Coastal Tanzania

Zanzibar is, in fact, an archipelago made up of two larger islands—Unguja and Pemba—and dozens of smaller ones. While Unguja, with its UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stone Town and postcard-perfect coral sand beaches, is served directly by multiple international airlines and can get quite busy, its sister island Pemba remains the epitome of tranquility.

Thanks to a U.S.-funded development program, Pemba has a good road network—but it’s mostly used by oxcarts. The island, which is about half the size of Maui or twice the size of Ibiza, likely has no more than a hundred cars. Time seems to stand still here. Though tourism is slowly developing, there are still only a handful of lodges on Pemba, and it's entirely possible to walk along its shores for hours without meeting another soul—aside from friendly locals.

Beyond the two main islands, Zanzibar’s charm extends to exclusive private islands such as Mnemba and Chumbe, both renowned for exceptional diving and snorkeling. Perhaps the most spectacular underwater world in Tanzania, however, lies further south—in the Chole Bay reefs of the Mafia Island Archipelago. These amazingly beautiful and species-rich coral banks have been spared the destructive dynamite fishing that still, regrettably, occurs in other parts of the coastline.

On Mafia’s Chole Island—and neighboring Juani, which is accessible on foot during low tide—you can explore ruins of the Swahili culture, some dating back to at least the 13th century. Chole is also home to the remarkable Chole Mjini Treehouse Lodge, offering a unique, close-to-nature stay that feels more like a gentle immersion into island life than a typical hotel visit.

Like in other parts of the Tanzanian coast, Mafia offers seasonal nesting grounds for sea turtles. Between October and December, it’s even possible to swim with whale sharks off Mafia’s coast—an awe-inspiring experience that few places on Earth can offer.

Tanzania’s coastal offerings seem limitless. North of Tanga, you can kayak through mangrove forests or go deep sea fishing in the fish-rich Tanga Channel. Further south, the ruins of Kaole and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kilwa Kisiwani reveal a rich, pre-colonial history that once connected East Africa to Persia, Arabia, and India.

And then there are the beaches. Endless stretches of coastline untouched by mass tourism invite quiet walks, reflection, and reconnection with nature and oneself.

Even the bustling city of Dar es Salaam has its own coastal charm. Just offshore, small islands are easily accessible for a day of swimming, fresh seafood—caught just that morning—and perhaps a glimpse of the rare and impressive Coconut Crab, listed as a vulnerable species by the IUCN. Unlike its aquatic cousins, this crab lives entirely on land.

Browse the photo gallery below to get a feel for the rich diversity of Coastal Tanzania—or click here to return to the destinations overview.