Best Beaches in Tanzania
From quiet stretches of white sand to lively resort strips, here are the best beaches in Tanzania and what makes each one worth the trip.
Bwejuu Beach
Southeast coast of Zanzibar (Unguja), north of Paje
A quiet, palm-fringed village beach with white sand, a wide tidal lagoon, seaweed farming, and a relaxed pace next to Paje's kite scene.
Jambiani Beach
Southeast coast of Zanzibar (Unguja)
A long, authentic village beach with white sand, a turquoise reef lagoon, seaweed farms, and laid-back budget to boutique stays.
Kendwa Beach
Northwest coast of Zanzibar (Unguja), just south of Nungwi
A relaxed, wide white-sand beach with all-day swimming, golden sunsets, and famous full-moon parties.
Kiwengwa Beach
Northeast coast of Zanzibar (Unguja)
A long, wide white-sand beach lined with large all-inclusive resorts, classic Zanzibar tidal lagoon, and a relaxed package-holiday feel.
Mafia Island
Mafia Archipelago, Indian Ocean south of Zanzibar
A remote, undeveloped marine-park island with quiet beaches, world-class diving and snorkeling, and seasonal whale shark encounters rather than resort or party scenes.
Matemwe Beach
Northeast coast of Zanzibar (Unguja), opposite Mnemba Atoll
A long, quiet fishing-village beach with white sand, a tidal reef lagoon, and easy access to Mnemba Atoll for diving and snorkeling.
Michamvi Beach
Michamvi Peninsula, southeast Zanzibar (Unguja)
A quiet, scenic, upmarket stretch at the tip of the Chwaka Bay peninsula, known for boutique hotels, sheltered bay swimming, and rare east-coast sunsets over the water.
Nungwi Beach
Northern tip of Zanzibar (Unguja) island
Zanzibar's liveliest beach, with all-day swimming, beach bars, diving, and famous sunsets.
Paje Beach
Southeast coast of Zanzibar (Unguja)
Zanzibar's kitesurfing hub: a wide white-sand beach with a tidal lagoon, steady winds, and a relaxed bohemian scene.
Pongwe Beach
East coast of Zanzibar (Unguja), in a sheltered cove
A small, sheltered crescent cove with white coral sand, calm reef-protected water, and a handful of intimate boutique hotels. Quiet and romantic rather than busy.