Tanzania islands are the quintessential paradise experience. With pristine white sand and turquoise water, these beaches are the stuff dreams are made of. From the famous island of Zanzibar, to the exotic islands of Pemba and Mafia, to unique and exclusive private islands, Zanzibar is the ultimate beach destination.
After the adventure of a safari, there’s nothing better than to relax in paradise. At Soul of Tanzania, any tour can be enhanced with a beach extension. We will take care of the flights, hotels and transfers so that you just have to worry about lying on the beach or doing some snorkeling
Located at the northern tip of Unguja Island Nungwi Beach is the island’s most famous stretch of sand – and for good reason. Crystal-clear waters wash upon white sand shores, while anchored dhows provide an atmospheric backdrop for your vacation selfies. Popularity comes at a price, though, and Nungwi can be overpopulated with tourists and locals attempting to sell their wares. However, those that like to be part of the action will love the beach’s atmospheric waterfront bars and restaurants, while accommodation options range from backpacker B&Bs like Nungwi House to 5-star resorts like Essque Zalu Zanzibar.
Zanzibar visitors looking for a quieter place to catch a tan will love Kendwa Beach, located on the island’s northwestern tip. It’s possible to walk there from Nungwi at low tide and you’ll find the same white sand and turquoise waters, but with fewer crowds. Because the waters off Kendwa get deep quickly, there is less of a tidal range here than on the eastern beaches, making it ideal for swimming no matter the time of day. Its western location also means that for scenic sundowners, there’s no better place to be. Various operators offer snorkeling trips and Kendwa village tours, while Kendwa Rocks resort is known for its monthly Full Moon Party.
If exclusivity is a priority, consider booking a stay on Mnemba Island. Located off Zanzibar’s northeast shore, this private getaway is only accessible to guests of luxurious &Beyond Mnemba Island Lodge and has a circumference of just 1.5 kilometers (0.93 miles). Essentially, the entire island is a breathtaking ivory beach, studded with a patch of causarina pine forest and surrounded by protected coral reefs. The lodge’s PADI dive school offers exceptional scuba diving excursions, while private beach dinners, open-air massages and yoga sessions are all on the menu for those staying in one of the 12 thatched beach bandas. Activities range from fishing to dolphin watching.
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African Merit Safari is an experienced team of African travel specialists based in Arusha, Tanzania. Together our team of talented travel experts has well over a decade worth of experience in Tanzania travel industry.