas and bungalows that make up the hotel. The entire property is covered in lush gardens, just waiting for visitors to explore. Zuri Zanzibar offers a different approach to tourism, and the property is a home rather than a hotel. If you wish to explore Tanzania’s beaches, this is the place to be in Zanzibar.
A guide to the beaches of Pemba
Pemba island is Zanzibar’s shy but beautiful little sister. Where the main island is bustling, Pemba is a quiet farming community. The island has a relatively big population of about 500 000 people, but surprisingly few tourists. This is why Pemba retains its old-world charm. The island offers the chance to step back in time and enjoy tranquility without having to share it with the crowds. The beaches of Pemba island are renowned for their pristine condition and excellent snorkeling opportunities. What makes many of these beaches special is that they can only be accessed through mangroves. This makes them challenging to get to, but the effort is well worth it.
Vumawimbi Beach is the most popular on the island and can be found on the western side of Pemba. A guide to the best beaches in Tanzania is not complete without including this one. Vumawimbi is a great location to enjoy the white sand and explore the shallow reels in search of colorful fish and other ocean life.
When staying on Pemba, our accommodation of choice is the beautiful Manta Resort. This lodge is the perfect blend of simple island charm and indulgent luxury. Manta Resort is famous for its underwater room, where guests have the opportunity to sleep under the ocean – truly a bucket list activity, perfect for a romantic honeymoon experience.
Mnemba Island
Mnemba is a private island located 3km north east of Unguja/Zanzibar, and we definitely feel it should be included when talking about Tanzania’s beaches. There is only one, a private, luxury lodge on Mnemba. The lodge accommodates just 24 guests, ensuring privacy during your romantic island getaway. There’s plenty to see and do here, all focused on the ocean waters that sustain life in this part of the world. Explore untouched coral reefs and get to know the fish, dolphins, and turtles that call the area home. Mnemba boasts a pristine stretch of white sand that surrounds the whole island. If you’re looking for luxurious privacy, Mnemba island is the place to be, perfect for a luxury honeymoon or family holiday to Tanzania.
Thanda Private Island
Thanda Private Island is the pinnacle of luxury and exclusivity in the islands off of Africa’s east coast. For a totally exclusive Tanzania beach experience, this is the place to be. Thanda island is situated in a private marine reserve, and so it’s no surprise that the marine life here is second to none. Swim with the gentle giants of the ocean – whale sharks, or witness the miracle of turtle hatchlings making their way into the ocean for the first time. Thanda island is spectacular in every sense, but the real hero here in pristine natural environment in which the resort is built.
Thanda boasts a 5 suite villa as well as a set of 2 suite bandas or beach bungalows, all for your exclusive use. It is the ultimate beach vacation location for a multigenerational family or group of friends. Everything you need and more is readily available, designed to give you the best possible beach holiday experience.
The beaches of Tanzania are some of the best in the world. Whether you’re looking for luxurious exclusivity or action-packed fun, there is something for all sorts of travelers on the islands off Tanzania’s coast. If you’re interested in a luxury safari and would like to include Tanzania’s beaches in your travels, chat with us and the Stanley Safaris team will design something perfect for you.
