10 Best Holiday Spots Near the Tanzania Coast

Have you always wanted to visit Tanzania? But have no idea what to actually do once you’re in the country?Or have you always been excited about a safari tour but aren’t really aware of the specifics on how to actually plan one? Well, in any case, we’ve got you covered! We are here with the 10 best places to visit in Tanzania, especially along its beautiful coastline. From the stunning beaches of Zanzibar island to the old town of Bagamoyo, we have something for all holiday lovers! So dive in, and get ready to pack your bags right after!

Top 10 places to visit along the Tanzania Coastline:

• Zanzibar Island

Zanzibar is undoubtedly the perfect spot for beach lovers, people who love water sports and activities and those who simply want to quietly relax on an evening by the beach. But mind you, that is not all that Zanzibar is about- it has good reason for being in the list of the top 10 places to visit in Tanzania. It also has a wonderful history- the remains of what was once a major spice trading port can still be found in the streets at Zanzibar, and if you look closely, you can almost see what the town used to be like decades ago- a rich cultural and marketing hub, full of architectural treasures.

• The best time to visit is during June to February.
• Some beloved activities to do there include water sports, visits to the beach, architectural tours
• You also get fantastic accommodation across the entire mainland of Zanzibar including marvelous beach resorts to palaces that have been converted from erstwhile Stone Town.

• Dar- Es- Salam

The largest city in the country, the happening Dar es Salam offers a rather relaxing atmosphere despite being the commercial hub of the city. With beaches at the distance of a stone’s throw, some amazing restaurants and a thriving nightlife, if you do travel to the Tanzania coast, do not miss the city of Dar es Salam at all!

• The city has excellent accommodation, ranging from resorts to hotels
• City tours, beach trips, boat rides, shopping are some beloved activities here
• Best time to visit is during June to September

• Mafia Island

Full of turquoise waters, and mangroves and sandbanks that line the beaches, along with one of the finest coral reef ecosystems, there is literally no reason why the Mafia Island shouldn’t make it to your list of best places to visit in Tanzania.

•  Kilindoni, Utende and Chole Bay offer some fantastic accommodation options
• A number of water sports like snorkeling, diving etc are popular
• Best time to visit the island is around October

• Pangani

A true historical wonder, Pangani includes traces of the best of historical architecture, with a glimpse of colonial history as well as wonderful modern beaches. A gorgeous place to visit, Pangani offers the best of both worlds- history as well as modernity.

• A number of places to stay- including beach houses, hotels and resorts
• Best time to visit it around June to February, with the best diving and snorkeling from September to February.
• A number of water sports and activities- snorkeling, diving etc are available

• Bagamoyo

Truly a wonder, the old town of Bagamoyo spots 19th century houses as well as 13th century Kaole ruins. The wonderful beachline is dotted by mangroves, the Ruvu River Delta as well as beautiful Mwamba Kuni Sandbar.

• Though there are not many luxury options to choose from, decent accommodation can easily be availed.
• City tours, beach and boat trips are some of the most sought after activities.
• Best time to visit is during June to February

• Songo Songo

Songo Songo, essentially an archipelago, is a rather underrated place. Offering some of the best things along the coastline, the lovely coconut palms that sway in the breeze, the warmth of the sea and the beautiful seabirds offer an experience unlike any other.

• A simple guesthouse and the exclusive Fanjove are some places to stay.
• Snorkeling, diving and beach visits are some of the popular activities.
• Best time to visit is during June to February, while the best time for snorkeling and diving is from September to February.

• Tanga

A marvelous coastal city, Tanga offers a very unique experience to all travelers and visitors-  a whiff of the old, along with a glimpse of provincial urban life too. The museum and the fascinating ruins at Tongoni and Tonten islands have been attracting quite a good number of visitors!

• Limited top end options, but a number of hotels, resorts and guesthouses are available.
• City tours, historical and architectural visits, caving etc are some popular activities
• Best time to visit is from June to February

• Kilwa Kisiwani

Another place of interest for history and archaeology enthusiasts, Kilwa Kiswani has beautiful ruins from the 12th to 19th century, a mosque and forts that will become memories for a lifetime after you go back from your visit.

• Many hotels are available that offer fantastic accommodation options
• Guided tours to historical sites are an amazing activity
• Best time to visit is around January to February

• Saadani National Park

A unique characteristic of this national park is that you can see giraffes as well as elephants within sight of the ocean. A trip to the Sange beach, a boat ride on the Warni River and a bushwalk are some other major attractions.If you’re planning to travel to the Tanzania coast, you must plan a visit here!

•  Campsites and bungalows within the park are some accommodation options available.
• Game drives, boat cruises are some popular activities
• Best time to visit is January and February and June to August

• Pemba Island

With the richest coral reefs found along the Tanzania coastline and unparalleled natural beauty, Pemba island is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Tanzania. With its beautiful calm waters and serene atmosphere, it offers the tropical island experience you’ve long waited for!

• Plenty accommodation options are present along the island.
• Diving, beach visits and snorkeling are some popular activities
• Best time to visit in from June to February, while the best time for diving and snorkeling is from September to February.

In Conclusion: 

Now that you have a better idea of all the amazing options you can choose from while you travel to Tanzania coast, get ready to go on one of the best trips of your life, and drop by at some of the best places to visit in Tanzania.