Mbudya Island (Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve)

Mbudya Island is a small reserve island in the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve System, lying off Kunduchi on the northern coast of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. It has white sand, a tidal sandbar, palm-thatched bandas and simple seafood grills, and the water around the island is suitable for swimming and snorkelling over patches of reef. Boats depart from Kunduchi and Jangwani beaches, where beach hotels and fishing landings arrange crossings of about 20 minutes. Visitors typically spend a half day to a full day, swimming, walking the shoreline, snorkelling and eating grilled fish, squid or prawns served with chips or rice. The island is less developed than other reserve islands, with basic facilities and few shops, so visitors should carry water and sun protection. Reserve fees for non-residents are reported at about 45,000 to 48,000 TZS, with the boat fare extra and agreed with the operator in advance. Boats typically run between 9:00 and 16:00, and the return time should be confirmed before departure. The dry season from June to October gives the calmest seas and best conditions, and weekdays are quieter than weekends, when local groups arrive in numbers. The sandbar changes with the tide, so the best time for walking it is around low tide, and visitors should ask the boatman about tide times. Getting to Kunduchi from the city centre takes 45 to 75 minutes by Bolt, depending on Bagamoyo Road traffic, so an early start is sensible. Many visitors combine the trip with the Kunduchi Ruins on the mainland.