Beaches

The mainland and islands along the coastline have some of the most stunning beaches in the world, with powder white sands and turquoise blue seas. The balmy temperatures are around 30 degrees centigrade throughout the year, making Tanzania and its islands the perfect beach getaway, whatever time of year you want to go.

Here’s a look at seven incredible beaches in Tanzania and the islands along its coast.

• MATEMA BEACH

Matema Beach, a beachside town in Mbeya Region, Located on the beautiful shores of Lake Nyasa, Matema Beach is among the most scenic tourist attractive site in Tanzania.

Travelling to Matema Beach is made up of beautiful views of real African life of the local communities. A winding road passes through high, Livingstone Mountains and tea estates before it descends to the tropical shores of Lake Nyasa.

Matema lakeshore village is a fishing settlement where local fishermen are easily seen selling their catches. The village was the regional headquarters of German Governor during German rule in Tanzania before the mosquitoes forced him and his team out of place. Mount Livingstone hiking and visits to potteries are the other tourist activities in Matema.

To reach Matema Beach, it is 130 kilometre drive from Mbeya City, passing through the tarmac road to Malawian border.  The drive is an exciting as the car roll through green scenery, made up of tea, banana and tree farms on hillside areas.

A tour of rice and cocoa farms in Kyela, a waterfall on Mount Livingstone and special cultural performances add more tourist attractiveness to the area.

• FANJOVE ISLAND

Fanjove is a private island with only six beach huts lined along the spectacular beach.

If you want peace and quiet, you’ll find it here. Fanjove is one of the most remote and secluded beach destinations in the world.

Flop out on the beach and watch the locals – colorful coconut crabs and different bird species – or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters before dining on the freshest seafood and coconut curries.

Zanzibar Island is just 25 km off the coast of Tanzania, and it features some stunning beaches. One of the best is Paje in the southeast corner. It’s a popular beach destination and offers a good selection of beach bars and restaurants, as well as water sports activities.

Just off the southeast coast of Dar es Salaam, the charming island of Mafia is the perfect spot for divers and snorkelers. The marine park in the coastal waters offers a magnificent underwater experience, while the palm-fringed beach is wonderful for soaking up the sun in peace and tranquillity.

This unspoiled island in the Zanzibar archipelago is one of the best dive locations in the world. It’s also the ideal holiday destination for those who want privacy and seclusion away from the crowds. The beaches here are beautiful, but it’s the sand bars and spits around the island that will really take your breath away.