Islands in Tanzania

Chumbe Island Coral Park, located 8 km west of Unguja in Zanzibar, is a protected island dedicated to marine, forest, and wildlife conservation for over 20 years. It's famous for its amazing coral reef, making it a top spot for snorkelling in East Africa with diverse marine life. Day trips offer chances to see unique wildlife and enjoy activities like Forest Walks and Birding.

How to Reach: Boat trip from Jungle Paradise Hotel
Price: $10 per person
Reservation: 4 days in advance
Closed: 01 April to 3rd June
Activities: Snorkelling, Forest Walk, Coconut Crab Walk, Intertidal Walk, Birding and other wildlife observations, Education Centre Visit, Exploring Historical Monuments.
Accommodation: Eco-bungalows on the premises.
Website : www.chumbeisland.com

Pemba Island is a secluded and lesser-known spot, located 50 kilometres north of Zanzibar in Chake Chake town. This hilly island, 42 miles long and 14 miles wide, features dense forests, mangrove swamps, hidden beaches, lagoons, and tidal sandbanks. Pemba’s clear waters and vibrant coral gardens make it a great spot for diving, with the added attraction of an annual whale migration in July and August.

Mode of Transport: By ferry
Activities: Snorkeling, scuba diving, boat safari to Jambagome Ruins, dolphin safari, wakeboarding, knee boarding, kayaking through a mangrove forest, and sunset cruise.

Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, Kibandiko, or Quarantine Island, is a famous tourist spot with unique features. It is home to Aldabra giant tortoises and the remains of an old prison and hospital. While it once held slaves and served as a quarantine place, today, visitors can enjoy day trips exploring its history and natural beauty.

Timings: 09:00 AM to 04:15 PM
Entry Fee: $4 per person
Restaurant: Prison Restaurant

Mnemba Island is a small private island owned by andBeyond, situated 3 kilometres off Zanzibar's northeast coast. It's renowned for its rich marine life and is surrounded by the Mnemba Atoll marine reserve, making it a popular destination for snorkelling and scuba diving in Zanzibar. The island boasts white sandy beaches and coral reefs in the Indian Ocean, offering a peaceful retreat where visitors can spot a variety of marine life along with green sea turtles and dolphins.

Timings: 09:00 AM to 03:00 PM
Size: 6.6 kilometres long, 500 meters in diameter, and 1.5 kilometres
Highlight: Snorkelling and Diving at Mnemba Atoll
Accommodation: andBeyond Mnemba Island

Nakupenda Beach, also known as Zanzibar Sandbank or Nakupenda Island, is a stunning sandbank in the Zanzibar archipelago, just a 15-minute boat ride from Stone Town Harbour. It's celebrated for its beautiful sandbanks, vibrant birdlife, and crystal-clear waters, making it a favourite for beach lovers and romantic couples. The Swahili name "Nakupenda" means "I love you," adding a romantic touch to this picturesque destination.

Timings: 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Time Required : 3 hours
Best Time to Visit: Early morning 07:00 AM to 08:30 AM (Afternoon is crowded and the island sinks in the evening)
Combine With: Prison Island
Special Needs Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible

Uzi Island, located in the southern part of Zanzibar, is a quiet and untouched destination. With a length of 6 kilometres, it's the second-largest among the smaller islands around Zanzibar. Home to around 6000 people, Uzi Island provides a glimpse into rural Zanzibar life, showcasing its simplistic culture and traditions. The island is lush with mangroves, banana plantations, baobab trees, and beautiful white sand beaches.

Length: 6 kilometres
Time Required: 2-3 hours

Tumbatu Island, shaped like a dagger in the Kaskazini region, stands out with the reef that separates it from the rest of Zanzibar. It's the third-largest island in the Zanzibar group, only 2 kilometres wide and 8 kilometres long. Known for its quiet beaches, diverse marine life, and lively local culture, Tumbatu Island has a rich history.

Getting There: Boat tours through operator
Length: 8 kilometres

Mafia Island, also known as Chole Shamba, is the third-largest island in Tanzania, situated 80 miles southeast of Dar-es-Salaam. It stands out as a premier dive spot, with the Mafia Island Marine Park protecting its southern coastline and waters, providing a habitat for diverse marine life, including whale sharks and sea turtles.

Entry Fee: $23.60 per person
Activities: Diving, snorkelling, and safaris
Pet Friendly: Yes

Misali Island near Pemba is known for its diverse marine life, with 350 fish species and unique coral. It's a protected area for species like sea turtles. Famous for great diving, especially at the Wall of Turtles, no permanent settlements are allowed.

Area: 1 kilometre
Recommended Time: 7 hours
Activities: Scuba diving, snorkelling, turtle hatching
Pets Allowed: No.

Rubondo Island in Lake Victoria is Africa's largest island national park, featuring dense rainforest and diverse wildlife like chimpanzees and giraffes. The surrounding lake breeds fish, and with over 300 bird species, it's a great spot for bird watchers. Visitors can now enjoy a semi-safari experience to explore the remarkable wildlife.

Getting there: Accessible by boat or air
Entry Fee: $20 per person
Area: 26 kilometers long and 10 kilometers wide
Activities: Chimpanzee trek, fishing, boating, and canoeing safari

Thanda Island in Zanzibar is a luxurious private retreat, a four-star resort surrounded by turquoise waters and coral reefs. The single lavish villa with five suites provides an intimate escape. Notably, the island is part of the Shungi Mbili Island Marine Reserve, making it a haven for marine life and a tranquil getaway.

Price: Around $33,000
Minimum Stay: 5 nights
Area: 350 meters wide, circumference of 1.1 kilometres
Activities: Marine activities, water sports, safaris, bird walks, spa.
Website: www.thanda.com/thanda-island/

Mbudya Island, part of the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve in Tanzania, is a popular day trip for a peaceful beach getaway. A short boat ride from the capital, it offers relaxation in beachside huts, fresh seafood, sunbathing, and snorkeling. Explore nature trails to discover snakes and rare coconut crabs.

Getting There: Accessible by ferry
Ferry Timings: 09:30 to 07:00 PM
Activities: Snorkeling and hiking
Recommended Time: 2-3 hours
Facilities: Restroom, rental equipment
Pets Allowed: Yes

Bongoyo Island in Tanzania's Dar es Salaam Marine Reserves System is a popular spot, known for a sunken ship on its east side and teeming clear waters with diverse marine life like angelfish and clownfish. As the most visited island in the area, it's a must-visit for nature and marine enthusiasts. It also has a public beach and a restaurant.

Getting There: Accessible by ferry
Ferry Timings: 09:30 AM to 05:00 PM
Activities: Snorkeling, diving, swimming, sailing, and hiking
Facilities: Rental equipment, restrooms, changing rooms.

Fanjove Island in Tanzania, the smallest in its archipelago, is a private tropical retreat with one lodge. Boasting 11 kilometres of preserved coral reef, the island is a sanctuary for green turtles and dolphins. With white sandy beaches, azure seas, and coconut palm trees, it offers a serene escape amidst nature.

Activities: Snorkeling, bird watching, kayaking, scuba diving, sunbathing, dhow sailing, sand bank excursions, dolphin excursions, fishing
Price: Starts from $800.

Bawe Island in Zanzibar is a small, private retreat known for clear turquoise waters, coconut groves, and unique rock formations. This hidden gem is considered Africa's best-kept secret and is known to be smaller than a football pitch.

Getting There: 30-minute boat ride from Stone Town
Price: $60 per pseron
Activities: Snorkelling and other water sports
Parking: Available
Pets Allowed: No