Is there any similar alternative to Zanzibar, in Tanzania?
I'm looking for a place in Tanzania that has the same qualities as Zanzibar (beach, food and rest), but preferable with less tourism and maybe even cheaper prices. Preferable somewhere with access to lodges at the beach. Does such a place exist?
Best Answer
Not Tanzania, but nearby Kenya has Lamu, another island along the cost. It's smaller than Zanzibar, but was settled by the same people, so has most of the same style of tiny cramped streets. You may be able to find some beach side hotels there, but since it's so less touristy, selection might be limited. I know it's hard to get beer on Lamu. I can't say I found Zanzibar expensive though. And if you have white skin you'll attract attention all over the place in Africa, so it might be less "touristy" but you'll still get hassled.
Here's some of my photos of Lamu (for the record here's my photos of Zanzibar).
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Is Mauritius or Zanzibar better?
The winner: In sheer volume of activities, Mauritius wins hands down; in terms of rare experiences, Zanzibar takes first place.What is so special about Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is the home of idyllic beaches, balmy weather & warm tropical waters. This archipelago is renowned for clear warm waters, coral reefs and rich marine diversity making it a perfect under-water destination for snorkelling and diving.Is Zanzibar worth seeing?
Zanzibar is the perfect destination if you're looking for pocket friendly exotic holidays. It comes at no surprise why many compare it to the likes of Maldives and Seychelles. Miles of powder-white sandy beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters are the number one reason why you should visit Zanzibar.Is Zanzibar exotic?
Zanzibar, a relatively small island in the southeast of Africa once autonomously under Arab occupation now united with Tanzania and is considered to be one of the top three \u201cexotic\u201d destinations that couples mainly choose for honeymoon trips along with the Maldives and Seychelles.Why I Chose to Live In Zanzibar / Tanzania.
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Answer 2
It should be obvious from yhe other answers to this question, but for the sake of clarity, there is no alternative to Zanzibar in Tanzania that is even remotely comparable to Zanzibar.
You probably have two options only: the beach south of the bay from Dar and Bagamoyo, some 60 kilometers north of Dar. Everything else is so remote, they might be interesting in their own right, but also won't be a real alternative to Zanzibar in any way. You might get good beaches, but the quality of your accommodation will be bad or very expensive and food will also be very limited or very expensive.
Answer 3
I can second the Bagamoyo thing, as I had already friends who went to the coast of TZ but had no time to visit Zanzibar. They felt really comfortable for the three days they've stayed there as Bagamoyo provides a good mix of Swahili-lifestyle, the open sea with a long and beautiful beach, peaceful places, a good variety of foods, young people from the university of arts and even some colonial architecture (e.g. the ancient German graveyard, settled right beside the beach). Oh, and it's only about 2h away from Dar es Salaam (public bus-transfer is provided) and if you take care of getting in contact with the people, they'll tell you how to get to Tanga (suggested above).
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Images: Kelly, Quang Nguyen Vinh, Quang Nguyen Vinh, Quang Nguyen Vinh