Travel Areas: Tanzania Beaches & Islands

Tanzania may have built its international travel reputation around its fabulous national parks but don't forget that it has over 800 kilometres of gleaming coastline - and that's before you get to the exotic tropical islands.

The coast has a tropical climate - it's usually pretty hot, sunny and humid all year round with temperatures averaging between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius.

There are however distinct rainy seasons: try to avoid the coastal region during the long rains of March to April (when a number of lodges close) but there is less to worry about with the short rains of November to January.

Note that the rainy seasons aren't entirely calendar-driven: Tanzania's tropical coastal climate could throw up a rainstorm at any time of year.

We've split the coast into 2 distinct travel regions - the coast itself and Tanzania's islands, including Zanzibar.

On the Coast

Located almost centrally on Tanzania's coast is sprawling, bustling Dar es Salaam, perhaps not an obvious choice for a beach holiday. However, there are great beach hotels and resorts within a 2-hour drive of this historical and culture-packed city - we'd particularly recommend Ras Kutani, 35km south of Dar es Salaam.

For something completely different, the Saadani National Park is tucked away in a wild area of coastal forest and grassland some 150km north of Dar es Salaam and is bursting with wildlife.

Treat yourself to unique sightings of elephants strolling along the beach at this little-known slice of paradise - it's the perfect off-the-beaten-track destination for adventurers and honeymooners.

We'd recommend staying right on the beachfront at the intimate Saadani Safari Lodge.

Tanzania Islands

Zanzibar Island is the crown jewel of the Zanzibar Archipelago, rich in architecture, exotic spice farms and echoing with centuries of history.

Its name is misleading however: Zanzibar Island is actually called Unguja Island, which together with Pemba and Mafia islands, constitute the Zanzibar Archipelago. Don't worry too much though; nearly everyone calls it Zanzibar Island.

As for somewhere to stay, we'd recommend the chilled-out ambience of Zanzibar's quieter north-east coast. Matemwe Bungalows and Shooting Star Sea View Cottages offer great beachfront accommodation.

And don't forget that Zanzibar is not all about beaches: Zanzibar's capital Stone Town offers the inquisitive traveller the chance to explore the twisting alleys, mosques and markets that make up this fascinating old town.

Scattered around Zanzibar are tiny islands, off the main tourist route, and home to some seriously idyllic resorts and hotels, not to mention incredible scuba diving.

Chumbe is an uninhabited island 12km south of Zanzibar Town. Chumbe has a shallow coral reef that is remarkably pristine - and thankfully protected. Chumbe Island Coral Park is the official title to the private reserve and ecotourism initiative on the island.

Chumbe is a day trip for most people, but to really experience its wonders, you'll want to stay overnight in one of the Chumbe Island Coral Park Eco-bungalows.

Mnemba Island lies a kilometre north-east of Zanzibar Island. A tiny island paradise, Mnemba is the epitome of exclusivity and privacy. The reef around Mnemba makes for the best diving and snorkelling in Zanzibar.

As for accommodation, well there's only the idyllic luxury of Mnemba Island Lodge on its private, hopelessly romantic beach - sorry.

Pemba Island is only 50km from Zanzibar and has long lived in its shadow but those who do travel to Pemba, however, are seldom disappointed.

Hilly, fertile and largely untouched, it's still early days for tourism to Pemba - which makes it perfect for people looking to explore on their own terms.

For accommodation not much beats Fundu Lagoon, a superb off-the-beaten-track lodge offering access to one of the world's top 5 dive spots.

Mafia Island is less famous than Zanzibar Island 160km to its north, so this small pristine paradise has managed to remain under the Africa island holiday radar and the laidback tropical ambience makes a stay on Mafia Island a most serene and chilled-out experience.

This complete lack of hassle or hustle may typify the Mafia experience but it's the incredible reefs that most people head for - in fact it's one of the world's best dive sites.

We'd recommend Kinasi Lodge, perfect for divers or indeed anyone who wants to experience island life at its best.

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