TANZANIA COAST
swala@habari.co.tz
Page last modified March 30, 2008

Accommodation    Things to do    Getting There    Sample Itinerary

Ushongo Beach is one of Tanzania's little-known secrets. It is 250 kms north of Dar es Salaam, 60 kms south of Tanga and 15 kms from the old Arab town of Pangani.  There are no sea or beach urchins - just  lovely clear, white, sandy, coconut-tree fringed beach with nearby coral reefs. Saadani National Park is 60 kms away. Ushongo is an excellent alternative to Zanzibar or the Kenyan coast. 

The most economical and practical way to get to Ushongo is to get a bus from Arusha or Dar es Salaam to Segera and then arrange a transfer from Segera to Ushongo which is $90 for a vehicle. Segera is 3 hours from Dar, 5 hours from Arusha and 2 hours from Ushongo.

Accommodation. Rates for beach cottages are per unit; lodges are per person per night. 

Beach Cottages are self-catering or fully catered. A cook is included in the price. Food is purchased locally. Two-bedroom cottage is ideal for families. 

Ushongo Beach Cottages - king-size beds, bar fridge, kitchen. Tariffs are per unit. 
2-bedroom cottage(4 persons): $135 B&B; $175 HB; $215 FB. 
1-bedroom cottage(2 persons): $ 80 B&B; $100 HB; $120 FB. 

Tides Lodge (per person): $110 HB per person. Bar and restaurant.

Emayani Lodge $90 half board per person. 
Koko Beach Resort $110 half board per person. 

Beach Crab $75 B&B per person. 

Ushongo Beach Attractions:     
- swimming; snorkeling at nearby reefs; windsurfing, sailing, canoeing; 
- scuba diving; PADI instruction (3 days $400).
- fishing: tuna, bonito, mackerel, red snapper, wahoo. 
- dhow (jahazi) sailing in bay.
- beach walks; canoeing; cycling.

Attractions further afield:

- Zanzibar. Three hour boat ride to north Zanzibar.
- tour of sisal estate. Three hours.
- boat trip up the Pangani River. Two hours.  
- boat to Zanzibar (3 hours) $170 per boat. Stay overnight in Zanzibar.
- Tanga Port and town. Full day. Picturesque harbour.  
- Amboni Caves. Full day. Extensive limestone caves a few miles north of Tanga. Guided tour. 
- Usambaras and Amani. Full day (two to three advised). Must-visit place for birders, botanists and biologists.
- game drive in Sadani National Park. Full day.
- Pangani Town. Half day. Guided cultural tour. It's a small sleepy town at the mouth of the Pangani River.  
- tour of coconut plantation. Combine with half day tour to Pangani and Pangani River.

Getting to Ushongo. 

Air:
Arusha to Ushongo $240 single, $350 return. Daily.
Zanzibar to Ushongo direct. 15 minutes. $240 for charter one way.
Zanzibar to Ushongo via Tanga. 3 hours. $100 per person. 
Ushongo to Dar es Salaam. 30 minutes. Rates on request.

Road:
Tanga 70 kms. 90 minutes. $70 vehicle charge each way. 
Arusha 440 kms. 7 hours. $360. Standing charge $40 per day if three or more days. 
Dar es Salaam 320 kms - 5 to 6 hours. $340. 
Segera 90 kms. 2 hours. $90.

Bus: 
Bus to Tanga $25.
Bus Tanga to Dar es Salaam $20.
Bus to Segera and transfer to Ushongo $20 + 

Boat:
Boat from Zanzibar $120 per boat (up to four persons). Takes three hours from north Zanzibar (Kokotoni).

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