Many may come to Tanzania to experience Safaris, conquer the Kilimanjaro mountain or swim in the turquoise waters of Zanzibar island. However, far too few tourists make it to the beautiful beaches right in the middle of Dar es salaam. But they shall be a secret no more, here at Travel Tanzania we have collected our favourite beaches the city has to offer.
Kipepeo Beach Village
Kigamboni, a district located south east of Dar es Salaam hosts some of the most beautiful and clean beaches that the city has to offer. After only a 3-min ferry ride from Kivukoni Front you reach Kigamboni beach, also called South beach - a long strip of white beach with several resorts. The ferry is very affordable at 200 tsh/pp one way, and once you get off the ferry just walk forward for 2 min until you see bajaji's (tuk tuk's) and motorbikes and tell them which beach resort you would like to visit. As of writing the price for a bajaji ride up to kipepeo beach is 5000 ths. Remember to take the number of your bajaji driver so that you can call them to pick you up once you are ready to leave as there is little to no transportation outside the resort. Upon arrival, entrance to the beach resort is 5000 tsh/pp but you will receive a drink voucher for that. Sometimes -especially during the weekdays- there is no one at the entrance and you may walk in for free. No drinks or food is allowed in to the resort but their restaurant serves a wide range of food which is fairly affordable. As with most beaches in Dar es Salaam, Kipepeo beach is the busiest during weekends and more slow during the work days.
Mbudya Island
Mbudya Island is a dreamy uninhabited island off the coast of Dar es Salaam. It's tranquil white beach is one of the best weekend get aways from the hustle and bustle of the city. The island is reachable with a 20-min motorboat ride from several resorts in the Kunduchi area. The cost of a boat ride from Waterworld is 10,000 tsh/pp, the marine reservation fee is 12,000 tsh/pp for tourists and is paid upon arrival on the island. On the island there are "bandas" huts for rent at 10,000 tsh, but one can also lay under the pine trees for absolutely free. Food and drinks are available on the island, one can order fish, lobster, calamari and chicken, all accompanied with a side of chips. The cost of food is around 10 - 15,000 tsh/pp. You can also bring your own drinks and snacks from the mainland. The beach is mostly crowded during the weekends when tourists and locals alike come to relax on the beach and swim in the blue waters. Music is played from different speakers and people enjoy drinks and games on the beach. During the weekdays the beach is mostly empty and you may find yourself having the whole island to yourself, apart from some crabs, crows and fishermen. If you visit Dar, don't miss out on this beautiful beach.
“During the weekdays the beach is mostly empty and you may find yourself having the whole island to yourself, apart from some crabs, crows and some fishermen.”
Bongoyo Island
Located only 2,5 km away from the city, Bongoyo is one of the most visited island's in the Dar es Salaam marine reserve. To reach the island one can take a 30-min speed boat ride from the Slipway hotel pier for 25 usd (tourist price). Bongoyo boasts a clean white sand beach and clear blue water. Food is available on the island but you can also bring your own food and snacks if you prefer. Get to Slipway as early as possible to ensure that you get on a boat. There is no particular schedule, the boats just go when there are four or more people wanting to to visit the island.
If you ever happen to find yourself in Dar, we definitely encourage you to visit one of these lovely beaches. Just thank us in the comments.
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