Mbudya Island is an unspoiled paradise located just a brief boat trip from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This stunning island provides a serene retreat from the city’s frenetic pace, featuring pristine white sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters, and a rich array of marine life.
If you’re seeking a memorable day trip, this island is an ideal choice. Positioned to the north of Tanzania’s largest city, Dar es Salaam, it is one of the four islands in the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve.
This breathtaking island located in the Indian Ocean resembles Zanzibar for Dar Es Salaam. It offers the perfect setting for sunbathing, snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing on the beach with friends.
You Will Have the pleasure of visiting this beautiful island twice. Driven by my passion for bringing people together, You will organize a day trip to the Island for your friends. A number of people from South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, and America can visit the Island, creating an amazing atmosphere.
The Island is only a 20-minute boat ride from the mainland of Dar es Salaam. Boats are available every half an hour. Many different sizes are available depending on how many people you’re coming with large boats holding up to 40 people.
Travel smart tip: The boat journey can be a bit choppy. If you tend to get seasick quickly, take some seasick tablets beforehand.
How to Reach Mbudya Island?
To take a local speedboat from Dar es Salaam to the Island, make your way to Kibo Beach or Jangwani Sea Breeze Resort located in the Mbezi area.
At Kibo Beach, you will encounter local boatmen on the shore, where you can pay the necessary government fees for the island and the boat fare.
To access the Island, you need to pay fees to the government for the island’s upkeep as well as boat charges.
In Tanzania, the government fee is 2,400 Tanzanian Shillings (Tsh) for residents and 27,000 Tsh for non-residents, equivalent to approximately £8.38 or $11.64. The boat fare is 10,000 Tsh, which is about £3.11 or $4.31.
The island offers Bandas (thatched huts) that can be rented along the beach, available for 15,000 Tsh (£4.66 / $6.47).
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What can you eat at Mbudya Island Beach?
The dining choices on the island are quite limited, featuring options like calamari with chips, fish and chips, lobster, or chicken. The staff from the marine reserve can serve these dishes as well.
You can also find soft drinks available for purchase on the island. The prices are reasonable, with lobster and chips priced at 30,000 Tsh (£9.33 / $12.94), and chicken and chips at 15,000 Tsh (£4.66 / $6.47). It’s a good idea to bring your own snacks, beverages, and speakers for music.
Mbudya Island
In order to visit the island, Check out some suggestion below.
1. Since the last boat departs the island at 7 pm, you’ll have ample opportunity to witness the sunset before heading back.
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2. Remember to bring essential items. My recommended packing list for the island includes sunscreen, sunglasses, a small portable fan, swimwear, a waterproof bag, swim shoes, and snorkeling gear.
3. Schedule your day trip based on the weather to steer clear of rain or overcast conditions.
4. It’s best to avoid bringing DSLR cameras and drones, as there are significant fines for using them without the necessary permissions. A good smartphone will suffice for capturing memories!