Tanzania is blessed with a wonderful tropical coastline ... swaying palm trees, thatched villages, historic Swahili ports, white-sand beaches and magnificent marine life.
Most international visitors head for the island of
Zanzibar, increasingly busy these days, but still stubbornly untouristic and a wonderful atmospheric place if you choose your lodges carefully.
In comparison only a trickle of people make it as far as the gorgeous islands of
Mafia and
Pemba, drawn by the old Swahili Coast atmosphere and some superb diving.
Mainland coast options seem not to have quite the same allure, although
Ras Kutani contains a great high end lodge for combination with safari in the
Selous.
More off the beaten track are the coastal nature reserve of
Saadani and the more northerly mainland beach options around
Pangani.
To the south the fantastic Swahili ruins at
Kilwa and the interesting old town of
Mikindani remain difficult to access and with limited accommodation options.