Formalities
These are pretty standard and not a problem. Immigration and Customs as you would expect and last heard 3 months visas $50 per person and no customs charge. A peculiarity is the Customs CM23 form (Transire) which has to be obtained for movements between ports and are meticulously checked. This amounts to permission to move. This is only required for movement between Entry Ports so if you are going from say Dar to Tanga and stopping en route you declare your next destination as Tanga
NB Tanzania is the product of the amalgamation of Tanganyika, Zanzibar and Pemba Islands. As Zanzibar and Pemba were not too happy with this loss of autonomy they still see themselves as independent and any travel from the mainland to these two islands entails full immigration and customs clearance on arrival. As long as you have a valid visa and your Transire no problem- just a hassle and waste of time. As a rule visas can be extended by 1 month on request-check with immigration on the latest ruling. If you need to check out and into another country to get a further 3 months get to Tanga in time and run up to Shimoni in Kenya for a couple of days and return for a further 3 months in Tanzania. Alternatively take a bus from Tanga to the Kenyan border post-clear out and clear right back in and hop the next bus back to TaEntry Ports
Mtwara, Lindi, Kilindoni (Mafia Island) Dar es Salaam, Pangani, Tanga, Zanzibar Moan, (Pemba Island)
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Charts
Apart from Dar, Tanga and Zanzibar all charts must be viewed with skepticism and cross checked with Google Earth for accuracy. Most anchorages, entries and channels quoted have been checked in situ but the prudent sailor will still rely on visual navigation.
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Night sailing
In the Mafia channel from Kilwa Masoko north this is hazardous due to shallows, reefs and sand bars and you attempt this at your peril.

North of Dar and including Zanzibar and the coast all the way to Shimoni the same applies in addition to hundreds of fishing vessels setting nets at night which as usual are not buoyed and if they are they are not lit. 
Anchorages (From the southern border)
Mtwara   10 12,9976S 40 11,2691E
Narrow and convoluted entry- daylight only as buoys are either non-existent or not lit. NE wind anchorage 10 15,459S 40 11,940E
SE wind anchorage 10 15,212S 40 13,615E

Not recommended for prolonged stay-rather relocate to Mikindani
Mikindani  10 14,7773S 40 08,3130E

From Wpt above head 216T visual navigation vital daylight only!
NE anchorage 10 15,414S 40 07,248E
SE anchorage 10 16,258S 40 08,000E This anchorage also good in NE and more convenient for getting into Mtwara. From the entrance stay close to the port shoreline and follow the channel over one shallow patch +-3m on LAT so high tide is the best time. Leave dingy at “Yacht club?” and pick up a taxi on the main road. Very well protected and flat calm.
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Sudi River  10 06,540S 39 59,603E
Beware Nymphe Shoal at entrance 10 06,604S 39 59,603E and shallow sand bar/patch at village on port side of entrance. Visual Nav vital

Anchorage NE/SE 10 09,012S 39 58,312E
Nothing to recommend except as overnight anchorage if you can’t make Mtwara before dark on your way south.
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Lindi   9 58,055S 39 44,919E
Not recommended except in emergency and even then rather seek an alternative. Crime is serious and entrance very tidal. In addition buoys are all wrong with no pattern as far as port and starboard. Daylight only and don’t trust anything.
Mchinga Bay
Anchorage 9 44,437S 39 43,843E
Surprisingly and counter intuitively very good in both NE and SE
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Mzungu Bay
Anchorage SE only 9 29,096S 39 40,428E
Very well protected from SE by the reef extending from main land in NE direction. Tuck in behind it.
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Kilwa Masoko
Anchorage NE only 8 55,845S 39 31,235E
Great spot but in 2018 the Kilwa Ruins Lodge burnt down and since then crime has escalated. Three yachts since had dingies\outboard engines stolen.
Some ruins on the south bank purported to date back to the Chinese visits to Africa pre colonization days. Excellent fishing off Rukyira Reef.
Fanjove Island
8 34S 39 34E Beautiful island but latest visitors basically told they could not anchor and if they insisted they would be charged $50 per person to sit on the beach. 
NB Going north from here you are entering what is known as the Mafia Channel with reefs/sand bars and islands all over the place so navigate cautiously and in daylight. Fishing en route is mind blowing so be prepared!
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Tsonga Tsonga
NE anchorage 8 30,602S 39 28,696E
SE anchorage 8 30,492S 39 28,628E
Approaching what looks like paradise but has been destroyed by population supporting Gas Platforms on the western side. Secure anchorage in both NE and SE wind. A pleasant stop over
oydu Island
NE wind anchorage 7 56,805S 39 30,623E
Holding bad due to the scouring effect of the north flowing current. Ok for overnight only which is a pity as this is a jewel with very little population.
SE wind anchorage 7 56,471S 39 30,273E Good holding on the sand patch and very well protected from SE wind and current which screams around the western corner but misses the anchorage.

A yachty reported in 2019 that the SE wind anchorage has no sand left due to local flood\rain. Apply extreme caution and rely on visual nav.
Kilindoni-Mafia Island 7 54,9274S 39 39,4190E
Avoid at all cost as I am sure the name Mafia was inspired by the organization with that name. The anchorage is +-1nm off shore and security even during daylight is dicey as lots of prawn fishermen pass by coming from the prawn banks off the Rovuma River mouth.
The up market lodge on the SE corner of Mafia Island (Chole Bay) does not welcome yachties. Despite the area being pristine for diving and snorkeling it is debatable whether it is worth the effort. There are plenty of other reefs to explore without the hassle. 
Njororo Island
NE/SE anchorage 7 37,168S 39 40,773E
Nothing spectacular but ok for overnight stop over. Some local fishermen live on the island. I had no problem with them.
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Koma Island
NE/SE anchorage 7 32,360S 39 23,074E
Again not spectacular - a bit too close to the mainland so fairly large population but good stop over going either north or south.
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Sukuti Reef
SE Anchorage only 7 15,163S 39 30,080E 
Pretty unique as on high tide you only see the mangrove trees and on low tide can just make out the sand bars. Excellent protection in SE
Bujuni Bay
NE anchorage only 7 08,6103S 39 32,6762E
Overnight only
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Ras Ndegi
SE anchorage only 6 51,939S 39 28,184E
Overnight only
Inner Sinda Island

SE anchorage only 6 49,654S 39 23,458E
Beautiful island close to Dar and as a result very popular over weekends when locals come out for the day. Excellent cheap operations on the beach and worth a visit. Overnight no problem but being close to mainland and local residents, theft is a problem. 


 

Dar es Salaam Yacht Club 6 44,625S 39 16,357E
NB: You are advised to go to the port first and clear in before going to the Dar Es Salaam Yacht Club as Customs don’t approve of this. You can stop at the DYC and catch a taxi to go and do Immigration and Customs paperwork in the port and then move to the DYC once cleared in. In certain cases the DYC can assist with other arrangements but this is discouraged. Cruising yachts heading to Dar can reach out to the yacht club in advance by email office@daryachtclub.co.tz The DYC can then offer advice on formalities and assist in setting up temporary memberships etc. 

The club no longer offers 2 weeks free temporary membership and despite the excellent facilities the Slipway anchorage less than 1 nm south seems to be a better option.
It would appear that Immigration and Customs will come to the yacht club to check youBUT try to charge $50 US when the actual fee is 50 000TSH - beware of the rip off.
Solution - Hop a taxi into town and do the necessary using the excuse you have engine problems and cannot safely sail into the harbor. They know it’s a lie but they’ve heard it all before so no problem. 

Dar YC is rightly rated as the top yacht club in Southern Africa and is slick and well run with a great social life due to all the Ex Pats living here. Free WiFi. It is the social hub of Dar’s upper class. Just watch your bar bill as unless you check it with the admin office (always sign your chit) it has happened that someone else drinks on your account. The club has a motorized dingy service which picks you up at your yacht and delivers you back at no charge. Call VHF CH67. 
The anchorage at the Slipway is free and they have a dingy service similar to Dar YC at a cost – most recent information 100 000TSH per month. 
Weekend excursions

A number of local yachties spend the weekends anchored at Bongoyo Island (6 41,661S 39 15,407E), Mbudya Island (6 39,457S 39 14,704E) and Fungu Yasini (6 35,669S 39 13,462E) depending on the wind direction. It’s a pleasant break from the hectic club and pretty quiet.

The locals will have a long list of things to do and see but do not miss a visit to the fish market at the harbor entrance for a mind blowing African fish experience 6 49,111S 39 17,955E
Ras Mbegani (Lazy lagoon)
Entrance 6 27,821S 38 58,400E
Northern anchorage 6 27,821S 39 00,123E
Southern anchorage 6 28,394S 38 58,550E

This is an extremely well sheltered and safe anchorage for a long term stay with access by taxi to the northern suburbs of Dar for provisions etc. Water is available from the prawn packaging plant and College for Shipwrights. Dolfin Bush Pub is a blast (en route to the main road). You catch a motor cycle taxi to the main road from the security gate at the entrance to the housing section of the complex.

Entry is tricky as you need to approach from due east and close in to the shore (+- 50-100m) which is the deepest part. Only attempt this entry 1-2 hrs before high tide with good visibility(before 1500hrs local time) As you pass the point of the land pass around the outside of the reef which extends due west for quite a distance before turning in. The charts are useless so consult Google Earth to get your bearings. 
Pangani River  5 26,2187S 38 59,5935E
This anchorage should only be considered if no other option is available. The entrance is very narrow and max 2m at Lat so entry is only at high tide. Only to be considered in NE monsoon as Maziwi Island close by a better bet in SE monsoon.
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Maziwi Island
SE anchorage 5 30,200S 39 03,706E
A barren sand spit with good shelter and good holding in SE.


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Tanga

Approach as per latest chart and for the adventurous the southern entrance between Niule Reef and Yambe Island.

Call Tanga signals VHF Ch 12/16 on approach to headland at entrance to bay

Anchorage in front of Club at 5 03,477S 39 07,136E

 

This is our personal favorite spot –more relaxed than Dar and more yachty friendly (not to mention cheaper) The setting is great and is better protected from swell during NE monsoon. The club is pretty active but not as hectic as Dar and you actually get to meet local members. Again no temporary membership until your Transire has been lodged. They will extend you some credit for a cold beverage until you pay a deposit for your bar account.

own is a short taxi ride with 2 fresh produce markets and the infamous not to be missed Roadkill Restaurant. Transport to Arusha can be arranged at the main fresh produce market- the main bus and taxi terminus. Xmas and New Year is one long party and gets extremely festive. No dingy service but well organized dingy dock which means wet feet but that’s the worst of it. Sundown on the deck is as good as it gets.

 

There are 2 swimming clubs just south of the anchorage so don’t be surprised to hear voices from nowhere when swimmers hang onto your anchor chain for a rest and chat. Resist the temptation to allow them on board as you will have to physically turf them off later. Take a walk to Amna’s restaurant on the east side of the headland for the specialty

Chips Mai-Ai and a cold Kili 5 03,347S 39 07,468E weekends only.

Kwale Bay 4 59,786S 39 09,440E

Good anchorage in NE and SE and a popular day sail destination.

Manza Bay 4 56,909S 39 10,190E

 

As for Kwale Bay

Shimoni/Wasin Island (Kenya)

NE anchorage 4 38,938S 39 22,737E

SE anchorage 4 39,286S 39 22,002E

Customs and Immigration 4 38,854S 39 22,940E

We advised them that the sole intention was to get an extension on our Tanzania visa and they cleared us in and out without payment.

Very interesting British colonial sites/ruins scattered around.

Shimoni is the centre for game fishing in the south of Kenya due to its proximity to the Pemba channel and has a number of up market fishing lodges with up market prices to match

​Pemba Island

Suggest you give it a miss as beyond the outer reef fringing the island there is nothing worth getting into trouble for. Those who are determined to live on the edge can contact me via Noonsite and I will give them our routing and anchorages. We spent 4 nights on anchor at 4 different spots and our saving grace was that we moved every day and the “thieves” kept on missing us. Not to be repeated!

The only spot worth a visit at a cost +-$10 per person is Msali Island 5 14,334S 39 36,337E which is right on the western edge so if you have problems you can ditch and run into deep water. We have since heard that a village on the east coast of the main island is the centre for Voodoo in the world and that the Haitians etc are regular visitors to come and touch up on their “skills” Urban legend? Who knows but it would explain the beating drums you hear the whole night whilst on anchor. Creepy!


 

Unguja Island/Zanzibar (some wag renamed it Stinkybar-you will understand when you are there!)
The obvious attraction is Stone Town and if you are into history this is the place to be. Most of the historical buildings are pretty run down but still worth it. A good guide book is essential (Lonely Planet etc) Compulsory is a visit to Mercury’s Pub on the beach in center town just up the road from Immigration and the main ferry terminal –a tribute to the Late Freddy and Queen. Pricey but worth it. Similarly a spice tour is worth it which is best arranged via Mtoni Marine the recommended anchorage in SE monsoon.
Note: A Mandatory Visitors Travel Insurance came into effect in 2025. The amount to be paid is $44 U.S. - Please see: Visit Zanzibar for further information. 
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Anchorages
During SE monsoon you can literally anchor anywhere on the west coast as it is so protected and calm
Mtoni Marine  6 07,793S 3912,759E
SE anchorage only- There is security on the beach so dinghies are safe but still resist the temptation and rather row over and leave the outboard on board. You can arrange a spice tour at reception and they have a pleasant restaurant and pub with a great view of your yacht. Pick up a taxi outside the gate to get into Stone Town.
Azam Marina
Well marked on charts. Modern marina with good quality floating pontoons and services. Security on site. Book in at the marina office to the left hand side as you enter - $50US when we were last there in 2024. No facilities available on site but for a fee you can use the facilities at the hotel Verde and resort in Azam marina which is on site. Visit the nearby NE anchorage (overnight when visiting Stone Town in NE monsoon-move to Mtoni Marine during the day) 6 07,8334S 39 11,9789E 
Behind a reef giving good protection from swell coming down the coast.

Ras Nungwi/Kendwa
SE anchorage only 5 44,111S 39 17,210E
Not to be missed as the section from Ras Nungwi to Kendwa is very well sheltered in SE but less so and very rolly in NE. It is compulsory to gather at Choles Bar (the elevated Motor cycle in the coconut trees) on the beach at sundown. Plenty of up market luxury lodges and hotels stretching all the way to Kendwa if you are in the mood to dine stylishly. Rather busy at times with tourist boats, jet skis etc.
Mtoni Ruins dating from the 19th century.
Inner Pass  
NE anchorage 6 17,100S 39 14,933E
Well protected from NE and close to Kwale Island for day trip and sand bar at 6 21,925S 39 17,089E which is very popular with day trippers from lodges and hotels - so get there early as it can get busy with tourist boats.
Kwale Bay  6 18,8300S 39 19,5063E 
For all practical purposes a “no go zone” due to military and naval bases in the bay and they will come and harass you if you anchor in this area. Not worth it unless you go all the way to the western shoreline across the bay.



 

Leaving Tanzania.

NE Monsoon Nov to Feb
If you have done the Mafia channel and other stops down the coast the best is to leave Latham Island ( 6 54,1073S 39 56,6675E) to starboard from Dar and get 70-100nm off shore and out of the current. Between Nov and end December a stop over at Mayotte en route south is a pleasant break before heading south down the Moz channel. Be vigilant about the possible low pressure systems that develop around Mayotte (mid Dec onwards) and move south down the channel which develop into just short of cyclone strength (45-50kts at epicenter) A tried and tested tactic is to get on the back of such a system and ride the W/NW all the way down the channel behind it until it swings SE at Tulear (SW tip of Madagascar).

Once past Cabo Delgado where the Equatorial current splits get close in and ride the current south with predominantly NE/NW wind behind you.
If you missed Madagascar coming west, get to Mtwara by end March and keep an eye on cyclone activity to the east of Madagascar and before the SE trade sets in hop over to Mayotte and on to Mada for 2-3 months before heading south. (See my Madagascar cruising notes on Noonsite)
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SE monsoon June to Sept.

Why one would want to leave in the prime cruising period beats me but it’s been done. We did a delivery from Tanga to SA in May 2009 and day sailing against wind and current down the Mafia channel is not one of our fondest memories but it can be done. The overnight anchorages come in very handy. From Mtwara head E/NE for +-50 -70nm out of the current and then turn south and run across the current in SE wind until you are well below Cabo Delgado and in the south flowing Moz current where things get a bAlternatively head out further and approach Mayotte from the north and head SE towards Madagascar as there is a calm pocket behind Madagascar up to Mayotte even in the SE trade. 

Cruising the East African coast line is rewarding but is all about timing. Contact me at sygambit@gmail.com and will try and answer your questions.

(Edited and updated by V. Nel - August 2026 - info courtesy of Anne North - DYC Rear-Commodore)