Attraction
National Museum and House of Culture
Tanzania's first modern museum, on Shaaban Robert Street beside the Botanical Gardens, covering human origins, ethnography, colonial history, art and natural history.
Mbudya Island
A protected, uninhabited island north of Bongoyo in the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve, reached by speedboat from the Kunduchi coast or by boat from the Slipway.
At a glance
- Type
- Island beach and marine reserve
- Area
- Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Good to know
- Beach
- Snorkelling
- Walking
- Day trips
Why we recommend it
Mbudya Island is a protected, uninhabited island in the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve, lying north of Bongoyo Island off the Kunduchi coast. Like Bongoyo it has been protected since 1975 and is administered by the Marine Parks and Reserves Unit, and it is a popular day trip for both Tanzanians and international visitors.
The island draws people for its beaches, snorkelling and walking. Its wildlife includes endangered coconut crabs, and the surrounding waters are the only known home of a small marine crustacean, the isopod Metacirolana mbudya, discovered in 1981 and named after the island. Visitors typically spend the day swimming, sunbathing and snorkelling off the beach, with a walk inland for those who want to explore. Simple bandas, or thatched shelters, are available to rent for shade, and grilled seafood is often sold on the beach; bring cash for food and boat extras.
There are two main ways to get there. From the north coast, the speedboat crossing from near the beach resorts and fishing village of Kunduchi takes about 20 minutes, and the White Sands Resort offers day trips to the island for guests. From the Msasani Peninsula, The Slipway has published a boat leaving its jetty at 09:30 and returning from Mbudya at 14:00, running when at least six passengers are booked. A marine reserve fee is charged on top of the boat fare, with a higher rate for non-Tanzanians than for citizens, and departure times change, so confirm arrangements the day before.
Mbudya suits travellers who want a longer, quieter island day than a short visit to Bongoyo, and it works for families with confident swimmers. Choose your timing with care: weekends and public holidays are busier, and the tide affects how easily you can swim and snorkel. Pack sun cream, a hat, plenty of drinking water and reef-safe footwear, and bring your own snorkel gear if possible.
As this is a protected area, leave shells, coral and wildlife undisturbed and carry your rubbish back to the mainland. Combine the trip with a stay on the north coast beaches around Kunduchi, or with an afternoon back at the Slipway for a sunset drink overlooking Msasani Bay.
Mbudya Island FAQs
Where is Mbudya Island?
North of Bongoyo Island in the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve, off the Kunduchi coast.
How long is the boat ride?
About 20 minutes by speedboat from near Kunduchi.
Can I go from the Slipway?
Yes. The Slipway has published a 09:30 boat to Mbudya returning at 14:00, with a minimum of six passengers.
Is there a park fee?
Yes. A marine reserve fee is charged on top of the boat fare, higher for non-Tanzanians.
What can I do there?
Swim, snorkel, sunbathe and walk on the island.
Is anyone living on the island?
No. It is a protected, uninhabited island.
What wildlife is there?
Coconut crabs, and a tiny isopod found only in the island's surrounding waters.
What should I bring?
Cash, sun cream, a hat, water and your own snorkel gear if possible.