World-Class Beaches
White sand and turquoise water along Zanzibar’s north and east coasts.
Tanzania Beach Circuit
The CoastalCircuit
Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia — white-sand beaches, coral reefs and centuries of Swahili history along Tanzania’s Indian Ocean coastline.
ISLANDS OF THE INDIAN OCEAN
01 — Overview
Tanzania’s classic safari finale — or a destination in its own right.
The Coastal Circuit covers Tanzania's Indian Ocean islands: Zanzibar (Unguja) with its historic Stone Town and famous beaches, the quieter clove island of Pemba, and Mafia Island, known for whale sharks and one of East Africa's best-preserved coral reefs. Together they offer everything from lively beach resorts and diving to deserted sandbanks and centuries-old Swahili trading towns.
Most visitors combine a few days on the coast with a Northern Circuit safari or a Kilimanjaro climb, flying in from Arusha, Kilimanjaro or Dar es Salaam. Pemba and Mafia, less developed than Zanzibar, suit travellers who want diving, fishing or complete seclusion.
- Key Islands
- Zanzibar, Pemba, Mafia
- Gateway
- Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) & Dar es Salaam
- Best Time
- June–October & December–February
- Typical Length
- 3–7 days
- Famous For
- Beaches, Stone Town & diving
02 — Why This Circuit
Why choose the Coastal Circuit
The perfect way to end a safari or climb — or a destination on its own.
Stone Town History
A UNESCO World Heritage old town of carved doors, spice markets and centuries of Swahili, Omani and Indian heritage.
Diving & Snorkelling
Coral reefs around Mnemba Atoll, Pemba and Mafia rank among the best in the Indian Ocean.
Easy to Combine
Short flights connect the islands to Arusha, Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti for a seamless safari-and-beach trip.
03 — Destinations
Islands on this circuit
Three islands, each with its own pace — from lively resorts to complete seclusion.
Sample Route
A sample 5-day route
A typical way to unwind on Zanzibar after a safari or climb.
Day 1
Fly to Zanzibar
Arrive and transfer to Stone Town for a guided heritage walk.
Day 2
Stone Town to the North Coast
Transfer to Nungwi or Kendwa for swimming and a sunset dhow cruise.
Days 3–4
North or East Coast
Days at leisure, with optional snorkelling at Mnemba Atoll or a spice farm tour.
Day 5
Departure
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Wildlife
Marine life & wildlife
Zanzibar's Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park protects the endangered Zanzibar red colobus monkey, found nowhere else on Earth, alongside Sykes' monkeys and mangrove forests. Offshore, the reefs of Mnemba Atoll and the waters around Pemba and Mafia support green sea turtles, dolphins and vivid coral reef fish.
Mafia Island is one of the world's most reliable places to swim with whale sharks, which gather in its waters between roughly October and March.
- Zanzibar red colobus
- Green sea turtle
- Bottlenose dolphin
- Whale shark
- Coral reef fish
Best Time to Visit
Best time to visit the coast
June to October and December to February are the driest, most popular months. The long rains fall March–May and the short rains in November are usually brief. Whale sharks are most reliably seen off Mafia Island from October to March.
Dry Season
June to October
Best game viewing; wildlife gathers at rivers and waterholes.
Wet Season
November to May
Lush scenery, migratory birds and newborn animals; some roads can be muddy.
Getting to the Coastal Circuit
By air
Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) has direct international flights and short connections from Arusha, Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti and Dar es Salaam; Pemba and Mafia are reached by short onward flights.
Overland
High-speed ferries connect Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar in about 1.5–2 hours; Pemba and Mafia are reached by air rather than by sea for most visitors.
Location
Coastal Circuit Map
Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia lie off Tanzania’s Indian Ocean coast, a short flight from the mainland.
Coastal Circuit
Open in Google MapsAccommodation
Where you'll stay
Beach resorts, boutique hotels and Stone Town gems across the islands.
FAQ
Coastal Circuit FAQs
Practical answers for planning your island stay.
Which island should I visit — Zanzibar, Pemba or Mafia?
Zanzibar offers the widest choice of hotels, activities and history; Pemba suits divers and travellers wanting seclusion; Mafia is best known for whale sharks and quiet, uncrowded reefs.
How do I get to the coast from a Northern Circuit safari?
Short flights connect Arusha, Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti directly to Zanzibar, making it easy to combine a safari with a beach stay.
When can I see whale sharks at Mafia Island?
Sightings are most reliable from around October to March, though they can occasionally be seen at other times of year.
How many days should I spend on the coast?
Three to four days suits a relaxing add-on after a safari or climb; a week or more allows time to explore more than one island.