Dar’s coast includes well-known local beaches and marine reserves reachable for day trips: Coco Beach (Oyster Bay), Kigamboni (South Beach), Kunduchi, Mbezi, and the marine reserve islands Bongoyo and Mbudya — great for half-day snorkeling, picnics, and easy access from the city.

For low-key, off-the-beaten-path beaches with authentic Swahili towns and mangrove estuaries, head to Pangani and Bagamoyo. Saadani combines beach and wildlife: you can see elephants on the sand at Saadani National Park. These are quieter, more authentic coastal experiences.

When to Travel?

⇀  Best overall months: June to October and December to February – dry and sunny.
⇀  Short rains: November (spotty) and long rains April – May (lower prices, some closures).
⇀  Kitesurfing/wind season: June to September and December to March on the east coast. This timing advice aligns with travel guides for Tanzania and Zanzibar.

Fly into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar) or Julius Nyerere Airport (Dar es Salaam).

Domestic flights or fast ferries link Dar and Zanzibar; Coastal Aviation and Auric/Precision Air cover many island routes. Private Explorers will arrange transfers and schedules for smooth connections.

For remote spots (Mafia, Pemba, Pangani), small domestic flights or private charters may be recommended; we include that in the quote.

 ⇀  Snorkelling and scuba (guided trips, equipment hire).
 ⇀  Dhow cruises and sunset sails.
 ⇀  Kitesurfing and windsurfing lessons (Paje, Jambiani).
 ⇀  Fishing trips and local dhow experiences.
 ⇀  Island-hopping to Mbudya, Bongoyo, Mnemba, Chumbe, Mafia and sandbanks.
 ⇀  Cultural visits: seaweed farms, village visits, spice tours, Stone Town walking tours.
 ⇀  Combined safari + beach itineraries (Serengeti/Ngorongoro then 3–5 nights on Zanzibar or Mafia).