Ushongo Beach Cottages are located on a quiet tropical palm-fringed beach 150 kms north of Dar es Salaam. The northern tip of Zanzibar is 90 minutes by boat. Cottages are rented for a minimum of three nights on a full-board or on a self-catering basis. Snorkeling and diving is at local coral reefs.

"We had a wonderful stay at Ushongo. The service is excellent and the staff treated us very nicely, especially Betty. The day we arrived, we actually could not see it well as its was raining heavy, but honestly the cottages are too good. Each and every staff have passed you a special regards. Looking forward to stay again at Ushongo". NR, Arusha

Ushongo Beach is one of the little known secrets of the Tanzania coast. It is quiet, has a beautiful white sandy beach fringed by coconut palms, and generally is an ideal place in which to relax. For families, it is an idyllic spot for prime time with children. The bay has no undercurrents, no big breakers, no sharks, no hawkers and no crime. The beach is protected by three reefs, the furthest one with excellent snorkeling and scuba diving.

Things to do include snorkeling and/or diving off Maziwe and Fungu Island coral reef, take a PADI course, cultural tour of the old Arab town of Pangani, a river trip up the Pangani River, game drive in Saadani National Park, and a boat trip to Zanzibar. There is a turtle nesting site along the beach with frequent turtle hatchings.

Ushongo Beach is three kilometres long and connects with adjacent bays by long stretches of white sandy beaches that are so typical of the tropical coastlines of the world. The temperature of the water is very pleasant at about 28C. Children and adults will love it.

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GETTING TO USHONGO

To or From Zanzibar. As weather and wave conditions are normally mild in the first few hours after dawn boats usually leave Ushongo for Nungwe in northern Zanzibar. Departures are at 07.30 a.m. and return at 10.30 a.m. Cost is $50 per person or $120 per boat. The one hour drive to Stone Town by taxi is $50.

Going by boat is a highly recommended way of getting to and from Ushongo. If there are evening departures from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar, there is full and leisurely day to enjoy a little of Zanzibar at the same time.

By Bus. There is a frequent bus service from Arusha and Dar es Salaam to Ushongo. Allow 7 hours for the journey. Cost is less than $15 per person one way. A vehicle can be hired from Tanga to Ushongo($90).

By Road:

Muheza-Pangani-Mwera-Ushongo. Mwera Village is 5 kms from Pangani. Half a kilometre after Mwera football field turn left, continue down the hill for another kilometre and turn right. Continue along this stretch of road for three kilometers until you come to a T-junction with some more signposts where you turn right; Ushongo Beach Cottages are a kilometre along the road and half a lilometre past Tides Lodge.

Madera-Saadani-Ushongo: 370 kms. Take the Madera road just a few kilometres north of the Wami River and head east to Saadani National Park.

Mkata-Mkwaja-Ushongo: 350 kms. Mkata is 40 kms north of the Wami River. The road passes along the border of the northern part of Saadani National Park. The road is in good condition and through interesting scenery.

By Boat to and from Zanzibar: $50 per person on express boat or $150 for local boat.

By Air: