Tanzania – the largest country in East Africa boasts fascinating cultures, friendly people and some of the most beautiful (and most popular) natural wonders in the world. Not only hosts the country the Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania is also home to the Big Five game animals – lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and Cape buffalo. Yet, besides its wonderful landscapes and impressive wildlife, the country has become extremely popular among holidaymakers due to its idyllic beaches. Not only the world-famous luxurious all-inclusive resorts on the islands of Zanzibar, the country’s coastline has so much more to offer!
For further information about backpacking in Tanzania, as well as about prices, visas and other suggestions, visit the German website BackpackerTrail.
Best period to visit Tanzania
Although there are numerous regional variations, the country has a pleasant climate all year round (30°C on average). Moreover, it is important to highlight that the best time to visit Tanzania depends of course on what your plans are. Yet, several travel guides suggest that the period between July and October represents the best choice, since the country is at its driest and it is highly unlikely that visitors will encounter rainfalls. On the contrary, due to the high probability of rains, it is best to avoid the months of April, May and November.
Best Beaches in Tanzania
Nungwi Beach
Located at the northern tip of Unguja Island, best known as Zanzibar, Nungwi Beach is the most popular beach destination in the country … and it is not difficult to see why! Crystal-clear waters, white sand shores, palm trees, as well as anchored dhows, will be the perfect combination for your Instagram posts!
Kendwa Beach
Not too far away from Nungwi Beach, Kendwa Beach represents one of the liveliest tourist destinations in Zanzibar. Are you a party person? Do you like going out to bars, restaurants and to other nightlife events? Then, this is the perfect place for you! Moreover, the white sandy beach, as well as the crystal-clear water, make it the perfect place for snorkeling and scuba diving for which you may need scuba diving equipment.
Prison Island
The breathtaking landscape that Prison Island boasts is as interesting as the history behind it. The tiny island has in fact had several uses throughout the centuries: a prison (although it never hosted any prisoner), a quarantine station and a slave port. Nowadays, nature has taken the place over again; the island is in fact covered by trees and it is home to several animal species. Crystal-clear waters surround the island.
Nakupenda Beach
Nakupenda Beach, which means “I love you” in Swahili, is a tiny strip of land located off the coast of Zanzibar. It takes only a short trip by boat to reach the island, which represents the perfect place for water activities lovers – in particular scuba diving. Remember to take a parasol with you because there is no shade on the island.
Mafia Island
Not only Mafia Island boasts gorgeous beaches and impressive landscapes, but it is also quite unknown to the majority of visitors who come to Tanzania. Located on the southernmost part of the country, the island has managed to avoid huge crowds of incoming visitors, thus maintaining its original essence. Indeed, although you can find some accommodation opportunities, infrastructures have not been greatly developed as it happened on the island of Zanzibar. Nature is here at its best!
Bongoyo Island Beach
Bongoyo Island, located just a short boat trip from the capital of the country – Dar Es Salaam -, is extremely popular among both tourists and locals. Keep in mind that the island is uninhabited, therefore, visitors cannot lodge here. At the same time, due to the underdevelopment of the island, the possibilities to eat or drink in a bar or restaurant are limited, thus people generally take their own food with them.
Are you still here? Call your friends, pack your backpacks and enjoy this unforgettable adventure. The wild Tanzania is waiting for you!