Swahili Coast
Bagamoyo Kilwa Kisiwani Pangani
Bagamoyo
Description: Bagamoyo is gaining ground as a popular alternate to Zanzibar. It is here that you will find similarities to Zanzibar (beautiful beaches and historic sites) without the large numbers of tourists.
Bagamoyo is now little more than a small town, but it used to be one of the most important ports in East Africa. It was a leading port for the ivory and slave trade. The area around Bagamoyo features a number of ancient buildings, some dating back more than 800 years.
These days, Bagamoyo is known as the ‘arts capital’ of Tanzania. It boasts an annual arts festival from the end of September into early October. There are an increasing number of good beach resorts to choose from, though be aware that sometimes security on the beach can be an issue.
Location: Less than 2 hours north of Dar es Salaam
Things 2 Do: Dance & Drum Classes, Diving, Snorkeling, Windsurfing, Fishing, Bagamoyo Historical Town Tour, Boat Trip
Time: A minimum of 2 nights.
Accommodations
$
Badeco Beach Hotel
Palm Tree Village Beach Resort
$$
Livingstone Club
Millennium Sea Breeze Resort
Oceanic Bay Hotel
Travellers Lodge
Kilwa Kisiwani
Description: At its height, Kilwa Kisiwani was the single most important trading center on the East African coast, and the ruins here include several mosques, a fourteenth-century palace (in its time the largest stone structure in sub-Saharan Africa) and a well-preserved Omani fortress. This is also a terrific place to go game fishing.
Location: Southern coast, reached by daily flights from Dar es Salaam.
Things 2 Do: Game Fishing, Snorkeling, Diving, Sunbathing, Swimming, Birding
Time: Minimum 3 nights.
Accommodations
$$
Kilwa Ruins Lodge
Kilwa Seaview Resort
Pangani
Description: Although it is not well known as a coastal destination, this small and historic town has attractive sandy beaches, a friendly and laid-back atmosphere, and a wealth of decaying colonial buildings dating from the slave trade and the German occupation. It is also a good place for cultural visits. All this makes it a great place to get away from it all and just relax. For those who like a beach without the crowds, this is a good alternative to Zanzibar.
Location: Northern Tanzania coast, south of Tanga, can be reached by flight to Tanga or in conjunction with a trip to the Usambara Mountains and/or Amani Reserves.
Things 2 Do: Diving, Snorkeling, Boat Rides, Fishing, Wind Surfing, Bird Watching, Cultural Tours, Walking and Spelunking.
Time: Spend at least 3 nights.
Accommodations
$
Mikomabay Tented Lodge
Capricorn Beach Cottages
Peponi Beach Resort
$$$
The Tides
“My trip to Tanzania was the first time I went on a trip that I didn’t plan myself. It was daunting trying to decide on a trip operator solely by using the internet because I don’t personally know anyone who had been to TZ. Emails with Karen were answered promptly and our first phone call really put me at ease. The A2T website was easy to navigate and between that and my own internet research I rarely felt the need to reach out to ask questions. It was great to get an itinerary from Karen, who knew TZ so well. I liked that A2T had a small focus so I know that they had a deep understanding of the options. This was also the most expensive trip I had ever taken and I didn’t want to make any big mistakes that would diminish our experience. Lastly, this trip was particularly special because I was bringing my 2 adult children and I have no idea when we will be able to travel together again. It was important for me to plan a memorable and enjoyable trip.”