Tanzania is a lovely country to visit, with a laid-back, tranquil way of life and hospitable people, and a plethora of incredible things for travellers to see and do. Tanzania, home to the gorgeous wildlife of the Serengeti and, of course, Zanzibar's beautiful beaches, is a treat to travel throughout; there is a wonderful assortment of various landscapes crammed into just one country.

Many visitors to Tanzania choose to embark on a safari or a walk before seeing its alluring coastline, which is home to picturesque islands and spectacular beaches. Tanzania's beaches are breathtaking, and you'll often have them fully to yourself to enjoy.

Top Beaches in Tanzania

1. Bongoyo Island Beach

With excellent snorkelling and sunbathing, it's no surprise that Bongoyo Island is a favourite day trip destination for both locals and tourists. This gorgeous island, just a short boat ride from Dar Es Salaam, is part of the Dar Es Salaam Marine Reserve, so everything appears untouched and unspoiled.

It is not possible to spend the night on the island because it is deserted. Because there are just a number of small beach bars that provide refreshments, some people bring their own food and drinks.

The island is covered in trees and is very rocky in spots, but there is nothing to complain about when it comes to its two beaches, which both look fantastic.

2. Jambiani Beach

Jambiani Beach, located just along the coast from Paje Beach, is a laid-back destination ideal for sitting back, relaxing, and taking in the environment. Because the community is small, there are only a few hotels, lodges, and restaurants in the area - however they do serve some great seafood meals.

While most visitors to Jambiani Beach come to relax and enjoy the landscape, it is worthwhile to take a boat ride on one of the dhows. Stingray City, a nearby diving location, is one of the most impressive in the area, with hundreds of stingrays lazily swimming around.

In addition, guests can take a local cooking class, go on a cultural trip to learn more about traditional village life, or visit Jozani Forest, where they can see monkeys playing in the trees.

3. Kendwa Beach

Kendwa Beach, located on the northwestern coast of Unguja, is one of Zanzibar's liveliest and most touristic areas, and is the place to go if you want some genuine nightlife. For example, Kendwa Rocks hosts monthly Full Moon Parties, which are a lot of fun because you get to party on the beach until the early hours of the morning.

Apart from the beautiful sun-kissed beach, Kendwa features a plethora of bars, restaurants, and hotels to suit all budgets. It's impossible to forget eating dinner while viewing the sunset over the water.

There are numerous activities and day trips available to visitors (nothing on the island is more than an hour or two drive away), with snorkelling and scuba diving being particularly enjoyable. The nearby waterways are teeming with marine life and home to some stunning coral reefs.

4. Kipepeo Beach

Kipepeo Beach, called after the Swahili word for "butterfly," is a beautiful area to visit. Its location on the outskirts of Dar Es Salaam makes it a popular weekend retreat for folks wishing to get away from the city.

Traditional vibanda buildings may be found here; the thatched roofs look magnificent intermingled among the palm trees lining the white sands of the beach.

Kipepeo Beach is ideal for unwinding due to its relaxed and tranquil ambiance. As the sun sets, guests move from the immaculate dunes to the beachside bar to sip delicious beverages while watching the sun set.

5. Mafia Island

Mafia Island, part of a magnificent archipelago just off the mainland of Tanzania to the south of Dar Es Salaam, is a treasure of a destination to visit, thanks to its beautiful scenery and slow pace of life.

The island has managed to slip under the radar because it is largely neglected by tourists who prefer Zanzibar. In compared to its more famous neighbour, it is blissfully undeveloped, albeit there are still a few resorts and hotels here and there.

Mafia Island is a wonderful vacation destination that is becoming increasingly popular among scuba divers and snorkelers. Its incredible marine reserve is alive with underwater life, and its magnificent beaches appear to be straight out of a tourist magazine.

6. Mbudya Island Beach

Mbudya Island, located just off the coast of mainland Tanzania, is a terrific day excursion from Dar Es Salaam and is only a 20-minute boat journey away. Mbudya Island provides a welcome respite from the city's congested streets; its beach is as lovely as they come, with pearly white beaches contrasting charmingly with the vibrant turquoise of the water.

The surrounding waters are home to some amazing coral reefs, and snorkelling above the colourful fish flitting back and forth is a great way to build up an appetite. Fortunately, there is a small beach shack serving up local specialities for your enjoyment.

7. Nakupenda Beach

Nakupenda Beach (which means "I love you" in Swahili) is actually a sandbank located a short boat ride from Zanzibar's capital. It's a lovely pleasure to relax on the pristine sands and gaze out at the Indian Ocean.

This is a beautiful place to swim or snorkel; the turquoise seas are appealing, and it truly feels like you're on a paradise island. When visiting Nakupenda Beach, carry a parasol with you because there is no shade on the sandbank.

Sitting in one of the beach bars and watching the sun set is the ideal way to end the day. Following a day of relaxing on the beach, the boat ride back to Stone Town is equally memorable.

8. Nungwi Beach

Nungwi Beach, located on the northern extremity of the island, is a wonderful place to unwind and has a more casual and down-to-earth atmosphere than neighbouring Kendwa Beach. The dazzling Indian Ocean is bordered by bright white sands, and the mild waters are ideal for swimming.

Sunsets are especially spectacular here, as the ocean is painted in a colourful array of oranges, yellows, and reds. Furthermore, around this time, a fleet of dhows - local fishing boats - take to the waterways for night fishing; their sails show out brilliantly against the sunset and provide for some fantastic images.

There are numerous restaurant and lodging alternatives, as well as a few chill out pubs. Scuba diving trips are available for visitors; Mnemba Atoll and the Haunted Wall are only two of the surrounding underwater sights.

9. Paje Beach

If you're searching for a calm retreat, the sleepy village of Paje Beach on Unguja's east coast is the place to be. The beach is about an hour's drive from Stone Town; its brilliant white sands are backed by perfect blue waters, and palm palms provide shade from the scorching sun.

There are some excellent restaurants and motels tucked away along the coast. Paje Beach is a popular destination for kitesurfers, who may be seen dashing across the warm waves when the winds are favourable.

One of the most astonishing aspects of Paje is that the tide recedes all the way to the horizon, allowing you to walk for kilometres out into the Indian Ocean with water only up to your ankles. It's an incredible experience, especially at night, when you can feel the moon's pull on the water as it shimmers in the moonlight.

10. Prison Island

Prison Island, surrounded by pristine blue waters, is incredibly picturesque. Because of its proximity to Stone Town on Unguja, it is a popular day trip destination. 'Changuu,' as it is commonly called, has served several purposes throughout history, including serving as a slave port and quarantine station, among other things.

The island is now densely forested, with a big turtle refuge at one end. The ruins of the prison, which never actually housed any inmates, can be found scattered about.

Prison Island is well worth a visit when in Stone Town, with a beautiful beach, good snorkelling right offshore, and breathtaking vistas. The boat ride to and from the quiet island is as enjoyable as you skim across the waves.