10 Best Beaches in Tanzania to Visit

10 Best Beaches in Tanzania to Visit

Tanzania is famous for safaris and wildlife, but it also has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From soft white sand and turquoise water to calm islands and exciting water sports, there’s something for everyone. Below are the 10 best beaches in Tanzania that you should consider visiting on your next trip.

1. Nungwi Beach (Zanzibar)

Nungwi Beach is one of the most famous and popular beaches in Tanzania, located on the northern tip of Zanzibar Island. It is well-known for its powder-white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, and stunning sunsets. Unlike many beaches in Zanzibar, Nungwi is not greatly affected by tides, which means visitors can swim and enjoy the water almost all day.

The beach has a lively and vibrant atmosphere, with many hotels, beach bars, restaurants, and small shops nearby. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, boat trips, and traditional dhow cruises at sunset. The calm waters and beautiful reef areas make snorkeling and diving particularly rewarding, allowing travelers to see colorful fish, corals, and sometimes sea turtles.

In the evenings, Nungwi comes alive with restaurants serving fresh seafood, local Swahili dishes, and beachfront bars offering drinks while watching the sunset. Despite its popularity, there are still quiet corners along the beach where visitors can relax, sunbathe, or take peaceful walks along the shore.

Best for: Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, sunsets, beach dining, vibrant beach life, family-friendly activities.

2. Kendwa Beach (Zanzibar)

Kendwa Beach is located just south of Nungwi on the northern coast of Zanzibar. It is famous for its wide, soft sandy shoreline and calm, deep waters, making it one of the best beaches in Zanzibar for swimming. Unlike many other beaches, the sea at Kendwa remains swimmable even during low tide, which makes it ideal for families and casual swimmers.

The beach offers a mix of relaxation and lively activities. During the day, visitors can enjoy long walks along the sand, sunbathing, and swimming. In the evenings, Kendwa becomes well-known for its beach parties, full-moon celebrations, and vibrant social atmosphere, attracting both locals and tourists. Despite the lively events, there are still quiet corners of the beach for those who want peace and relaxation.

Best for: Swimming, social atmosphere, sunset views, family-friendly activities, beach adventures.

3. Paje Beach (Zanzibar)

Paje Beach is located on the east coast of Zanzibar and is internationally famous for kite surfing and windsurfing. The beach benefits from steady winds and a shallow lagoon, which makes it suitable for both beginners learning the sport and experienced riders looking for adventure. Several kite schools and water sport centers operate along the beach, offering lessons, equipment rental, and guided sessions.

Beyond water sports, Paje Beach has a relaxed and youthful atmosphere. Small cafes, beachfront lodges, and local guesthouses line the shore, providing places to eat, rest, and socialize. At low tide, the ocean recedes and reveals wide sand flats, where visitors can take long walks, explore tidal pools, and watch local women harvesting seaweed, offering a glimpse of traditional village life.

Paje Beach is an excellent choice for travelers who want a mix of adventure and cultural experiences. Whether you are learning kite surfing, enjoying the beach’s natural beauty, or interacting with locals, it provides a lively yet laid-back environment.

Best for: Kite surfing, windsurfing, active travelers, adventure seekers, cultural experiences.

4. Jambiani Beach (Zanzibar)

Jambiani Beach is a long, quiet, and peaceful stretch of sand located south of Paje on Zanzibar’s east coast. The beach is known for its tranquil atmosphere and authentic village setting, offering travelers a chance to experience local Swahili life. Traditional fishing boats line the shore, and it is common to see locals fishing, repairing nets, or harvesting seaweed, which adds to the cultural charm of the area.

The calm environment makes Jambiani Beach perfect for travelers who want to slow down, relax, and enjoy nature. Visitors can take long walks along the soft sandy shore, swim in the shallow waters during high tide, or go on snorkeling trips to nearby coral reefs. The beach also offers opportunities for photography, meditation, and enjoying peaceful sunsets.

Accommodations in Jambiani include small guesthouses, eco-lodges, and locally-run resorts, which provide a friendly and authentic experience. Staying here allows travelers to connect with the local community, try traditional Swahili food, and enjoy a slower pace of life away from crowded tourist spots.

Best for: Relaxation, local culture, peaceful walks, nature lovers, authentic experiences.

5. Matemwe Beach (Zanzibar)

Matemwe Beach is located on the northeast coast of Zanzibar and is known for its quiet, peaceful, and natural atmosphere. The beach stretches for long, uncrowded distances of soft white sand, making it perfect for relaxing walks and enjoying the scenic coastline. From here, visitors can enjoy stunning views of Mnemba Island, which is famous for some of the best snorkeling and diving in Tanzania.

The area around Matemwe Beach feels very untouched and authentic, far from the busy tourist centers. Most accommodations are small lodges, boutique resorts, and eco-friendly camps, providing comfort while maintaining a close connection to nature. Activities at Matemwe Beach include snorkeling, diving trips, kayaking along the calm waters, and simply relaxing on the sand or in a hammock.

The calm and serene environment makes Matemwe Beach ideal for couples, honeymooners, or anyone looking to disconnect from busy city life. Its combination of natural beauty, water activities, and peaceful surroundings makes it one of Zanzibar’s most charming coastal spots.

Best for: Snorkeling, diving, honeymoon escapes, peaceful relaxation, nature lovers.

6. Bwejuu Beach (Zanzibar)

Bwejuu Beach is located on the southeast coast of Zanzibar and is known for its calm, peaceful, and romantic atmosphere. Compared to the busier northern beaches, Bwejuu offers more privacy and space, making it ideal for travelers who want to relax without crowds. The beach features soft white sand, shallow turquoise waters, and swaying palm trees, creating a perfect setting for a serene tropical escape.

Swimming is most enjoyable during high tide, and the shallow waters make it safe for children and leisurely wading. The beach is also great for sunbathing, reading, long walks, and photography, capturing the natural beauty of the coast. Nearby, travelers can find charming beachfront resorts, small guesthouses, and local restaurants serving fresh seafood and traditional Swahili dishes, adding to the relaxed experience.

Bwejuu Beach is a wonderful choice for couples on honeymoons or romantic getaways, solo travelers seeking solitude, or anyone who wants a quiet and restorative beach holiday. Its tranquil environment and natural beauty make it a hidden gem on Zanzibar’s southeast coast.

Best for: Romance, quiet stays, relaxation, peaceful beach walks, nature lovers.

7. Mafia Island Beaches (Mafia Island)

Mafia Island is located south of Zanzibar and is much less crowded than the popular Zanzibar beaches, making it a perfect destination for travelers who want a peaceful and natural environment. The beaches are untouched and pristine, surrounded by lush vegetation and vibrant marine life. The island is part of the Mafia Island Marine Park, one of Tanzania’s best-protected marine areas, which helps preserve its coral reefs, fish, and other sea creatures.

The waters around Mafia Island are ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving, offering the chance to explore colorful coral gardens, tropical fish, and unique underwater landscapes. Between October and March, guided tours allow visitors to swim safely with whale sharks, a truly unforgettable experience. Beyond the water, the island offers quiet beach walks, bird watching, and opportunities to learn about the local fishing villages and Swahili culture.

Mafia Island is perfect for nature lovers, eco-travelers, and anyone who enjoys tranquility and wildlife. Small lodges and eco-friendly accommodations allow visitors to stay close to nature while still enjoying comfort and convenience.

Best for: Diving, snorkeling, marine life experiences, peaceful nature escapes, eco-tourism.

8. Mnemba Island Beach (Near Zanzibar)

Mnemba Island is a small, private island located just off the northeast coast of Zanzibar. The beach is incredibly clean, with soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water, creating a perfect tropical paradise. Because access to the island is limited, the natural environment is well-protected, and visitors enjoy a strong sense of privacy and exclusivity.

Surrounded by a vibrant coral reef, Mnemba Island is considered one of the best snorkeling and diving spots in East Africa. Visitors can explore colorful coral gardens, swim among tropical fish, and sometimes spot turtles, dolphins, and other marine life near the shore. Guided snorkeling and diving trips are available to ensure safety and provide expert guidance for exploring the reef.

The island is especially popular for couples celebrating honeymoons, anniversaries, or other special occasions, as well as travelers seeking a luxurious and peaceful escape. Its combination of seclusion, natural beauty, and water-based activities makes Mnemba Island an unforgettable destination. Accommodations are limited to boutique lodges and luxury camps, adding to the feeling of a private retreat.

Best for: Snorkeling, diving, private island luxury, romantic escapes, nature lovers, peaceful getaways.

9. Pangani Beaches (Mainland Coast)

Pangani is a historic coastal town located north of Dar es Salaam. Its beaches are long, quiet, and less crowded, offering a peaceful retreat for travelers who want to experience authentic Tanzanian coastal life. Unlike the more popular beaches in Zanzibar, Pangani remains relatively undeveloped for tourism, which adds to its charm and natural beauty.

Visitors can enjoy long walks along the soft sandy shore, watching traditional fishing boats and local fishermen at work. The calm water makes swimming safe and relaxing. In addition to beach activities, Pangani offers river boat trips along the Pangani River, where you can see mangroves, birds, and local wildlife. Cultural tours around the town allow travelers to learn about the rich history of the area, including its connection to ancient trade routes, Swahili architecture, and local traditions.

The town itself has small guesthouses, family-run hotels, and local restaurants where you can taste fresh seafood and traditional Swahili dishes. Because it is quiet and less touristy, Pangani is ideal for travelers looking to slow down, relax, and connect with local culture.

Best for: Cultural experiences, quiet mainland beaches, nature walks, authentic local life.

10. Ras Kutani Beach (Mainland Coast)

Ras Kutani is a hidden gem located south of Dar es Salaam, along Tanzania’s mainland coast. It is a perfect combination of soft sandy beaches, lush coastal forests, and calm freshwater lagoons. The area feels very peaceful and natural, with very few crowds, making it ideal for travelers who want privacy, relaxation, and a connection with nature.

The beach is excellent for swimming in calm waters, and the clear ocean makes snorkeling an enjoyable activity where you can see colorful fish and coral close to the shore. Kayaking in the lagoons or along the coastline is a great way to explore the surroundings, and bird watchers will enjoy spotting a variety of tropical birds in the nearby forest and wetlands.

Ras Kutani also has a few eco-friendly lodges and small resorts, giving visitors the chance to stay close to nature without sacrificing comfort. The sunsets here are especially beautiful, painting the sky in vibrant colors over the ocean. Because it is located just a few hours from Dar es Salaam, it is a perfect destination for a weekend getaway or a short break from the city, without the need to travel to Zanzibar.

Best for: Nature lovers, quiet beach getaways, bird watching, kayaking, peaceful escapes.

Tanzania offers more than just incredible safaris and wildlife experiences – its beaches are truly world-class. From the lively, social shores of Nungwi and Kendwa to the quiet, untouched retreats of Ras Kutani and Pangani, there is a perfect beach for every traveler. Whether you want to swim, snorkel, dive, relax, or explore local culture, Tanzania’s coastline provides unforgettable experiences.

Planning a trip to these beaches allows you to enjoy soft white sands, turquoise waters, stunning sunsets, and a variety of water activities, all while discovering the natural beauty and culture of East Africa. No matter your travel style, Tanzania’s beaches promise relaxation, adventure, and memories that will last a lifetime.