Tanzania, on the east coast of Africa, houses some of the most stunning beaches along the Indian Ocean. With over 1,400 kilometres of coastline, beaches in Tanzania are known for their pristine white sand, turquoise-coloured water, and lush surroundings. Popular destinations like Zanzibar, Nungwi, and Kendwa offer idyllic spots for relaxation and thrilling activities like snorkelling, dhow sailing, and scuba diving. Beaches like Matemwe are famous for their vibrant coral reefs and proximity to marine parks. Tanzania’s breathtaking beaches provide tranquillity and adventure, making it a dream destination for travellers seeking tropical charm.
9 Spectacular Beaches In Tanzania
Tanzania has numerous beaches that will leave you fascinated. The following list contains 9 of the most pristine beaches in Tanzania.
1. Kiwengwa Beach
Photo: Walter Saravia / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Kiwengwa Beach is among the most stunning beaches in Tanzania and is on Zanzibar Island. It is known for its white sand, and turquoise-coloured water, and for offering mesmerising views at the time of sunset and sunrise. Here, you can explore water-based activities with your friends and family, such as snorkelling, dolphin watching, kiteboarding, etc. If you want to reach Kiwengwa Beach by road, you can follow the scenic path from Stone Town. After visiting this stunning beach, you can also explore the other nearby attractions, such as Pongwe Beach and Kiwengwa Caves.
Location: Kiwengwa, Tanzania
Distance From Nearest Airport: Around 40 kilometres from AAK International Airport
2. Vumawimbi Beach
Photo: Marcel Oosterwijk / Wikimedia Commons
The Vumawimbi Beach is said to be the tropical paradise of Tanzania. It is an ideal destination for a getaway from the city’s hustle and bustle, as it stays less crowded compared to other popular beaches in Tanzania. It lies on the west side of Pemba Island and is widely known for its beautiful white sand and for being surrounded by crystal-clear water. If you choose to explore the ocean, then there you might also witness the majestic marine creatures like humpback whales and hammerhead sharks. A few of the activities offered here are snorkelling, sailing, and scuba diving.
Location: Pemba Island, Tanzania
Distance From Nearest Airport: Almost 60 kilometres from Pemba Airport
3. Kunduchi Beach
Photo: Guojun Yang / Wikimedia Commons
Kunduchi Beach is one of the most admirable beaches in Tanzania, which has a historical significance attached to it. Here you will find a wide range of hotels, resorts, and eateries. Some of the water-based activities that you can do here are snorkelling, windsurfing, and scuba diving. Near the beach, you will find many fascinating attractions, such as the largest water park in East Africa, Kunduchi Wet ‘n’ Wild Water Park. At a few minutes’ distance, you will find remnants of a sixteenth-century mosque and an eighteenth-century pillar tomb, which are part of Kunduchi ruins.
Location: Kunduchi, Tanzania
Distance From Nearest Airport: Around 29 kilometres from JN International Airport
4. Kendwa Beach
Photo: Zoheb / Wikimedia Commons
Kendwa Beach is known for its stunning natural beauty and has won Africa’s most beautiful beach title. It was placed fourth on the list of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Tourists usually find themselves spellbound by the beauty of surrounding nature here, which includes white sand and turquoise-coloured water. Here you can start your morning with a boat tour or go for a swim, which can be followed by a scuba diving session. Due to its popularity, the beach is filled with locals and tourists, so if you are looking for a lively place, Kendwa Beach is just for you.
Location: West side of Zanzibar, Tanzania
Distance From Nearest Airport: 62 kilometres from AAK International Airport
5. Nungwi Beach
Photo: Niceley / Wikimedia Commons
Nungwi Beach is near Kendwa Beach and has a more relaxed vibe to it. This picturesque destination attracts a lot of tourists due to its crystal clear water, tranquil environment, and soft white sand. Near Nungwi Beach, you can find good accommodations, eateries, and shops, which you can explore after your trip to the beach. The beach borders the Indian Ocean and is famous for offering a mesmerising view of the sunset, which leaves the sky and water painted in various shades of orange and yellow.
Location: North side of Zanzibar, Tanzania
Distance From Nearest Airport: Almost 60 kilometres from AAK International Airport
6. Paje Beach
Photo: Matt Kieffer / Wikimedia Commons
Paje Beach is a perfect destination if you are looking for a peaceful getaway. It is situated on the southeast coast of an island and offers a variety of activities for adventure seekers, such as kitesurfing and windsurfing. The beach stays lively as it is a well-known tourist destination and attracts people from different regions of the world. Near this pristine beach, covered in soft white sand, there is a popular market (Changa Bazaar), which offers vibrant woven mats, baskets, and bags. The Paje Beach stays open 24*7 for access and faces a low tide now and then.
Location: East side of Zanzibar, Tanzania
Distance From Nearest Airport: 50 kilometres from AAK International Airport
7. Kizimkazi Beach
Photo: O.Mustafin / Wikimedia Commons
Kizimkazi Beach belongs to a fishing village that lies on the south coast of Zanzibar. The water surrounding the beach is sea green in colour and contains rich aquatic life. This destination is popular among tourists due to the boat tours, which include observing a pod of bottlenose dolphins. Around the shoreside, there are a few coves that you can explore. However, the beach doesn’t have many options when it comes to accommodation and food. You can enjoy various activities here, such as snorkelling, boat tours, diving, etc.
Location: South side of Zanzibar, Tanzania
Distance From Nearest Airport: 61 kilometres from AAK International Airport
8. Jambiani Beach
Photo: Jonathan Dalrymple / Wikimedia Commons
Jambiani Beach is a spectacular spot to head to if you are looking for a calm place to unwind. It lies near Paje Beach and can be reached in almost thirteen minutes by car or other vehicle from Paje. A forest known as Muyuni Forest lies close to the beach. Here, you can sit back, admire the surroundings, and capture the picturesque moments being spent with your friends and family. It is known for its white sand, eateries serving delicious seafood, and clear blue water surrounding it. In the nearby area, there is a popular diving site known for having a lot of stingrays.
Location: East side of Zanzibar, Tanzania
Distance From Nearest Airport: 56 kilometres from AAK International Airport
9. Kipepeo Beach
Photo: Aaron Burden / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Kipepeo Beach is surrounded by deep blue-coloured water and is located away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This beach offers visitors a tranquil environment as it is situated in a secluded area. If you are looking for a less crowded beach with a stunning view, then Kipepeo Beach is for you. Here you can sit on the soft white sand, go swimming or jogging, observe the natural beauty it offers, and mingle with other tourists. The beach lies at a distance of around ten kilometres from the financial capital of Tanzania and is a hidden gem with good accommodation options near it.
Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Distance From Nearest Airport: 20 kilometres from JN International Airport
Beaches in Tanzania are a slice of paradise on earth, offering stunning natural beauty and endless adventure. While exploring the vibrant coral reefs, you can bask under the sun on its pristine white sand or snorkel in its crystal-clear water. With its breathtaking coastlines and numerous attractions like marine parks and historic Stone Town, Tanzania has something for everyone. Book your trip with TripXL and make unforgettable memories at this fascinating tropical destination.