Tanzania is a country situated in the Eastern coast of Africa and it is known as a country with different landscapes, and extraordinary wildlife. Nonetheless, its most valuable feature is a gorgeous coastline which is 1400 kilometers long along the Indian ocean. The attraction sites in the Tanzania coast will provide the visitor with a rare combination of diverse coastal cities, clean beaches, historic islands, and pure wilderness. Be it an adventure lover, history lover or a person who needs to relax, the coastline of Tanzania offers the best environment to experience the ultimate.
The spots to see in the Tanzania coast, whether it is the exotic attractiveness of Zanzibar or minor-recognized parasite islands of Mafai, have something to offer to everyone. And the 10 best places to see in the beautiful coast of Tanzania.
1. Zanzibar Island
Zanzibar is the pearl of Tanzanian coast sometimes regarded as one of the most beautiful and culturally enriched islands on the planet. The archipelago is a fusion of history, spice plantation, pristine beaches and rich culture.
Its capital, Stone Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage locality full of history where narrow alleys, antique structures and busy markets dominate. You may visit the House of Wonders, Sultans Palace and Slave market here to know the interesting history of Zanzibar.
Out of Stone Town, the Zanzibar beaches are rated among the best in the world and the sands are white in color in addition to having crystal clear waters. The north such as Nungwi and Kendwa are resort to beautiful beaches and nightlife whilst the south such as Paje and Jambiani are more relaxing, kite surfing, or snorkeling.
Another tourist attraction in the island is the spice tours that show the tourists about the spice business that took place on the island and also allow them to taste diverse types of spices, some of which include cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Zanzibar is certainly one of the most extraordinary destinations to make in the Tanzanian coast.
2. Pemba Island
The sister Island to Zanzibar is Pemba Island which is quieter and untouched. Pemba is a place that can be described as a picturesque place with green landscapes, isolated beaches, and colorful coral reefs situated to the north of Zanzibar, and thus is a good place to visit by diving and nature enthusiasts.
The island is rich in cultural heritage and there are not many tourists as compared to Zanzibar so the experience of the island is genuine since it is an East African island. The key settlement is its Chake Chake Town and it has given an insight into the local life of Pemba. But its true appeal is the underworld of the Pemba. The Pemba Channel has been recognized to provide some of the best diving destinations in the world boasting of a wide variety of marine life forms including turtles, dolphins and colorful corals. Spice farms and walks in nature or visits to spice farms are also some of the activities worth the visit in this island where a person wants to get away and unwind in relative peace. The Pemba Island has remained as one of the best kept secrets of destinations to be visited by the coast of Tanzania.
3. Mafia Island
The Mafia Island, which lies below Zanzibar, is a section of the Mafia Archipelago, with pristine and unspoiled beaches and amazing diving sites. It is a lower profile and relaxed holiday spot than Zanzibar but also as beautiful. Mafia Island belongs to the Mafia Island Marine Park, where there is the coral reef and a land of various marine organisms, as well as the endangered dugong (sea cow).
The beaches in mafia are remote and hence makes it the ideal venue to have a relaxing time. The main village of the island is Kilindoni, a small fishing village that has a local atmosphere. The opportunity to dive with whale sharks, which is one of the largest sea fish, in the crystal clear waters is one of the major attractions in the Mafia Island. Snorkeling, diving, and fishing are also favored activities which can be participating in here, as well as the exploration of Chole Bay and the ancient ruins of the Chole Island.
The Mafia Island is among the best places to visit in the Tanzania coastline, where one can get a blend of wildlife, beach leisure, and cultural immersion.
4. Dar es Salaam
The biggest city of Tanzania is Dar es Salaam, which is the entrance of the coastal wonders of the country. Although it is a busy city, Dar es Salaem houses some amazing beaches and islands that do not make it a place to be left out by those who are traveling along coast.
Some of the most beautiful beaches which can be accessed with ease in the city are Kigamboni Beach and Mbudya island. The Mbudya Island is just one boat-ride further out of the city center and boasts of crystal clear waters and colorful coral reefs which make it a favorite destination at snorkeling and swimming.
Dar es Salaem has a number of museums where people interested in the history of Tanzania can learn more about the country, the national museum, and the village museum are some of them, that exhibit Tanzanian culture and life. Dar es Salaam can be used as a great starting point of the rest of the tour sites in the Tanzania coast.
5. Bagamoyo
Only an hour drive north of Dar es Salaam, Bagamoyo is a historical town where one can gain an insight into the past of Tanzania as a key port in the slave trade in the East Africa. The historical occurrences in the town are manifested by a number of historical landmarks such as the Bagamoyo Slave Trade Museum, the Old Boma, and the German Cemetery among others.
The beautiful beaches of Bagamoyo are also associated with the city, where you can go and have a feel of the sea-coast life. This town is peaceful and it is a great place to stop especially when one wants to have both past and nature. The Saadani National Park adjacent to the land, the place where the land and the ocean intersect, have wildlife sightseeing opportunities, such as the elephants, lions, and the rarely found species of the turtle, which inhabits the beach.
Tourists who want to indulge in historical ventures combined with the natural beauty of the Tanzania coast will find Bagamoyo as their destination.
6. Saadani National Park
One of the most exclusive parks in Tanzania is Saadani national park which is situated along the Indian ocean coastlines wherein tourists are offered a chance to connect with both aquatic and land creatures at a single site. It is the sole national park in Tanzania that shares its borders with the coast and it is therefore a good destination to both wildlife and beach lovers.
The tourists can get to see the park in form of game drives where they can view the elephants, lions, giraffes and a variety of bird species and then go to the coastline to spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach. Wami river has a lot of bird species that can be spotted and a chance to see dolphins and nesting sea turtles can be found in the beaches. Saadani is also a superb place to have a more off-the-beaten-path and occasionally secluded safari in the coastal areas with very limited tourists.
Being a country with an unusual blend of safaried and beach tourism, Saadani National park is one of the most intriguing places to explore along the coast of Tanzania.
7. Sinda Island
The Sinda Island is a well-kept secret that is off the coast of Dar es Salaam, with its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. It belongs to the Sinda Island Marine Reserve which assists in safeguarding the local marine animals and coral reefs. The island is ideal to the person who enjoys activities that are related to water like snorkeling, scuba diving and sorting out kayaking.
The Island of Sinda is more or less undeveloped and as such it provides a serene getaway away to the masses. It is a negro haven and a haven to the lovers of nature, and birds are there, and the marine animals are numerous and stunning, and they are settled there. The island provides the perfect day trip or overnights to tourists who would otherwise like to see the beauty of the coastline of Tanzania which has not been spoiled.
Sinda Island is an unpopular destination that presents a pristine location in one of the most ideal locations to visit in Tanzania coastline.
8. Rufiji River Delta
Rufiji River Delta is a wetland that is ecologically important and one of the most important wetlands in Tanzania. This delta is in the southern-eastern part of the country and is full of wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles as well as a wide range of bird species. The region belongs to the Selous Game Reserve which is a UNESCO world heritage and a successful destination that can be visited by nature lovers and bird watchers.
The delta is best explored with a boat safari where one gets to see the wildlife and the variegated ecosystems that comprise the area. Tourists will have the chance to appreciate a serene voyage through admiring the vibrant nature and wildlife on the bank of the river. Rufiji River Delta is the most interesting tourism spot within the coast of Tanzania to those who want adventure and also place that is serene to visit.
9. Kendwa Beach
Kendwa Beach toward the north of Zanzibar is a more relaxed substitute to the busy Nungwi Beach. Kendwa boasts of great sunsets and serene waters that are great in swimming, snorkeling, and sun bathing. The tides here are not as harsh as in the other beaches in Zanzibar hence the beach is always suitable for swimming any time of the day.
Kendwa also features colorful beach parties and so called beach parties are ever present especially during the full moon, thus it is an ideal beach destination to individuals who are seeking relaxation and adventure at the same time. Kendwa Beach is among the best beaches to visit in the coast of Tanzania with its golden sand, crystal clear water, and relaxed environment.
10. Mafia Island Marine Park
Finally, and by no means least, the Mafia Island Marine Park is a marvelous place of interest to people who are interested in marine life and have an opportunity to dive, snorkel, and fish. The island belongs to Mafia Archipelago and features beautiful coral reefs, crystal clear waters, and an extensive diverse Marine life including whale sharks, turtle species, and colorful species of corals.
The island is not overcrowded as Zanzibar thus making it ideal to those who want a more relaxed and rather exclusive setting. The tourists are also able to visit the lovely island in the form of villages, sample sea food items and get to know more about the local conservation efforts in the quest to conserve the unique marine ecosystem.
Mafia Island Marine Park has stunning biodiversity and serene environment making it one of the best places to visit in the Tanzania coast by eco-tourism lovers.
Conclusion
The coastline of the country is one of the most scenic regions in East Africa and has the most varied experiences to be experienced such as historical towns and beautiful beaches, rare wildlife and isolated islands. The Tanzania coasts have places that are worth visiting whether in search of cultural immersion, an adventure in the nature or just a rejuvenating vacation at the beach. Whether it is the neatly classic iconic Zanzibar or the pristine beauty of the Mafia Island, it is the kind of adventure, culture and rest at the same location in one of the most beautiful parts of the world.
