TANZANIA COAST
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Page last modified July 11, 2009

Accommodation    Things to do    Getting There    Sample Itinerary

Ushongo Beach is one of Tanzania's little-known secrets. It is 60 kms south of Tanga and 15 kms from the old Arab town of Pangani. It is a little remote - and consequently harder to get to, and is relatively untouched by touristic development; there are five small lodges. There are no sea or beach urchins - just  lovely clear, white, sandy, coconut-tree fringed beach with nearby coral reefs. Sadani National Park is 50 kms away. Ushongo is an excellent alternative to Zanzibar or the Kenyan coast. See Ushongo Beach web site.

Cruising in the Zanzibar and Pemba Channel is one of the finest sailing areas in the world and little known. The diving is amongst the best and cruising off the islands is magic. A catamaran is ideal for shallow waters as the vessel can get close inland. A leap into the shallow warm water and your on land, or snorkel your way toward shore as you view the amazing coral reefs and their fish. The catamaran sleeps four adults and two children. Cost is $500 per day for the catamaran and $25 per day local kitty. Skipper and crew are included.

Tariffs.There are four small lodges of 4 to 10 rooms plus beach cottages. Internet is available. Scuba diving, PADI courses, and snorkeling can be arranged on request. 

Ushongo Beach Cottages.Self-contained with kitchenette, fridge and large verandah. Drinks priced at shop prices.
One Bedroom Cottage $95 per room per day full board for two persons.
Two-bedroom Cottage $120 per room per day. Meals $12 per person per day.
Extra bed $10.

Tides Lodge $150 half board. Comfortable. Nine rooms. Bar and restaurant.
Emayani Lodge $85 half board. Simple but comfortable. Six cottages. Bar and restaurant.
Tulia Resort $55 half board. 10 rooms. Bar and restaurant.
Crab Hotel. Four rooms and a camp site. $65 per room. Bar and restaurant.

Sailing at Ushongo      

There is a Westerly 22 (7-metre) day sailer available for hire. Under sail, it is an excellent way of going out to the islands either on a half day or full day cruise. It has a 15 h.p. outboard engine and will take four to six persons. The cabin has four bunks. The boat can be hired bare boat or with crew. A certificate of competency is required for renting bare boat. For those who would like to learn to sail there are persons available who will show you the basics. It is also available for hire for anyone who wants to sail to Zanzibar (4-5 hours) and cruise the local islands, a good itinerary being -

Day 1. Sail to Nungwe at the nothern tip of Zanzibar. Overnight at lodge or guest house.
Day 2. Continue to Stone Town (4-5 hours). Overnight at lodge or guest house.
Day 3. Cross over to Saadani. Overnight at the beach camp site in Saadani National Park.
Day 4. Return to Ushongo Beach.

Rates. Per day: $160. Per Week: $1020.

Ushongo Beach Attractions:   
- swimming in Indian Ocean; snorkeling at nearby reefs; scuba diving; wind-surfing; 
- fishing for tuna, bonito, mackerel, red snapper, wahoo; deep sea fishing for black marlin and sailfish (catch-and-release); 
- dhow (jahazi) sailing in bay; 
- beach walks; canoeing; cycling.