Things to do in Mkoani

2026 Global 50 - Cool Water Escapes

Zanzibar Island

Zanzibar Island is located in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Tanzania and is known as the Spice Island due to its historical abundance of spices like cloves. Since ancient times, it has been an important transit point for African, Arab, Indian, and Persian merchants traveling across the Indian Ocean, where diverse cultures have converged and blended over centuries to form the unique Swahili culture. The island's core historical area is Stone Town, where winding, narrow coral stone alleys resemble a labyrinth, lined on both sides with intricately carved wooden doors and ancient buildings with ornate balconies. These wooden doors, known as Zanzibar doors, are carved from hardwood, with facades that blend Arab motifs and Indian spike decorations, serving as a microcosm of the multicultural fusion in Stone Town. The city is also dotted with historical landmarks such as the Old Fort and the Palace Museum. In addition to its profound history and culture, the coastline here is equally impressive. Palm-fringed white sand beaches stretch for several km, and the surrounding waters feature well-preserved coral reefs, making them popular spots for snorkeling and scuba diving. The island is also home to Jozani Forest, which is inhabited by the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkey, making it a great destination for travelers who enjoy natural ecosystems.

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Dar es salaam

Mbudya Island

Mbudya Island is an uninhabited island off the coast north of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and is part of the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve along with Bongoyo Island and Pangavini Island. The island features white sand beaches on both its east and west sides, and the water is clear and turquoise. It is often compared to a mini Zanzibar near Dar es Salaam, and you can reach the island by speedboat from the northern coast of the mainland in approx. 20 minutes. Shallow coral reefs are located near the shore. At low tide, the shallows form a natural swimming pool. The water is calm and teeming with tropical fish, making it perfect for snorkeling beginners. You may have the chance to spot hawksbill turtles among the reefs, and the island is also home to large coconut crabs.

Selected for Best Things to Do in Tanzania

Stone Town

Stone Town is located on a headland jutting into the Indian Ocean on the west coast of Zanzibar Island and is a well-preserved ancient trading town on the Swahili Coast of Eastern Africa. Over a thousand years of monsoon trade have layered the cultures of Africa, Arabia, India, and Europe into this district: old houses built of coral stone, Arab stone bench terraces, and Indian carved wooden balconies with veranda-style facades often stand side by side in the same narrow alley. The old town still has hundreds of carved wooden doors, studded with brass nails and engraved with intricate patterns, known as Zanzibar doors. Walking around and looking up to spot these doors is a joy in itself when exploring Stone Town. During the day, it is perfect for wandering into the alleys, where the scent of cloves and cardamom from spice shops, the chatter of old men playing chess, and the dazzling array of craft shops make up the fabric of life in the old town; after dark, the seaside Forodhani Gardens turn into a lively open-air night market, filled with the aroma of grilled seafood, Zanzibar pizza, and freshly squeezed sugarcane juice.

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Zanzibar Island

Nungwi Beach

Nungwi Beach is located at the northern tip of Zanzibar Island. Its long stretch of white coral sand and clear turquoise waters make it a popular vacation beach in Zanzibar. Unlike many beaches on the east coast, it is less affected by tides, allowing for swimming during most of the day. In the evening, you can also enjoy the sunset view of fishermen returning to port in dhows. Nungwi village, where the beach is located, is a traditional dhow-building center in Zanzibar. It still preserves the craft of hand-building wooden dhows, and you can watch artisans at work in the village's boatyards to experience the fishing village's maritime traditions. There are also many options for excursions: during the day, you can go snorkeling or scuba diving, where you have the chance to encounter sea turtles, stingrays, and schools of tropical fish in the nearshore coral reefs. Some dive centers also offer night dives, allowing you to see a different side of the coral reefs at night. In the evening, you can join a sunset dhow cruise to look back at the entire beach from the sea.

No. 2 of Cool Water Escapes in Tanzania

Coco Beach

Coco Beach is located on the coast of Oyster Bay in the east of Dar es Salaam and is a popular public beach in the city, as well as a traditional gathering spot for locals on weekends. Fine, soft sand stretches along the bay, lined with rows of coconut trees. Unlike resort beaches geared toward tourists, this place retains the authentic atmosphere of daily life in Tanzania: on weekends, the beach is bustling with noise and music, with locals gathering in groups to swim, play soccer, and picnic, making it as lively as an endless seaside market. The snack stalls along the beach are a signature experience here: freshly grilled meat skewers over charcoal, cassava snacks, and freshly opened coconuts. Enjoying them while feeling the sea breeze is a direct taste of the local flavor.

Gombani Stadium

No. 2 of Cool Water Escapes in West

Nakupenda Beach

Located on Pemba Island in Tanzania, I Love You Beach is an ideal tourist destination named for its romantic atmosphere and natural beauty. The white sand and clear waters attract tourists who are looking for tranquility and relaxation. The beach gets its name from its romantic setting and is a popular choice for couples and newlyweds. Here, visitors can sunbathe or take a dip in the warm Indian Ocean. Due to the clear water, this is also an ideal spot for snorkeling and diving, where visitors can explore the rich marine life and coral reefs. It is recommended to bring snorkeling equipment to better experience the underwater world. There are small restaurants and bars near the beach, serving fresh seafood and local specialties, making it a great place to enjoy lunch or dinner. It is recommended to try the local coconut water and tropical fruits to experience the authentic Tanzanian flavor.

Misali Island

Ruins of Old Fort and Museum Swahili Divers

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Dar es salaam

Kanisa Kuu la Mt. Yosefu (St.Joseph Cathedral Dar es Salaam)

Kanisa Kuu la Mt. Yosefu (St.Joseph Cathedral Dar es Salaam) is the Catholic cathedral in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and the central church of the local archdiocese. It is located in the coastal area of the city center, facing the natural harbor. The church's exterior is entirely off-white, with three pointed arches lined up at the entrance and a rose window embedded above. The main hall has a red-tiled roof, and an octagonal spire on one side is particularly striking. Upon entering, your eyes will first be drawn to the large stained glass windows behind the altar, which let in bright light through biblical scenes. Overhead is a ribbed vaulted ceiling, with stone floors paired with wooden pews. A pipe organ stands above the entrance, and the interior is quiet and cool, forming a sharp contrast with the bustling harbor district outside.