A Luxurious Guide to Exploring the Best of Tanzania’s Beaches in 7 Days

  • Day 1: Arusha to Zanzibar
    2-hour flight from Arusha Airport

    Begin your luxurious trip exploring the beautiful island of Zanzibar, which is famous for its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. Visit the Nungwi Beach which is considered one of the best beaches in Tanzania. Enjoy various water sports like scuba diving and snorkeling, and experience the beautiful marine life, or opt for a relaxing spa treatment on the beach.

  • Day 2: Zanzibar
    20 mins (7.1 km) drive from Nungwi Beach to Kendwa Beach

    Visit the beautiful Kendwa Beach, which is known for its beautiful sunsets and beach parties, dine-in at a beachfront restaurant enjoying the stunning views of the Indian Ocean. Relax on the beach, listen to live music or dance along to the local beats, and soak up the vibrant Zanzibari culture.

  • Day 3: Zanzibar
    50 mins (30.5 km) drive from Kendwa Beach to Stone Town

    Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stone Town, which is also the old city and cultural heart of Zanzibar. Visit the Stone Town Market and indulge in the local street food, followed by a visit to a spice farm tour to experience the exotic spices of Tanzania. Take a stroll through the town and visit monuments such as the Old Fort and House of Wonders, and end the day with a sunset dhow cruise.

  • Day 4: Zanzibar to Mafia Island
    55 mins (290 km) flight from Zanzibar Airport

    Embark on an adventure to the unspoiled beaches of Mafia Island, known for its stunning marine life and coral reefs. Visit the Jibondo Beach, which is considered the best beach on the island, and enjoy water sports like scuba diving and snorkelling in the clear waters. Explore the Chole Bay and visit the quaint village of Kua, which has stunning sandy beaches and is perfect for a quiet stroll along the coastline.

  • Day 5: Mafia Island
    25 mins (15 km) drive from Kua village to Chole Bay

    Experience the stunning Chole Bay, which is a protected marine park and a paradise for snorkelling and diving. Explore the coral reefs and dive along with whale sharks which are in abundance in this area. Visit the Mafia Island Lodge for a luxurious seafood feast and excellent views of the surrounding bay.

  • Day 6: Dar es Salaam
    40 mins (25 km) flight from Mafia Island Airport to Dar es Salaam

    Visit Tanzania’s busy city of Dar es Salaam, which has a rich history and cultural landscape. Visit the historical landmark, Askari Monument, that commemorates the African soldiers who fought in World War I. Follow this with a visit to the National Museum of Tanzania, and learn about African archaeology, history, and culture. End the day with dinner at the rooftop restaurant Albashaer Grill & Restaurant, which provides a stunning view of the Dar es Salaam skyline.

  • Day 7: Dar es Salaam
    10 mins (5 km) drive from Albashaer Grill & Restaurant to National Zoo Botanical Gardens

    Visit the National Zoo Botanical Gardens, which is a perfect way to end your luxurious trip to Tanzania. Enjoy a relaxing day surrounded by nature and vibrant birds, as well as a variety of animal species in the zoo. Spend the afternoon picnicking in the botanical gardens or take a guided tour to discover more of the gardens' flora and fauna. Spend your last evening in Tanzania enjoying a sunset cruise along the coastline.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Nungwi Beach (3 hours, $25)
  • Kendwa Beach (2 hours, $35)
  • Stone Town (5 hours, $100)
  • Jibondo Beach (4 hours, $50)
  • Chole Bay (3 hours, $75)
  • Dar es Salaam City Tour and Albashaer Grill & Restaurant (6 hours, $120)
  • National Zoo and Botanical Garden (4 hours, $35)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $440

Transportation

You can travel to Zanzibar and Mafia Island via local airlines, such as Coastal Aviation or Precision Air, or by boat. Local buses and taxis provide transportation around the cities. Private car rentals and drivers are also available, which is a good option for luxury travellers. Airfare can vary depending on the season and advance booking times, and local transportation is inexpensive compared to taxis and private cars.

Useful Tips

For those with more time, we recommend a visit to the Serengeti National Park, which is located in Northern Tanzania and is one of the world's most famous wildlife reserves, or the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which is home to the world's largest inactive, unbroken, and unfilled volcanic caldera providing some of the best wildlife sightings in Africa. For those with less time, skip Stone Town and spend an extra night in the beachside paradise of Zanzibar.

Airports

Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) is the main airport for visitors travelling to Zanzibar Island, which is located approximately 9 kilometres south of Stone Town. Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) is the gateway airport for visitors traveling to Dar es Salaam or nearby regions. The Dar es Salaam airport is located approximately 12 kilometres southwest of the city centre.

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