Tanzania Beach Holiday

Overview

A Tanzania beach holiday offers the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and coastal charm. With its stunning Indian Ocean shoreline, Tanzania is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in East Africa. From the vibrant island of Zanzibar to the peaceful shores of Pemba and Mafia Islands, the country delivers unforgettable tropical experiences.

Zanzibar, often the highlight of a Tanzania beach holiday, features powdery white sands and crystal-clear waters. You can relax on Nungwi and Kendwa beaches, snorkel in Mnemba Atoll, or explore the spice farms and historical sites of Stone Town. The island combines natural beauty with rich Swahili culture, making it a unique and exciting destination.

For a quieter experience, Pemba Island offers serene beaches, lush vegetation, and world-class diving spots. Divers love its unspoiled coral reefs and abundant marine life. Mafia Island also attracts underwater adventurers with opportunities to swim alongside whale sharks and explore tranquil lagoons.

A Tanzania beach holiday blends perfectly with inland adventures. After spotting wildlife in the Serengeti or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, travelers can unwind along the coast. The beach becomes a peaceful reward after thrilling days in the wild.

Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, a family vacation, or a solo escape, Tanzania’s coast delivers something for every traveler. Warm hospitality, clear waters, and golden sunsets create memories that last a lifetime.

Choose a Tanzania beach holiday and enjoy one of Africa’s most stunning coastal getaways. Your paradise awaits.

Highlights

Ronell Joubert

Reservations Specialist

Why Travel with Us?

Excellent rating
Based on 16 reviews
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Hiked Kilimanjaro (6 days) and went on a Safari (5 days Kilimanjaro Hike was amazing! Our guide (Mollel) and porters were all excellent. They were each knowledgable, encouraging and friendly. They took time to get to know us and understand our needs. They helped us feel comfortable with the challenge and enabled us to enjoy our trek from start to finish!Our Safari was equally outstanding! Again, we had terrific guides (Sam & Tembo). They, too, were knowledgable, accommodating and made each day a super fun adventure for all of us! They were incredible at tracking down all of the Big 5! They even found the black rhinos!The Value for the Money was unreal, as well. I would 100% recommend Soul of Tanzania to anyone who is looking for a once-in-a-lifetime Tanzanian experience!
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Shairanking F
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Unforgettable Safari and experience at its best Journey to Africa My friend and I did a 8 day Safari, starting in Tarangire NP, Serengeti central and South (Ndutu) with big Migration, Ngorongoro crater and Lake Tanganyika. All planning including our wishes and suggestions from Weguide Safari what is best for the time we were traveling were done with WhatsApp. The communication was very easy with very quick respondSo we had an excellent Safari with weguide africa safaris with nice, safe and quite large accommodations and tented camps, including good food.I think our guide Mollel will be the best guide you can find. He has a very good knowledge about animals and their behavior, wildlife and Tanzania culture. Besides he is helpful, friendly and a very good and save driver.We have seen all Big 5 and a great number of other animals living there.He even could find animals hidden under bushes or in trees in a great distance and getting closer we could watch them very, very nearby.My brother with family did the Safari before us with Guide Kennedy. and we all together have the same opinion that this Safari couldn't be topped.It was my best Safari I've done until now and I couldn't imagine getting something better. So much wildlife!!!!I would it recommend to 100%
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GreengatePeter
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SOLO TRIP TO TANZANIA SAFARI WITH WEGUIDE AFRICA SAFARIS ( 100% I RECCOMENDED WEGUID FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS) Tanzania as a safari destination has it all: if this is your first safari and your driving ambition is to get some amazing sightings and to rack up the big 5 as soon as possible then Ngorongoro Conservation Area is probably the best place in the world. Head for the Serengeti, however, if you have time for a longer safari and your goal is to take time to roam – moving as a nomad with the vast herds, or simply skitting across the savannah between the rock outcrops that are the lookout posts of the Serengeti prides. The Serengeti remains for me (alongside Botswana’s Kalahari) as one of the very best places in the world to experience the awe-inspiring vastness of the African wilderness. There is no feeling like being in the middle of the incomparable immensity of the savannah with no other vehicle in sight and a herd of wildebeest stretching as far as the eye can see towards the horizon.
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GoPlaces65996083400
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Tanzanian Romantic Safari for Couple Unforgettable honeymoon - safari & beach holidayOverall, great experience with WeGuide Celia has been extremely helpful in tailoring the itinerary for the safari and has assisted us all along the process.Our guide, Sam, and was always on time and truly did his best to show us all the possible animals within the visited parks. We've had nice lunches (with juice and wine) during the 5 days of Safari and the car was always sparkling clean in the morning when our guide was picking us up :) We would've appreciated our guide to be a bit more involved in the conversation (the answers we got to our questions about birds/animals weren't really detailed and we would've enjoyed talking/getting to know our guide a bit more, especially during our common lunches) but of course this didn't ruin our experience.Our safari was followed by a beach holiday in Zanzibar : Ceci has arranged a pick-up at the airport for us. The hotel (Z hotel in Nungwi) was also great and the honeymoon package made our holiday unforgettable.I can only recommend Soul of Tanzania and Tanzania in general. The safari is a magical experience everyone should have in a lifetime.
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phillip
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Viajero solo en la vida silvestre de Tanzania y safaris de experiencia en Zanzíbar Planeamos nuestro viaje a Tanzania junto con Cecie en weguide Safari. Le hemos dicho aproximadamente lo que queríamos hacer (lago Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti y Zanzibar) y ella sugirió el itinerario y el alojamiento que discutimos y adaptamos juntos. El Serengeti fue probablemente el más impresionante de los parques y tal vez si el tiempo hubiera sido un problema, me habría saltado el lago Manyara para ir directamente al Ngorongoro. (Aunque el alojamiento en el lago Manyara fue increíble, Escarpment Luxury Lodge). Todos los alojamientos tenían algo especial y terminar con un par de días de relax en Zanzíbar fue simplemente perfecto.
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Marion
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Great experience at Mara River (Serengeti) So nice to see and read about sam maasai guide. He was my guide when I visited Tanzania. I also had great game driving experiences, and yes, being patient definitely paid off time after time. We experienced elephants crossing the Mara River, and Sam explained how the matriarch makes the decision to cross and how the elephants would not all cross at once, rather cross in small groups of adults, babies, and elders. We stayed and saw group after group cross and come up the bak of the river directly beside our vehicle,. We also saw a group in the river stop and surround each other and then there was trumpeting by the herd on both sides of the river. Sam explained that they must have sensed danger like crockerdiles, and that they would reteat back; that’s exactly what happened and the trumpeting continued on both sides of the river for a while. When we returned to the Mara River Camp that evening, everyone was envious of our experience and commented how much they loved to have heard the elephants communicating. Like you and your son, we had great experiences every day. Love your photos and descriptions. It’s truly the trip of a lifetime
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Whistler
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Mikumi National park and Zanzibar island The Mikumi National Park is located in eastern Tanzania, some 100 kms south of Morogoro and 280 km west of Dar Es Salaam. It is next to the Selous Reserve and a few kilometers from the Udzungwa Mountains National Park. The wildlife includes monkeys, lions, leopards, panthers, elephants, giraffes zebras, hipos, etc. Approximately 360 different species of birds have been spotted. The park is very popular and is easily accessible from Dar Es Salaam. It is specially equipped for bird watching. Greenery includes the miombo forest which is dominated by Brachystegia spp. The Combretum-Terminalia forest is common between the hills and the plains along the river.In this lower part dominated by Acacia spp, Adansonia digitata baobab and Sterculia appendiculata and the top of gallery forest and riparian dense scrub along rivers Mgoda, Kikobogo and Mkata. The ebony Dalbergia melanoxylon, Sclerocarya caffra, Cassia abbreviata flabellifer and Hyphaene Borassus Ventricosa, Balanites aegyptiaca and Ficus spp are all very close to each other. They are common and important to elephants and baboona. A truly unforgettable experience. with weguide afrkca safaris
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ASHLEY P
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"Zanzibar family trip excursion" "This was our first trip with WeGuide Africa Safari - I believe it's no coincidence that the Bradt Africa guides are simply the best ones on the market and that WeGuide Africa are extraordinary in the depth of their knowledge of the situation on the ground and in their capacity to coordinate and synchronise everything to make it an excellent trip for a family with young children In Zanzibar excursion .We stayed Luxury property at Zuri hotel in Zanzibar .I saw some of the most amazing sights and things in Africa, which I would not have found without the guidance of WeGuide Africa Safari . And for the unforseeable and unavoidable occasional hick ups, the team is there to help where they can.I hope WeGuide Africa Safari stays a well kept secret
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Wilton Backer
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conquérir le Kilimandjaro" super 7 jours via machame route Bonjour mes amis de TripAdvisor.Je m'appelle Xavier.Je viens de rentrer d'une randonnée INCROYABLE sur le mont Kilimandjaro avec weguide Africa Safaris. J'y suis allé avec Erick le guide et il était IMPRESSIONNANT. Erick m'a tellement aidé à me sentir à l'aise tout au long du voyage et il m'a fait me sentir plus fort simplement en étant en sa présence.Tout d'abord, weguide Africa Safaris m'a aidé à chaque étape du processus de courrier électronique pour planifier le voyage. Ils sont tellement professionnels et organisés et m'ont fait me sentir vraiment très à l'aise et bienvenu pour voyager dans un pays étranger. (je viens de la FR)Je savais que c'était la bonne entreprise pour moi juste par la manière organisée et professionnelle de leurs e-mails. Ils vous guident à chaque étape.Si vous essayez de décider avec quelle compagnie escalader le Kilimandjaro ou avec quelle compagnie partir en safari, C'EST LA SEULE. WEGUIDE AFRICA SAFARIS est vraiment incroyable avec de très bons prix aussi.J'ai escaladé le mont Kilimandjaro avec Erick The Guide et il était un professeur tellement spectaculaire avec qui partager le voyage. Il avait tellement de connaissances sur la montagne et il a un VRAI amour pour la nature et l'exploration. . Erick The Guide et tout l'équipage qui nous a accompagnés étaient géniaux. L'équipage de porteurs que nous avions avec nous était tellement sympathique et accueillant. Ils m'ont vraiment fait me sentir chez moi pendant tout le voyage.Je sais que beaucoup de gens ont peur de voyager à cause de COVID. Mais je ne pense pas que cela devrait vous empêcher de venir en Afrique.Si quoi que ce soit, je pense que c'est le moment le plus courageux et le plus spontané pour parcourir le monde.J'ai passé un très bon moment avec WEGUIDE AFRICA SAFARIS et je pense que c'est le moment idéal pour explorer le monde. Allez saisir cette chance et VOYAGEZ. Cela pourrait juste changer votre vie.Erick The Guide et weuide Africa Safaris - vous étiez tous les meilleurs et je vous remercie de m'avoir donné l'opportunité d'escalader le mont Kilimandjaro.Quiconque lit ces mots - weguide Africa Safaris est super sympa, super professionnel et super organisé et ils ont des prix imbattables. N'ayez pas peur de suivre votre cœur. Le monde est fait pour être exploré.Merci Erick et toute l'équipe de weguide Africa Safaris qui ont facilité mon voyage. Je suis très reconnaissant de vous avoir trouvé.
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XAVIER
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Tanzania wildlife familiy safari with weguide africa safaris great company in Tanzania The trip was definitely a wonderful experience. The guide was very good, and that is one of the most important parts of a trip like this.Ngorongoro and Serengeti are two fantastic places, and we had the rare privilege of visiting with very little tourism, really feeling and breathing the place.With my current experience, I will change the first part of the trip avoiding lake Manyara and the long transfer of the first day, and planning at least two safaris in the crater
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witness A

Where to go in Tanzania on your Tanzania Beach Holiday

Exploring Tanzania’s Tropical Island Paradise Indian Ocean Islands Tanzania offer some of the world’s most spectacular tropical destinations. These stunning archipelagos provide pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unique cultural experiences…

A Pristine Coastal Escape Pangani Beach stretches along Tanzania’s northern coast, offering visitors an authentic escape from crowded tourist destinations. Moreover, this pristine shoreline combines rich Swahili culture with stunning…

Mafia Island – Tanzania’s Whale Shark Paradise Mafia Island offers one of the world’s most spectacular marine experiences in Tanzania’s pristine waters. Furthermore, this hidden gem provides incredible opportunities to…

Unguja Island, commonly known as Zanzibar Island, is the largest and most famous island in the Zanzibar archipelago, Tanzania. Renowned for its pristine white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and rich cultural…

Pemba Island – Tanzania’s Hidden Diving Paradise Pemba Island stands as Tanzania’s best-kept secret, offering travelers an authentic island experience away from crowded tourist destinations. Furthermore, this tropical paradise combines…

Zanzibar Island, also known as Unguja, is a tropical paradise off the coast of Tanzania, famous for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and rich Swahili culture. This Indian Ocean gem…

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Where to Stay

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Next Paradise Boutique Resort

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The Z Hotel Zanzibar is a stylish boutique retreat situated on Nungwi Beach, offering

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Pemba Paradise

Pemba Paradise Lodge is a hotel situated on the beautiful Pemba Island. It lies

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Frequently Asked Question About Tanzania Beach Holiday

The best time for a Tanzania beach holiday is during the dry seasons. The “long dry season” runs from June to October, offering clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and low humidity – ideal for all beach activities. The “short dry season” in mid-December to February is also popular, with hot, sunny weather. Avoid the main rainy season from mid-March to May, as heavy tropical downpours and high humidity can occur, and some lodges may close. November experiences “short rains,” usually brief afternoon showers.

Zanzibar offers diverse beaches:

  • Nungwi & Kendwa (North): Known for vibrant atmospheres, stunning sunsets, and minimal tidal variations, making them perfect for all-day swimming, snorkeling, and lively evenings.
  • Paje & Jambiani (Southeast): Famous for their laid-back vibe, traditional village life, and as prime spots for kiteboarding due to consistent winds.
  • Stone Town (West Coast): While not a swimming beach, this UNESCO World Heritage site is the cultural heart of Zanzibar, offering historical exploration, spice markets, and sunset dhow cruises.

Absolutely! Beyond Unguja (Zanzibar’s main island), consider:

  • Pemba Island: Less developed, known as the “Green Island” with lush landscapes and exceptional diving opportunities for vibrant marine life.
  • Mafia Island: A secluded gem within a marine park, famous for swimming with whale sharks (seasonal, Oct-March) and pristine coral for snorkeling and diving.
  • Mnemba Island: A private, exclusive luxury retreat off Zanzibar’s northeast coast, offering unparalleled seclusion and world-class diving.

Yes, it’s highly recommended and incredibly popular! Tanzania is unique as the only country in East Africa where a national park meets the ocean. Saadani National Park on the mainland coast offers a rare “bush-to-beach” experience where you can see wildlife like elephants near the Indian Ocean. Combining a Northern Circuit safari (Serengeti, Ngorongoro) with a Zanzibar beach stay is also a seamless and common itinerary, leveraging efficient domestic flights.

Consult your doctor well in advance for specific advice. General recommendations include:

  • Malaria Prophylaxis: Malaria risk exists, especially in coastal regions. Take prescribed anti-malarial medication.
  • Vaccinations: Ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Yellow Fever vaccination may be required if arriving from or transiting through a country with a risk of transmission. Hepatitis A & B and Typhoid vaccinations are often recommended.
  • Insect Repellent: Use repellent with DEET, especially at dawn and dusk, and sleep under mosquito nets where provided.
  • Water: Drink only bottled or purified water. Avoid tap water and ice cubes unless made from purified water.
  • Sun Protection: The sun is intense. Use high-SPF sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
  • Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies and evacuation is essential.

Pack light, breathable clothing suitable for hot, humid climates.

  • Clothing: Swimwear, shorts, light cotton shirts, flowy dresses, long-sleeved shirts and long trousers (for evenings, sun protection, and cultural modesty outside resorts). A light jacket or shawl for cooler evenings.
  • Footwear: Sandals, flip-flops, water shoes (to protect from sea urchins/rocks), comfortable walking shoes for Stone Town or excursions.
  • Sun Protection: High-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat.
  • Health: Insect repellent, personal medications, a basic first-aid kit.
  • Other Essentials: Reusable water bottle, waterproof phone case, camera, chargers, power adapter (Type G – UK standard).

Yes, generally the Indian Ocean waters are warm and calm, making them safe for swimming. However:

  • Tides: Be aware of significant tidal changes, especially on Zanzibar’s east coast, which can affect swimming at low tide.
  • Sea Urchins: In some rocky shallow areas, especially at low tide, sea urchins can be present. Wearing water shoes is advisable.
  • Currents: Some beaches may have strong currents or rip tides. Always swim in designated safe zones and heed local advice.

Tanzania, especially Zanzibar, is predominantly Muslim and conservative. Respectful dress is important, particularly outside of resorts and on beaches.

  • Modesty: When visiting Stone Town or local villages, both men and women should dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Loose-fitting clothing is preferred.
  • Beachwear: Bikinis and swimwear are acceptable within resorts and on beaches. However, it’s respectful to cover up with a sarong or T-shirt when leaving the immediate beach area.
  • Public Displays of Affection: Keep public displays of affection minimal.
  • Greetings: A friendly “Jambo” (Hello) or “As-salamu alaykum” is always appreciated.

The official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). However, US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted for tourism-related services (safaris, hotels, higher-end restaurants). Ensure USD bills are newer (2009 series or newer).

  • Credit Cards: Most accommodations and larger tour operators accept major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard), but smaller local shops and restaurants may prefer cash.
  • ATMs: ATMs are available in major towns like Stone Town, Dar es Salaam, and Arusha, but it’s wise to carry some cash, especially for smaller purchases or remote areas.

The cost of a Tanzania beach holiday varies significantly based on your chosen accommodation, activities, and travel style.

  • Budget (Hostels/Guesthouses): From $50-100 USD per person per day (excluding international flights).
  • Mid-Range (Boutique Hotels): From $150-350 USD per person per night.

Luxury (High-end Resorts/Private Islands): From $400 USD to $1000+ USD per person per night (e.g., Mnemba Island is very high-end).