Introduction
Dar es Salaam beach destinations offer a unique mix of energy, culture, and coastal beauty. The city’s shoreline stretches along the Indian Ocean, featuring a wide variety of beaches, from lively public hangouts to secluded island escapes. The most popular and busiest local beach is Coco Beach, where crowds from all over the city gather every weekend for music, street food, and social vibes.
While some beaches are connected to private resorts or hotels, many are still accessible to the public, as long as you don’t enter through hotel or restaurant entrances. In such cases, you may be required to pay a small entrance fee or purchase a drink or meal to gain access. It’s a good idea to approach through open paths or local community routes where available.
Most Dar es Salaam City beaches have sand that is similar in texture to Zanzibar’s, but the waves tend to be rougher, especially along the mainland coast. So while the shoreline might look inviting, swimming conditions can vary depending on the location and tides. For those seeking calm, turquoise waters and a more island-style beach experience, a short boat ride to Mbudya Island or Bongoyo Island is highly recommended. Alternatively, some beaches in Kigamboni also offer beautiful ocean views, fewer crowds, and better swimming conditions compared to the main city shores.
1. Coco Beach
i) Coco Beach (northern end ).
Coco Beach is the most well-known Dar es Salaam beach, especially popular among locals as a weekend escape. Located on the Msasani Peninsula, this public beach draws huge crowds every Saturday and Sunday — people come to swim, relax, socialize, and enjoy the open, festive vibe that defines the city’s coastal lifestyle.
The beach offers beautiful views of the Indian Ocean, including distant glimpses of nearby islands and ships cruising in and out of Dar es Salaam Port. As the sun sets, the sky lights up with golden hues, making it a favorite time for visitors to unwind by the water.
The area is lined with local food vendors and casual eateries, serving up everything from seafood to snacks. A must-try while at Coco Beach is the mishkaki — tiny skewers of spiced grilled meat that are packed with flavor. These are usually sold in bundles, with 25 mishkaki sticks and 5 cassava going for around 15,000 TZS. They’re considered some of the tastiest mishkaki in Dar es Salaam and are a local favorite. You can also enjoy crispy cassava fries and refreshing coconut water, typically sold for 2,000 TZS straight from the shell.
While the overall vibe is lively and welcoming, visitors should expect a very local experience — including being approached by vendors who often follow you along the beach offering snacks, souvenirs, or services. While some may find it engaging, others may prefer to set clear boundaries early on.
Coco Beach is not only a place to relax, but also to observe and feel the everyday rhythm of Dar es Salaam’s coastal life. Despite occasional concerns about cleanliness and crowding, it remains one of the most accessible and culturally rich beaches in the city.
ii) Coco Beach (Southern Tip )
The vast stretch of Coco Beach offers a variety of experiences depending on where you go and when you visit — making it one of the most dynamic and versatile Dar es Salaam beach destinations. The northern end tends to be more crowded and festive, filled with music, food vendors, and groups of people enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. In contrast, the southern tip is quieter, especially in the early mornings, and is ideal for joggers or anyone seeking a peaceful moment by the sea.
On weekdays, Coco Beach takes on a completely different vibe — calm, open, and far less crowded. It’s the perfect time to visit if you’re looking to unwind without the buzz of weekend activity.
Coco Beach is also a popular spot for photographers, videographers, and fashion models, especially around the southern part of the beach, where large rocky reefs provide a dramatic and unique backdrop. This area is particularly favored for photo sessions, short reels, and fashion shoots, thanks to the natural textures, crashing waves, and golden light during sunset. The combination of ocean views and rugged coastline makes it one of the most visually striking areas of any Dar es Salaam beach.
During low tide, the beach becomes a scenic walking path, and you can explore the exposed shoreline, often finding beautiful seashells scattered across the sand. It’s a great time for a stroll, barefoot walks, and quiet reflection while taking in the fresh ocean breeze.
This natural contrast between vibrant weekends and peaceful weekdays, along with its appeal to creatives and beachcombers, makes Coco Beach a truly multi-dimensional Dar es Salaam beach worth experiencing in more than one way.
2. Mbudya Island Beach
If you’re searching for the ultimate Dar es Salaam beach escape with a truly tropical island feel, Mbudya Island is the place to be. This uninhabited island, part of the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve, lies just 3 kilometers off the mainland and offers one of the most stunning, untouched beach experiences in Tanzania.
Accessible only by boat — usually from Serene Beach Resort, White Sands Hotel, or The Slipway — the journey to Mbudya takes around 15 to 20 minutes. The round-trip boat ride typically costs 10,000 TZS, and there’s a marine reserve entry fee of 2,000 TZS for locals and 27,000 TZS for non-locals. The short trip rewards visitors with crystal-clear turquoise water, fine white-sand beaches, and a peaceful environment that feels worlds away from the city.
The island features two main beach areas:
- Beach One, where the boats dock, is where most people set up for the day.
- If you’re up for a little adventure, there’s a 40-minute hiking trail that takes you to Beach Two, a quieter and more secluded part of the island with fewer crowds and a more wild, untouched feel.
Activities on Mbudya include sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and simply relaxing beneath the many pine and casuarina trees that provide natural shade across the island. Locally made bandas (thatched huts) are available for rent and make great shaded spots to enjoy a picnic or rest between swims.
There’s also a small beachside restaurant serving grilled seafood, chips, and local drinks. You can order cold beverages, fresh coconuts, and enjoy your meal right under the trees or in your banda. Eating freshly barbecued fish while soaking in the ocean breeze is one of the simple but magical pleasures of this island.
Mbudya Island is often referred to as Dar es Salaam’s version of Zanzibar — thanks to its serene beauty, blue waters, and total disconnection from the hustle of the mainland. It’s a perfect day trip for couples, friends, or solo travelerslooking for an island getaway without the long journey.
3. Bongoyo Island Beach
For a more secluded and scenic Dar es Salaam beach experience, Bongoyo Island offers the perfect island escape just off the coast. Located north of the city and part of the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve, Bongoyo is a small, uninhabited island known for its clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and relaxed, quiet atmosphere — ideal for those looking to get away from the city’s energy without venturing too far.
To reach Bongoyo, you’ll need to take a boat ride, usually from The Slipway on the Msasani Peninsula. The cost for the boat ride ranges from $10 to $15, depending on the operator and point of departure. Once you arrive, there’s an entry fee of 42,000 TZS for non-locals and 20,000 TZS for Tanzanian citizens. It’s important to budget for these costs, as all visitors are required to pay them before accessing the island’s facilities.
Once on the island, you’ll also need to rent a shade umbrella or banda, which typically costs between 17,000 to 25,000 TZS for the day. These simple thatched structures provide much-needed shade, especially during the midday heat.
Bongoyo is great for sunbathing, swimming, and soaking in peaceful coastal views. The waters are calm and crystal clear — perfect for wading and cooling off. For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, the island also features small hiking trails that wind through its natural vegetation and lead to quieter parts of the beach.
Food and drink are available at the beachside restaurant, although the menu is mostly non-vegetarian, with local seafood and grilled dishes priced around 15,000 TZS per plate. The only vegetarian option tends to be French fries. You can also buy beer, soda, or bottled water, and enjoy your meal at a shaded table facing the ocean.
Bongoyo Island may be a bit pricier than other Dar es Salaam beaches, but it’s well worth the cost for a full day of relaxation, clear waters, and a more exclusive island feel — all just a short boat ride from the city.
4. Kidimbwi Beach – The Party Vibe Dar es Salaam Beach
If you’re looking for a Dar es Salaam beach that comes alive with energy, music, and youthful vibes, Kidimbwi Beach is the place to be — especially on weekends. Located in Mbezi Beach, is known for its vibrant day and night party scene, making it a favorite for those who enjoy lively crowds, great music, and dancing by the sea.
Kidimbwi is a hotspot for younger partygoers, particularly on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays when the beach transforms into an open-air event space. DJs, live performances, and beach games are all part of the scene — it’s a beach that never sleeps when the weekend rolls in.
Entrance is often free, but since Kidimbwi regularly hosts organized events and parties, it’s best to check their Instagram account for updates on upcoming events, entry fees (if any), and guest DJs or performances.
What sets Kidimbwi apart from other Dar es Salaam beaches is not just the party vibe, but also the quality of drinks and food available. The beach offers fresh seafood platters, grilled meats, and a variety of cocktails, beers, and soft drinks. Whether you’re dancing on the sand or chilling under the stars with friends, this is one of the best spots to enjoy food and fun right by the ocean.
If your ideal beach day includes music, crowds, and great energy, Kidimbwi Beach should definitely be on your list.
5. Kipepeo Beach Village – My Personal Favourite Dar es Salaam Beach
When it comes to escaping the city and soaking in real coastal beauty, Kipepeo Beach Village is my personal favorite Dar es Salaam beach. Located deep in Kigamboni, this spot offers a peaceful, private escape where nature, comfort, and a friendly beach vibe all come together.
Kipepeo is part of a private resort, so there’s a 10,000 TZS entrance fee, which grants access to the shaded beach beds, the bar, restrooms, and common areas. The beach itself is clean and spacious, with soft white sand and gentle waves — perfect for swimming or just lying under the palms.
For those staying longer, the resort features beachfront bungalows and a dedicated camping area, right by the ocean. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a couple, this is one of the few Dar es Salaam beaches where you’re likely to meet other tourists and international travelers, creating a relaxed and welcoming vibe.
The best way to reach Kipepeo is to take the Kigamboni Ferry or cross the bridge, then grab a Bolt or Uber directly to the resort. It’s a bit of a ride, but well worth it for what awaits.
The shoreline around Kipepeo is also lined with several private beaches, making it safe and scenic to walk along the coast. If you prefer to enjoy the beach without accessing the paid resort amenities, you can ask locals to show you a public or community entrance nearby. Just be cautious — it’s always best to ask someone trustworthy like your Bolt driver or a nearby shop owner for directions to avoid confusion or misguidance.
To get the full experience, consider spending the night in one of the beachfront bungalows or nearby hostels. A full day and night at Kipepeo lets you take in the sunset, fall asleep to ocean waves, and wake up to a quiet sunrise walk — a true coastal escape just outside the city.
Dar es Salaam Beach Is All About That Local Vibe
Sure, Tanzania is best known for its picture-perfect beaches in Zanzibar, but if you’re after something more grounded — something that feels real — then a Dar es Salaam beach might just surprise you.
These aren’t beaches packed with tourists and resorts on every corner. Instead, they offer a raw, unfiltered local experience. Think street food vendors selling mishkaki, kids playing football in the sand, music in the distance, and a laid-back crowd that’s more about catching up with friends than snapping Instagram shots.
The coastal vibe in Dar is chill and welcoming. Locals are approachable, the energy is authentic, and no one’s trying to sell you a tour package every five steps. Even when vendors come up to you, it’s more of a conversation than a hustle. People here work for and with their own — so the atmosphere feels natural, not manufactured for tourists.
So if you’re not into the polished, tour-heavy beach scene and want something more real and cultural, make time for at least one Dar es Salaam beach. It’s less about luxury and more about living the moment with the people who actually call the coast home — and honestly, that’s what makes it unforgettable.
