Coastal &
Marine Parks
Where the Savannah Meets the Sea
Where elephants stroll on golden beaches, whale sharks glide through azure waters, and coral reefs burst with life in Tanzania's coastal paradise.
The Ultimate Beach-to-Bush Blend
Tanzania's East Coast offers Africa's only true coastal safari, combining Big Game with World-Class Marine Parks.
Beach-to-Bush Safari
Witness the unbelievable sight of elephants, giraffes, and lions roaming the sandy beaches of Saadani National Park, the only park in East Africa where the bush meets the ocean.
- Coastal Game Drives: Experience wildlife sightings right by the Indian Ocean shoreline.
- Wami River Boat Safari: Track hippos and crocodiles from the water in a unique river delta ecosystem.
World-Class Marine Wonders
Dive into the pristine waters of Mafia Island Marine Park and the Pemba Channel. This region is a global hotspot for diving, snorkelling, and megafauna encounters due to its remote, protected status.
- Whale Shark Encounters: Seasonal swimming with these gentle giants off Mafia Island (Oct-Mar).
- Pristine Reefs: Explore Pemba's deep-water reefs and vibrant, untouched marine ecosystems.
Dive Deeper into Coastal Tanzania
Explore Africa's only coastal safari and world-class marine parks
Saadani National Park
The only national park in East Africa with a boundary on the ocean, Saadani offers a truly unparalleled safari experience. Enjoy morning game drives and afternoon snorkeling in the same day.
Mafia Island Marine Park
Mafia offers a tranquil, authentic island escape away from the crowds. East Africa's first protected marine area and one of the world's best places to swim with whale sharks.
Pemba Island & Channel
Known as "The Green Island," Pemba offers hilly landscapes and world-class marine biodiversity. The Pemba Channel drives nutrient-rich upwellings for spectacular diving.
Your Coastal Adventure Timeline
Navigate Tanzania's unique coastal safari experience
Arrival & Transit
Fly into Dar es Salaam (DAR) and transfer via short domestic flight or boat to the coast or islands.
Saadani National Park
Enjoy coastal game viewing, Wami River boat safaris, and relaxing walks on the beach.
Mafia Island Marine Park
Dive and snorkel in the protected marine park. Seasonal whale shark tours are a highlight.
Pemba Island Extension
Add a few days to explore Pemba's clove plantations and world-class, unspoiled dive sites.
The Ultimate Dive: Swim with Giants
In the protected Mafia Island Marine Park, you have the privilege of snorkelling alongside the colossal, gentle giants of the sea during their feeding season.
Colossal Scale
Whale sharks are the world’s largest fish, growing up to **18 meters** long. Swimming beside them offers a humbling perspective on nature’s magnitude.
Prime Migration
The best window for encounters is reliably from **October to March**, when the plankton blooms attract these magnificent animals to the warmer coastal waters.
Protected Encounter
Strict guidelines in Mafia Island Marine Park ensure encounters are **sustainable, low-impact**, and fully respectful of these endangered creatures.