Beach Time in East Africa: A Guide to the Best Coastal Destinations
East Africa is not only about wildlife, African safaris, and savannahs but also beaches and coastline. The beaches vary from the clear waters of the Indian Ocean to the cultural area of the coastal towns, and therefore, beach time in East Africa is both relaxed and exciting. Here are some of the best coastal destinations to explore in East Africa:
- Zanzibar Archipelago, Tanzania
Overview
The Zanzibar Archipelago is located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Tanzania and eastern Africa. It is a tropical region with white sandy beaches, clear blue water, and full cultural and tourist attractions. Of the main islands, Unguja, usually known as Zanzibar, is more famous.
Highlights
Stone Town: Stroll around this remarkable city filled with small streets, souks, and architectural landmarks, now listed as a World Heritage Site.
Nungwi and Kendwa: Situated in the northern part of Zanzibar, these beaches are well known for their crystal clear waters, active nightlife, and excellent sunset views.
Paje and Jambiani: The eastern coast beaches are perfect for activities such as kite surfing, snorkeling, and diving.
– Mnemba Atoll: A small island with well-protected marine park for snorkeling and scuba diving with colorful coral gardens and many sea creatures.
Activities
– Snorkeling and diving
– Kite surfing
– Stone town cultural tours
– Spice tours
- Diani Beach, Kenya
Overview
This white sandy beach on the south coast of Kenya is among the best-known in the country. With its white powdery sand and blue water, it is a favorite among tourists for sunbathing and water sports.
Highlights
Marine Life: Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park is nearby and offers ideal snorkeling and diving due to the various marine life in the region.
Shimba Hills National Reserve: This reserve is a 45-minute drive from Diani. It is the place to see large herds of elephants, sable antelopes, and other wild animals.
Skydiving: Tandem skydiving over the Indian Ocean is quite rare in all African countries, and Diani Beach is privileged to offer this to its visitors.
Activities
– Snorkeling and diving
– Skydiving
– Outdoor activities such as ones that take place at the beach and games that require water.
– Testing local and urban eateries and entertainment.
- Lamu Island, Kenya
Overview
Lamu Island is located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Kenya and is one of the oldest Swahili settlements withistine sandy shores. In particular, Lamu Town, the main town of the island, is listed as a World Heritage Site.
Highlights
– Lamu Town: Stroll around the streets, both narrow and broad, go to the Lamu Museum, and see the exotic houses, which are Swahili architecture.
– Shela Beach: This beach is within a close distance from Lamu Town and has a quiet environment complimented by attractive sceneries.
Cultural Festivals: Indeed, tourists flock to Lamu throughout the year to experience the two main cultural annual festivals, the Lamu Cultural Festival and the Maulidi Festival.
Activities
– Dhow sailing trips
– Exploring Lamu Town
– Chilling on the white sandy beaches of Shela
– Taking part in cultural calendars
- Pemba Island, Tanzania
Overview
Therefore, Pemba Island of Zanzibar Archipelago has not developed much and is not as touristy as Zanzibar, which is ideal for beach lovers.
Highlights
– Misali Island: Small and deserted island on the western coast of Pemba, population, well-sand protected beaches as well as good snorkelling and diving sites.
– Pemba Channel: Renowned for its good fishing especially in sea fishing as well as colourful marine creatures.
– Ngezi Forest Reserve: Take a tour to this great forest reserve which boasts of several plants and animal species.
Activities
– Snorkeling and diving
– Deep-sea fishing
– Forest hikes
– Lazing on virgin sand to be precise
- Mafia Island, Tanzania
Overview
Other than Zanzibar, the other Tanzanian islands include Mafia Island that is another beautiful and unspoilt ecological paradise that is famous for fishing and serene tourism. The where of Mafia Island Marine Park is one of the spotlights for this destination.
Highlights
– Marine Park: The Mafia Island Marine Park is famous for its coral garden thus consider as the best area for snorkeling/diving.
– Whale Shark Diving: The sea creatures you can enjoy include the whale sharks which are documented gentle giants of the sea and are sighted from October to March.
– Chole Island: You should visit this near-by island to see mangroves, ruins and bats.
Activities
– Snorkeling and diving
– Whale shark diving
– Exploring Chole Island
– Lazing on white sand beaches
- Watamu, Kenya
Overview
Watamu is an Amboseli Kenyan town famous for its beautiful beaches, marine parks, and diverse wildlife. The best thing about it is that it is a combination of the two boldest words in the English language, namely rest and roar.
Highlights
– Watamu Marine National Park: An area that has coral gardens, Lagoons, and a wide variety of marine animals perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving.
– Gedi Ruins: Take a look at an abandoned Swahili town with dangerous forests even today.
Arabuko-Sokoke Forest: Visit this nearby forest reserve, which is stocked with many rare birds and other forms of fauna.
Activities
– Snorkeling and diving
– Exploring historical ruins
– Hiking and Bird watching
– Sun bathing and water activities
Conclusion
Hiking, snorkeling or other water sports activities, sunbathing, and deep sea fishing are some of the activities that one can engage in when on a voluntary posting to East Africa, especially when along the coastline. Beaches of Zanzibar and Diani town, Pemba, and Mafia Island are four of the most beautiful places in Tanzania where you can have an outstanding beach experience in the very sack.
In the same regard, whether one wants to indulge in adventurous water activities, take time to enjoy the beach and lack of human life around, or explore the indigenous culture, East Africa is a region that provides for all these vices. Help yourself with these ideas of the fabulous beaches that you can visit and have great memories on your vacation
