Indian Ocean Mainland
Many people are attracted to the famous Zanzibar Island, whose name conjures visions of the exotic, but Tanzania also has a huge stretch of stunning mainland coast with off-the-beaten-track charm. There are a number of beautiful lodges here and the beaches tend to be much more private than those in Zanzibar. On the whole, mainland accommodation is seriously good value compared with similar standards on the islands. We highly recommend this coastline!
Anyone dreaming of absolute seclusion should consider heading to the mainland coast for some of their time in the country. Where possible, we highly recommend a short stay on these beaches at the beginning or end of a honeymoon; it is a wonderfully relaxing, highly romantic and easily reached from Dar es Salaam, following or prior to an international flight.
The only real negative about the mainland coast is for the most part there is no diving because the coral reefs are nowhere near as good as those of Zanzibar, Mafia or Pemba. The joy of heading for a hideaway on this glorious stretch of white sand coast is logistical ease and the high standards of beach luxury. Indian Ocean mainland: Accommodation choices
Ras Kutani and Amani Beach Hotel are the two lodges South of Dar es Salaam that we recommend. Ras Kutani is a long term favourite in the office and countless guests give it rave reviews. The lodge is a laid back Polynesian style hotel, complete with bamboo and thatch rooms that lie along a lagoon by the ocean. It is unquestionably one of the best hotels we deal with and would be double the price were it on Zanzibar! We try and include Ras Kutani on most itineraries to the country! Nearby is the Amani Beach Hotel which shares a similar location, albeit with not such a great beach. At only $100pppn, Amani is a great low cost option. Further North from Dar lies Tides Beach lodge, a great no frills place that is the only lodge on the mainland coast to offer good diving.
Take a Safari from the Beach
Years of work and wildlife development at Sadaani National Park have created an exclusive opportunity to enjoy an individual East African safari experience, with close-up wildlife encounters, integral elephant-tracking, inland river safaris and enjoy the fruits of the Indian Ocean at the same time. Now with a couple of great options for accommodation, this has evolved into a real itineary choice, particularly worthwhile for families with young children - for more details please see Tent with a View.
Recommended lodges in this area:
Tanzania Mainland Coast
Quiet, away from it, all but with fabulous rooms, great food and friendly unpretentious service. This is the best value beach accommodation and one of the most beautiful small lodges to be found anywhere in Tanzania.
Tanzania Mainland Coast
Quite a different style of exclusive accommodation is provided here, tucked about ten minutes away at the other end of the beach from Ras Kutani close to Dar es Salaam.
Tanzania Mainland Coast
Great beach, great lodge….overall a very nice, off-the-beaten-track choice! What Tides has over other destinations on the mainland coast is a whole range of activities, including good diving, making it a very good and affordable destination for people wanting to stay away from Zanzibar.
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