Mbudya Island Marine Reserve

Overview

Mbudya, an uninhabited island north of Tanzania’s major city, Dar es Salaam, is one of the four islands that make up the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve.

The island lies close to Kunduchi fishing community and takes around 15-20 minutes motorboat ride crossing from the mainland. It is situated about 3 km offshore, within easy reach of the hotels on the North coast of Dar es Salaam.

The beautiful Mbudya Island is located in the midst of the Indian Ocean resembles Dar es Salaam’s Zanzibar. Mbudya Island, with its white-sand beaches and crystal clear turquoise seas, is the ideal getaway for anyone looking to escape the rush and bustle of Dar es Salaam. Sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and simply spending time on the seashore with friends are all popular activities on this island.

The Island is characterized with sand beaches on the western and eastern sides. On the western side, it is possible to have barbecued fish with chips and drinks under casuarina trees and Bandas (local shade facilities) in which one can rest in. The island has a restaurant serving sea food and a variety of beverages under the shade of palm trees or palm frond thatched huts.

Highlights

Swimming & Sunbathing

Enjoy calm, warm turquoise water and relaxed lounging on the shore.

Snorkeling

Explore the shallow coral reefs right off the coast, which are great for beginners.

Dining

Local vendors on the western beach offer freshly grilled fish, lobster, and cold drinks served under thatched bandas (local huts) or casuarina trees.

Wildlife

Sea Crabs and keep an eye out for the island's famous and endangered coconut crabs as well as Sea Turtles (hawksbees).

Ruins

A Visit around the Island to a historical site

Mbudya Island Day Trip

Escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Dar es Salaam. A 15-minute motorboat ride from the mainland will take you to the idyllic island paradise of Mbudya Island in the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve.

Know Before You Go

Overview & Access

Location Just north of Dar es Salaam, near the Kunduchi fishing community.
Getting There A quick 15 to 20-minute motorboat ride from the mainland (commonly departing near Kunduchi or White Sands/Jogwani areas).
Design It is an undeveloped, day-trip-only sanctuary with no hotels or permanent residents, meaning it empties out by evening.
Camping Camping can be arranged
Best Time to Visit All year Around but June to October (the dry season) offers the calmest seas and best snorkeling visibility.

What to Do / See

Swimming & Sunbathing Enjoy calm, warm turquoise water and relaxed lounging on the shore.
Snorkeling Explore the shallow coral reefs right off the coast, which are great for beginners.
Dining Local vendors on the western beach offer freshly grilled fish, lobster, and cold drinks served under thatched bandas (local huts) or casuarina trees.
Wildlife Sea Crabs and keep an eye out for the island's famous and endangered coconut crabs as well as Sea Turtles (hawksbees).
Ruins A Visit around the Island to a historical site

Cost Breakdown for Visitors

Local Resident Marine Reserve Entrance Fee: ~2,400–2,500 Tsh
Foreign Resident / Non-Resident Fee ~$17–18 USD (approx. 45,000–48,000 Tsh)
Boat Ride Fare Generally 20,000 - 40,000 Tsh per person for a return trip, depending on your departure point (like White Sands or The Slipway)
Bandas (Huts) / Loungers 5,000 to 15,000+ Tsh to rent seating areas on the beach