Bongoyo Island

Bongoyo Island is an easy and rewarding escape from Dar es Salaam—a protected, uninhabited island known for its sandy beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and lush coastal vegetation. Here’s everything you need to know:

Location & General Info

Part of the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve System (DMRS)—one of four uninhabited islands north of the city, designated IUCN Category II since 1975

Located about 2.5 km (7 km by boat) off Msasani Peninsula and just 30 minutes away by dhow or speedboat from the Slipway complex

Beaches & Landscape

Features two main white-sand beaches:

Beach I (north‑west): main arrival point with huts, bandas, food/drink kiosks.

Beach II (north‑east): a longer, quieter stretch with no facilities
Interior is dense bushland forest/topography with baobabs, vines, and natural hiking paths. Occasional German colonial ruins near the center

Marine Life & Snorkeling

Surrounding reefs are rich with coral gardens, seagrass beds, and rocky areas, hosting vibrant tropical fish: butterflyfish, sweetlips, groupers, coral shrimp, starfish, sea urchins, octopus, and more

Sea turtles—hawksbill and green species—nest on the beaches

Snorkeling is excellent; gear can be rented on-site, though many bring their own

Activities & Facilities

Beach lounging under bandas (~5,000 TZS each) or umbrellas (approx US $7)

Hiking trails:

Shark Lagoon trail to a tidal lagoon – look for nurse sharks, rays, octopus.

Central trail leads to old German ruins and across bushland

Walking & bird watching are pleasant pastimes amid baobabs and coastal flora

Food & Logistics

Food stalls offer fresh BBQ seafood, sweets, soft drinks—order on arrival with lunches served in a hut or delivered to your banda

Many visitors bring their own snacks and water, as on-island options can be limited or pricier

Getting There & Fees

Boat rides from Slipway (~3 km):

dhow (~30 min) or speedboat (~10 min), costing ~25,000–35,000 TZS ($10–15) per person; depart when at least four passengers are booked

Entrance fee: Non-residents approx US $18–20; Tanzanian citizens ~5,000 TZS .

Boats run multiple scheduled trips between ~9 AM to 5 PM; arrival by 9–10 AM suggested for best shade/bandas

Best Time to Visit

June–October and December–February are the driest and brightest periods—ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and island hiking

Avoid rainy seasons (March–May, November), which bring choppier seas and unpredictable weather.