10 Best Islands to see and visit in Tanzania : The Zanzibar archipelago in Tanzania is known as the “Spice Islands” because of its centuries-old commerce in cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Imagine yourself sunbathing on palm-fringed white-sand beaches, surrounded by the cleanest ocean you’ve ever seen, under the tropical sun.
While the Zanzibar archipelago is Tanzania’s most well-known island cluster, it is far from the only one. Off the coast of Dar es Salaam, there’s also the lesser-known Mafia Island archipelago, floating national parks, and secluded beach getaways. Each offers something unique, whether it’s world-class diving, breathtaking snorkeling, delectable seafood, or a historic town worth visiting. Being surrounded by many water sources, Tanzania has some of the many island to visit apart from the famous Zanzibar Island. The following are the top 10 islands to see and never miss visit in your Tanzania, Africa safari vocation
Changuu Island
Changuu is a small island north-west of Stone Town, Zanzibar’s largest island and historic center. Changuu Island, also known as Prison Island, was previously a slave jail and a yellow fever quarantine facility in the 1800s. The majority of the island is now allocated exclusively for Changuu Private Island Resort guests.
Visitors can relax on the beach, which offers excellent swimming and snorkeling options, or visit the old jail cells, which are home to some of the island’s massive Aldabra tortoises, some of which were transferred to the island from the Seychelles over a century ago and are still living today. The former estate of the British governor, General Lloyd Matthews, is another attraction to see during your safari tour on Changuu Island.
Chumbe Island
Chumbe is a small uninhabited island off the coast of Zanzibar known for its beautiful shallow-water coral reef and teeming marine life. Unfortunately, boaters and divers are not permitted. Because it was originally a restricted military zone, the reef is in good shape. Both the island and the coral reef were later preserved as part of what is now known as Chumbe Island Coral Park, a privately maintained nature reserve, in the early 1990s.
Because of a lack of fishing and coral damage, the reef now supports hundreds of coral species, tropical fish, hawksbill turtles, and the rare dolphin. But it’s not just the underwater life that’s worth seeing; the island is home to 50 different bird species, including the endangered roseate tern.
Mnemba Island
Mnemba Island is a small, triangular-shaped island located off the coast of Unguja, Zanzibar’s largest island. The privately owned island is home to the Andbeyond beach resort, which has exclusive usage of the island for its guests. Non-guests are welcome to use the reef, but they must stay away from the beach.
The remarkable Mnemba Atoll, a stunning coral reef located on the northeast shore of Mnemba Island, is the island’s showpiece. Divers will love this reef, which has been designated as a marine reserve due to its great diversity of aquatic life. Explore the underwater world of lionfish, stingrays, turtles, barracudas, and moray eels at your leisure. Green turtles lay their eggs on the palm-dotted island, while whales and dolphins can often be seen from the shoreline.
Rubondo Island
Rubondo Island is Africa’s largest island national park, located in the south-western corner of Lake Victoria. The abandoned island is mostly covered in lush subtropical rainforest, with the rest consisting of marshland, liana, and reeds, which are home to a variety of unique wildlife species.
Chimpanzees, hippos, black and white colobus, giraffes, crocodiles, elephants, and amphibious sitatunga antelope live on the island, while tilapia, Nile perch, and terrapins breed in Lake Victoria. Rubondo Island is a birdwatcher’s dream, with over 300 species of birds such as marabou storks, darters, white egrets, and fish eagles. Today, the island offers its own version of a semi-safari, where tourists may see for themselves the island’s unique fauna. It is one of the island never miss visit in your Tanzania, Africa safari tour.
Mbudya Island
Mbudya Island is an uninhabited island north of Tanzania’s capital, Dar es Salaam. Mbudya Island is one of the four islands that make up the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve, and it’s only a short boat journey from the capital. It’s a popular day excursion from the city, especially for those seeking a quiet beach getaway.
You can visit the reserve in a traditional dhow and spend the day away from the chaos of the capital. Aside from sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling, the island also has some fantastic nature paths where you can spot snakes and unique coconut crabs. It is another beautiful island not only because it is located near Dar es salaam, Tanzania largest city but also because it has it all requirements and quality for making your safari holiday exceptional.
Kilwa Kisiwani
Kilwa Kisiwani, which means’ Island of the Fish, ‘is a small island situated off the southern coast of Tanzania. It was originally the capital of the illustrious Kilwa Sultanate, as well as a bustling commercial center for gold, porcelain, quartz, spices, and ivory. Kilwa Kisiwani was, in fact, one of East Africa’s most powerful empires between the 9th and 19th centuries. During its heyday, it was so prosperous that it even had its own currency.
Only the ruins of this medieval kingdom survive today, notably as the 16-domed Great Mosque, the oldest standing mosque on the East African coast, and the Husuni Ndogo (Little Fort). Another fascinating feature/attraction is the Palace of Husuni Kubwa (the Great Fort), which was once the largest edifice in Sub-Saharan Africa. Tourists can visit the historic town with a permit from the Antiquities Department of the local government.
Bongoyo Island
Bongoyo Island is a small, deserted tropical island off the coast of the Msasani Peninsula that is part of the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve. It’s a popular day excursion just a 30-minute ferry journey from the capital, with two white-sand beaches, mild water, and a laid-back atmosphere, 10 Best Islands to see and visit in Tanzania.
When you get to the marine reserve, the emphasis is on total relaxation: swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, picnicking, and eating seafood while your toes are in the sand. Kitesurfing is an option for those seeking something a little more active.
Pemba Island
Pemba Island (the Green Island) is located in Tanzania’s Zanzibar archipelago. It’s one of the cluster’s lesser-known islands, and it’s still largely undeveloped, with verdant hilltops, clove plantations, mangrove forests, isolated coves and lagoons, pink and white sand beaches, and vibrant coral reefs.
Pemba Island is now known for its fantastic scuba diving and fishing opportunities. Underwater, anything from turtles, barracudas, and swordfish to reef sharks, yellowfin tuna, and Napoleon wrasse can be found and seen in your safari to this undisturbed island.
Mafia Island
The calm Mafia island group includes Mafia Island, which means’ healthy dwelling place ‘in Swahili or’ group ‘in Arabic. Mafia Island is one of Tanzania’s best-kept secrets, floating off the coast of Dar es Salaam in the balmy waters of the Indian Ocean.
The Mafia Island Marine Park protects the majority of the island’s shoreline and coral reefs, which are dotted with coconut trees and miles and miles of uncrowded beaches. The major attractions and tourist activities here are snorkeling and scuba diving, 10 Best Islands to see and visit in Tanzania.
Spend your days experiencing a variety of marine life, including sea turtles and endangered whale sharks, as well as hundreds of tropical fish species. There’s plenty of adventure on land, too, with over a hundred bird species to be spotted throughout the jungle-clad interior’s nature paths.
Zanzibar Island
The centerpiece of the Zanzibar archipelago is Zanzibar Island, officially known as Unguja. It was originally known as the Spice Island and was one of East Africa’s most prosperous commercial destinations. It is the group’s largest, most inhabited, and most easily accessible island. While it has certain enticing attractions, including white-sand beaches and historical customs, it also attracts a large throng, especially during the summer.
Explore the cobblestone streets of Stone Town, which is located on the west coast of Zanzibar Town, the island’s capital, where you’ll find a heady mix of African, Arabic, Indian, and European influences. A spice tour is a must-do while you’re here; you’ll be able to visit local vanilla, lemongrass, cumin, and turmeric root plantations and smell and taste these famous spices firsthand.
Other activities on Zanzibar Island include visiting and seeing the Old Fort of Zanzibar, the Sultan’s Palace, the St. Joseph’s Cathedral, and the Darajani Market, as well as swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving in the spectacular coral gardens right offshore.
