Top 10 Places to Visit Along the Tanzania Coast

The coastline of Tanzania goes over 1400 kilometres along the Indian Ocean, providing splendid beaches, historic sites, lively coastal towns, and rich marine biodiversity. In this guide, we will talk about the 10 best places to visit along the coast of Tanzania each providing you with a unique experience and beautiful scenery.

Zanzibar Island (Unguja)

Why Go?

Zanzibar is one of the most famous coastal destinations. The place is known for its fine dry beaches, crystal clear waters and rich cultural heritage.

Top Attractions:

• Stone Town – It is a UNESCO World Heritage site with small lanes, historic buildings, and crowded markets.
• Nungwi & Kendwa Beaches – Perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and lively nightlife 
• Jozani Forest –The place is home to the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkey.

Best Activities:

• Spice tours to get an understanding of the famous species in Zanzibar 
• Sailing on sunset dhow cruises along the coast of Tanzania
• Diving and snorkeling in Mnemba Atoll.

Pemba Island

Why Go?

The palace is less crowded as compared to Zanzibar. The Pemba island is a gem for divers, nature lovers, and for people looking for peace.

Top Attractions:

• Misali Island – A marine conservation area which is full of coral reefs and sea turtles.
• Vumawimbi Beach – a secluded and unspoiled beach 
• Ngezi Forest Reserve – A lush rainforest which is home to various unique wildlife 

Best Activities:

• Deep-sea diving in the Pemba Channel.
• Visiting ancient ruins such as Ras Mkumbuu.
• Kayaking across the mangroves 

Mafia Island

Why Go?

The island is one of the best places to go in Tanzania, it is widely known for its excellent diving spots and sightings of whale sharks.

Top Attractions:

• Mafia Island Marine Park – The best destination for snorkelling and diving in Tanzania.
• Chole Island –A historical site with ruins which goes back to the 12th century 
• Juani Island – The island is popular for its blue lagoons and sea turtles. 

Best Activities:

• Swimming with whale sharks during October to March 
• Scuba diving in colourful coral reefs.
• Visiting the local fishing villages.

Saadani National Park

Why Go?

Saadni is the only national park in Tanzania that borders with Indian Ocean, providing you with a rare mix of wildlife and beach experiences.

Top Attractions:

• Wami River- A great place for boat safaris to see hippos and crocodiles.
• Saadani Beach –A unique spot where you can spot elephants roaming along the shore 
• Mangrove forests – An important habitat for marine and birdlife 

Best Activities:

• Game drives to see lions, elephants, and giraffes.
• Canoeing across the mangrove channels 
• Relaxing on the clean and unspoiled beach 

Kilwa Kisiwani

Why Go?

It is a UNESCO world heritage site. The palace is one of the most important historical sites which display the Swahili civilisation 

Top Attractions:

• Great Mosque of Kilwa – One of the oldest mosques in East Africa.
• Husuni Kubwa Palace – A splendid 14 th century palace with Persian influences 
• Gereza Fort –A historical fort which was built by the Portuguese.

Best Activities:

• Checking out the ancient ruins along a guide 
• Going for a dhow boat ride around the island 
• Visiting the nearby Songo Mnara ruins

Bagamoyo

Why Go?

Bagamoyo was once an important centre for the slave trade. Today, it is known for its rich history, culture, and relaxed Tanzania coast atmosphere.

Top Attractions:

• Bagamoyo Old Town: A mix of German, Arabic, and Swahili architecture.
• Kaole Ruins – It is full of ancient Swahili establishments with tombs and mosques. 
• Bagamoyo Beach –It is an excellent place to see fishermen at work 

Best Activities:

• Visiting the Bagamoyo Museum to get a better understanding of the history of the town.
• Checking out the Caravan Serai where slave traders used to meet.
• Chilling on the quiet beaches 

Pangani

Why Go?

A small and peaceful coastal town which provides you with unspoiled beaches,  rich Swahili culture, and historical appeal.

Top Attractions:

• Pangani River: It is ideal for for boat cruises and birdwatching 
• Maziwe Island Marine Reserve – It is an excellent spot for birdwatching 
• Old Slave Market – A glimpse into the past Pangani 

Best Activities:

• Checking out the colonial-era buildings of the town 
• Going for a dhow safari to the surrounding islands 
• Enjoying the fresh seafood by the beach 

Tanga & Amboni Caves

Why Go?

Tanga is one of the oldest towns in Tanzania providing you with historical sites, splendid Tanzania beaches and natural wonders.

Top Attractions:

• Amboni Caves: It is the largest limestone caves in Africa 
• Toten Island – Home to various ancient ruins and a peaceful beach.
• Tongoni Ruins – A Swahili establishment from the 14th century 

Best Activities:

• Check out the mystical Amboni caves along a local guide 
• Visiting  the Fish Eagle Point, a private beach escape 
• Learning about the colonial past of Tanga 

 Songo Mnara

Why Go?

This small island is situated near Kilwa, it is home to unspoiled Swahili ruins from 14 the century.

Top Attractions:

• Ancient mosques and houses with complex architecture 
• Lush mangrove forests bordering the island 
• Peaceful beaches are perfect for relaxing 

Best Activities:

• Checking out the ruins and getting a better understanding of the Swahili history 
• Taking a boat trip from Kilwa to reach the island.
• Enjoying a peaceful resort away from the hustle and  bustle of the city 

Mbudya Island

Why Go?

Mbuya Island is located just a short boat drive away from Dar es Salaam. The island is a perfect day trip destination for beach lovers along the coast of Tanzania.

Top Attractions:

• Crystal-clear waters are perfect for snorkelling 
• Fine dry Tanzania beaches which are full of coconut palms
• Thatched bandas (huts) for relaxing with splendid ocean views.

Best Activities:

• Swimming and snorkeling in the waters which are filled with corals 
• Enjoying the fresh seafood along the beachside restaurant on the island 
• Relaxing and enjoying the sun in a beautiful tropical place.

Conclusion 

The coast of Tanzania is a sight for sore eyes, for it presents an exceptional blend of nature, culture, and history, making it a natural tourist attraction for all kinds of travellers. Whether you want to explore the pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs of Zanzibar and Mafia Island or seek the wildlife and scenic landscapes of the Saadani National Park, consider this stunning coast of Tanzania a choice for all. Pemba Island is the perfect site for diving in deep blue waters, Kilwa Kisiwani is the place to explore the ancient ruins, but there is also relaxing on the tranquil beaches of Pangani and Bagamoyo.

Tanzania also has features of its coast of Tanzania that are ideal for cultural immersion and very historical sites, as well as a close tie to the Swahili heritage. In Stone Town, you can wander the charming streets, see ancient ruins in Tanga, or experience abundant biodiversity on remote islands such as Mbudya and Songo Mnara. Our coast of Tanzania is a choice mix of attractions and makes Tanzania’s coastline Africa’s most riveting and memorable. The coast of Tanzania, whether it’s adventure or relaxation or a mix of both, is what you wish for when exploring the best places in Tanzania.