Best islands for a beach holiday in Tanzania
Tanzania is a thriving destination in East Africa. But for many, a safari comes first. And there’s a good reason for that. Think of the Great Migration in the wide, stretched plains of the Serengeti or a peaceful descent down the caldera to find the Big Five. What an incredible experience combining a safari and a beach holiday! Or, if you love relaxing on a tropical, white-sandy beach, below are our favorite (and, of course, the best) islands for beach vacationers heading to Tanzania. Let’s explore!
Zanzibar
If you love beautiful, sand-drenched beaches, look no further than Zanzibar. The island we normally call Zanzibar is actually Unguja, which is the largest. And together with Pemba, they form the idyllic archipelago of Zanzibar. You can get there by booking a short flight from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, or even from destinations like Serengeti and Nyerere.
There are exquisite beaches on this island worth spending a week at. Additionally, there are places of immense historical and cultural significance worth visiting. Stone Town is an old town that is still active to date. It features ancient architecture, culture, and charm that indicate a deep connection with Arabs, Portuguese, Persians, and Indians.
There are no better beaches than those on the northern coast: Nungwi and Kendwa. Both are excellent for swimming and diving and have vibrant nights. Other beaches in the east are also excellent for swimming, including Paje and Dongwe. If privacy is your priority, stay on private islands, such as Mnemba, Chapwani, and Bawe. Or, go to Pemba, which is our second island in this article.
Pemba
Pemba’s nickname is “green island.” This is primarily due to its lush greenery and abundant plantations. This island is predominantly green due to plantations (mainly clove and banana) that cover most areas. And in other regions, natural forests cover this island. Compared to Zanzibar, this island is calm and has untouched beaches and peaceful streets. Pemba is a peaceful option, the one we would recommend to newlyweds, celebrities, or business travelers. You’ll enjoy your stay and leave unnoticed. And the best part is its healthy corals and undisturbed marine life, which we can say is beyond the obvious.
There’s much to do in Pemba, with the common thing being swimming. Diving in Pemba is a breathtaking experience, allowing you to delve deeper into the pristine waters, observe coral reefs, interact with reef fish, and enjoy a variety of other activities. Pemba has fewer places to stay. They rarely get crowds. Our favorites are Fundu Lagoon Lodge and Manta Resort.
Mafia Island.
Mafia is a 30-minute flight south of Zanzibar and is one of the hidden spots in the Indian Ocean. The island is not part of the Zanzibar archipelago despite being in close range: it belongs to the mainland’s Pwani region. Mafia may not have exquisite beaches to compare with Zanzibar’s top spots, but they’re quiet enough to offer a remarkable experience for couples.
Should diving be your thing, consider a week-long stay on Mafia. Here, you’ll explore some of the finest healthy corals and marine species. There’s a marine park here, the largest one in East Africa. It teems with various species such as manta rays, reef fish, dolphins, and whales. From October to March, the number of whale sharks increases exponentially. And there’s clear visibility under the waters. That makes diving exceptional.
Mnemba Island.
Luxury and comfort are the norm on this private island owned and run by &Beyond. This island is exclusively reserved for guests staying there. Couples come here to experience cool sea breezes and turquoise waters and enjoy tropical beach experiences all by themselves. Diving is exceptional for both beginners and seasoned divers. Beginners can learn diving from PADI-certified trainers. Mnemba Island Lodge, the only place to stay on the island, features 12 open-air bandas. Guests will enjoy the finest dining, personalized services, and guided dhow cruises.
Fanjove Island.
Fanjove is just south of Mafia Island and part of the Songo Songo Archipelago. It’s an all-inclusive island with one property, Fanjove Island Lodge, featuring six rooms. The experience is superb and is often led by expert divers and guides. There are numerous activities available here. Snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, scuba diving, etc. are all offered at the highest level of comfort and luxury.
Other private islands are worth mentioning.
There are other islands worth naming. All these islands have private properties. Bawe Island, Chumbe Island, and Chapwani Island are all small islands near Zanzibar. Thanda Island is close to Mafia Island.
After visiting the Serengeti or other wildlife areas, you should go to Tanzania’s islands. Want to catch the buzz? Then go to Zanzibar. But if privacy is central to your trip, consider private islands. Be ready to be charged a little bit extra for a service on these islands. Call our experts for advice and to start planning your adventure.
