10 Best Islands in Tanzania and its affectionately known as the ‘Spice Islands’ for their long-standing trade in cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, the Zanzibar archipelago in Tanzania is a true paradise. Picture yourself unwinding on palm-fringed white-sand beaches basking in the equatorial sun, with the crystal-clear ocean stretching out before you.
However, while the Zanzibar archipelago is undoubtedly Tanzania’s most renowned cluster of islands, it is not the only one worth exploring. There is also the lesser-known Mafia Island archipelago, as well as floating national parks and tranquil beach getaways off the coast of Dar es Salaam. Each of these destinations offers its own unique allure, whether it be world-class diving, breathtaking snorkeling, delectable seafood, or a historic town waiting to be discovered.
Rubondo Island is one of the 10 Best Islands in Tanzania
Rubondo Island, situated in the southwestern part of Lake Victoria, holds the distinction of being the largest national park island in Africa. The majority of this uninhabited island is blanketed by dense subtropical rainforest, while the remaining areas consist of marshland, liana, and reeds, creating a diverse habitat for a wide range of captivating wildlife species.
This island serves as a sanctuary for numerous endangered and introduced animals, including chimpanzees, hippos, black and white colobus monkeys, giraffes, crocodiles, elephants, and the amphibious sitatunga antelope. Additionally, Lake Victoria acts as a breeding ground for tilapia, Nile perch, and terrapins.
Bird enthusiasts will find Rubondo Island to be a true paradise, as it is home to more than 300 bird species. Among these are marabou storks, darters, white egrets, and fish eagles. Today, visitors have the opportunity to embark on a semi-safari experience, allowing them to personally witness the island’s remarkable wildlife.
Mbudya Island
Mbudya Island, situated north of Tanzania’s capital city, Dar es Salaam, is a serene and uninhabited island. It is one of the four islands that make up the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve and is easily accessible by a short boat ride from the city. For those seeking a peaceful beach getaway, Mbudya Island is a popular day trip destination.
You can board a traditional dhow to the reserve and spend the day away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Choose a beachside hut and indulge in fresh seafood straight from the ocean. In addition to sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling, the island also offers some fantastic nature trails where you can observe and learn about rare coconut crabs and snakes.
Kilwa Kisiwani
Kilwa Kisiwani, also known as the ‘Island of the Fish,’ is a small island located off the southern coast of Tanzania. It was once the capital of the prestigious Kilwa Sultanate and a bustling trading center for gold, porcelain, quartz, spices, and ivory. Kilwa Kisiwani was one of the most significant empires in East Africa between the 9th and 19th centuries, and it was so prosperous that it had its own currency.
Today, only the ruins of this historical empire remain, including the 16-domed Great Mosque, which is the oldest standing mosque on the East African coast, and the Husuni Ndogo (Little Fort). The Palace of Husuni Kubwa (the Great Fort) is another fascinating landmark, which was once the largest building in sub-Saharan Africa. Visitors can explore the ancient settlement with a permit from the local government’s Antiquities Department.
Bongoyo Island
Bongoyo Island is a serene tropical island located near the Msasani Peninsula and is part of the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve. It boasts of two pristine white-sand beaches, warm waters, and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a favorite destination for day trips.
The island is just a 30-minute ferry ride from the capital, making it easily accessible. Once you arrive at the marine reserve, you can indulge in various activities such as swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, picnicking, and savoring seafood while feeling the sand between your toes. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, kitesurfing is also an option.
Pemba Island
Pemba Island, also known as the Green Island, forms a part of the Zanzibar archipelago located in Tanzania. Despite being one of the lesser-known islands in the cluster, it remains largely undeveloped and boasts of lush hilltops, clove plantations, mangrove forests, secluded coves and lagoons, pink and white sand beaches, and colorful coral reefs.
Nowadays, Pemba Island is renowned for its exceptional scuba diving and fishing opportunities. The underwater world is teeming with a diverse range of marine life, including turtles, barracudas, swordfish, reef sharks, yellowfin tuna, and Napoleon wrasse.
On the island itself, there is a wealth of fascinating history to discover. A visit to the main town, Chake Chake, is a must, where you can explore the ruins of an 18th-century fort and museum. Additionally, the offshore island of Misali is worth a visit, where you can catch a glimpse of the endangered Fischer’s turaco.
Mafia Island
Mafia Island, known as a ‘healthy dwelling place’ in Swahili or ‘group’ in Arabic, forms part of the serene Mafia island group. Situated off the coast of Dar es Salaam in the inviting waters of the Indian Ocean, Mafia Island remains one of Tanzania’s well-preserved secrets.
Adorned with coconut palms and endless stretches of uncrowded beaches, the majority of the island’s coastline and coral reefs are safeguarded by the Mafia Island Marine Park. The primary attractions here include snorkeling, scuba diving, and immersing oneself in the unhurried pace of life.
Indulge in exploring the underwater world, where you can encounter a diverse array of marine life, ranging from sea turtles and endangered whale sharks to numerous species of tropical fish. On land, there are ample adventures to entice you, such as spotting over a hundred bird species along the nature trails in the lush, jungle-covered interior. While you’re here, make sure not to miss a visit to the historic Kua Ruins on Juani Island, which date back 850 years.
Zanzibar[SEE MAP]
Zanzibar Island, officially known as Unguja, is the focal point of the Zanzibar archipelago. Recognized as the Spice Island, it was formerly a thriving hub for trade in East Africa. It holds the distinction of being the largest, most populous, and easily accessible island within the entire group. While it offers enticing attractions such as pristine sandy beaches and ancient customs, it also attracts a significant number of visitors, especially during the summer season.
Immerse yourself in the captivating ambiance of Stone Town’s cobblestone streets, situated on the western coast of Zanzibar Town, the capital of the island. Here, you will encounter a captivating blend of African, Arabic, Indian, and European influences. A must-do activity is booking a spice tour, where you can explore local plantations of vanilla, lemongrass, cumin, and turmeric root, and experience the aroma and taste of these renowned spices firsthand.
Additionally, Zanzibar Island offers a range of other activities, including swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving amidst the extraordinary coral gardens just off the coast. You can also visit notable landmarks such as the Old Fort of Zanzibar, the Sultan’s Palace, St Joseph’s Cathedral, and the vibrant Dharajani Market.
Changuu
Changuu Island, situated northwest of Stone Town, the historical hub of Zanzibar’s main island, has a rich history. Once functioning as a prison for slaves and a quarantine station for yellow fever in the 1800s, it is now predominantly reserved for guests staying at the exclusive Changgu Private Island Resort.
Visitors to Changuu Island can enjoy the beautiful beach, offering excellent opportunities for swimming and snorkeling. They can also explore the old prison cells, which now serve as a habitat for the magnificent Aldabra tortoises. These tortoises, whose ancestors were brought to the island from the Seychelles over a century ago, continue to thrive on the island to this day.
Additionally, a notable attraction on Changuu Island is the former estate of General Lloyd Matthews, the British governor.
Chumbe Island[
Chumbe Island, situated off the coast of Zanzibar, is a small and uninhabited island that is privately owned. It is renowned for its stunning shallow-water coral reef and thriving marine life. However, it is unfortunate that boaters or divers are not allowed to visit the island. The coral reef is in excellent condition as it was once part of a restricted military zone.
Later, in the early 1990s, the island and the coral reef were protected and managed as Chumbe Island Coral Park, a privately managed nature reserve. Today, due to the lack of fishing or damage to the corals, the reef is home to hundreds of species of coral, tropical fish, hawksbill turtles, and the occasional dolphin. Besides the underwater life, the island is also home to 50 species of birds, including the endangered roseate tern. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars!
Mnemba Island
Mnemba Island, located off the coast of Unguja, the largest island in the Zanzibar archipelago, is a small triangular-shaped island. This privately-owned island is exclusively reserved for guests of the luxury &Beyond beach resort. However, non-guests are welcome to enjoy the reef, although they are not permitted to approach the shore.
The main attraction of Mnemba Island is the remarkable Mnemba Atoll, a stunning coral reef situated on the northeast coast. Scuba divers will be captivated by the diverse marine life found here, which is why the reef has been designated as a marine reserve. Take your time to explore this underwater paradise, where you can encounter lionfish, stingrays, turtles, barracudas, and moray eels.
On the island itself, which is adorned with palm trees, you will find nesting sites for green turtles. Additionally, it is not uncommon to spot whales and dolphins from the shoreline.
