Best Islands on the Coast of Tanzania

By Ariadne van Zandbergen

Dreaming of an island holiday? Maybe some sun, sand and sea are exactly what you need. There is no better way to get away from it all than relaxing on a tropical beach. Whether you want to go to Zanzibar, one of Africa’s must-see bucket list destinations, or you are in the mood to explore one of the lesser-known island escapes, Tanzania has it covered. Here are some of our favorite islands in Tanzania.

1. Zanzibar Island

Zanzibar beach, Tanzania

Zanzibar, widely known as the Spice Island, exudes an air of romance and mystery. Once ruled by Omani sultans, this tropical paradise is steeped in history with an ancient Swahili culture still very prominent today. The palm-lined white sandy beaches, turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, and excellent collection of luxury resorts and boutique hotels are the key ingredients of a dream beach holiday (or an add-on to a Tanzanian safari). In such an idyllic environment, you might just want to laze the days away and maybe hit the reefs for some snorkeling or diving. Make sure, though, to visit Stone Town, with its traditional Swahili atmosphere and large collection of historic buildings.

Zanzibar Tours

2. Changuu Island

Giant tortoise at Changuu Island, Tanzania

A visit to Changuu Island, also known as Prison Island, is one of the most popular excursions from Zanzibar. The best way to get here is on a dhow (traditional sailboat) and the trip from Stone Town takes about 30 minutes. The main attraction is a colony of Aldabra giant tortoises descended from four individuals imported in 1919 as a gift from the British governor of the Seychelles. Some of these reptiles are now over 100 years old and weigh more than 200kg/440lb. A half-day trip also gives you the opportunity to swim in the crystal clear waters and relax on the beach. A seafood beach barbecue at Nakupenda Island (a long, thin sandbar that sometimes becomes submerged at high tide) is often included in the day trip.

Changuu Island Tours

3. Mafia Island

Fisherman's dhow on Mafia Island, Tanzania

Mafia Island, part of the Mafia archipelago, is known as one of East Africa’s premier diving and snorkeling destinations. A marine park covering 820km²/317mi² protects the extensive reefs harboring about 50 types of coral and 400 species of colorful fish. Turtles are often spotted too. This little-known destination is serviced by a small number of upmarket lodges catering to limited numbers of visitors. Mafia is the perfect sand and sea destination, away from the crowds.

Mafia Island Tours

4. Mnemba Island

Dolphins swimming near the shore at Mnemba Island, Tanzania

The tiny hideaway island of Mnemba, just 2.5km/1.5mi northeast of Zanzibar, is one of Africa’s most romantic beach retreats. Accommodations on the private island consist of 12 rustically chic beachside bandas, and a private butler will take care of your every whim. Enjoy a walk on the cool powdery-white coral sand, a candlelit dinner served on the beach with the waves lapping on your feet, and a charming dhow (traditional sailboat) cruise into the sunset. Most of all, explore the underwater world of the Mnemba Atoll, a marine reserve teeming with marine wildlife including turtles, dolphins and large schools of small fishes.

Mnemba Island Tours

5. Pemba Island

Pristine white sandy beach at Pemba Island, Tanzania

Pemba is the second-largest island on the Zanzibar archipelago. Much less developed for tourism than its famous neighbor, Zanzibar Island, Pemba is a great destination for those wanting to get away from it all. A handful of guesthouses and hotels cater mostly to diving enthusiasts and intrepid travelers. A not-to-be-missed inland excursion is a hike through Ngezi Forest Reserve, a 15km²/6mi² remnant of indigenous forest that once covered the entire island. This is the best place to see the four endemic bird species for which Pemba is famous: Pemba white-eye, sunbird, green pigeon and scops owl. The forest reserve is also home to a colony of Pemba flying foxes (massive fruit bats with a wingspan of up to 1.6m/5.2ft).

Pemba Island Tours

6. Kilwa Kisiwani

Kilwa ruins, Great mosque interior, built in the 14th century

The south coast of Tanzania isn’t developed much for tourism. That probably explains why one of the most important historical sites in East Africa is little known and rarely visited. The ruined city of Kilwa Kisiwani is the most important relic of the Swahili trade that dominated the coast from medieval times until the arrival of the Portuguese in 1505. To see this fascinating Unesco World Heritage Site, you need to cross the 2km/1mi-wide channel from Kilwa Masoko by boat. Visit with a local guide to bring alive the labyrinth of derelict palaces, ancient tombs and the spiritual centerpiece of the Great Mosque.

7. Chumbe Island

Chumbe Island, Tanzania

Nature-lovers will enjoy a visit to Chumbe, a small uninhabited coral island near Zanzibar. The Chumbe coral reef, a protected sanctuary famous for its coral diversity, offers excellent diving and snorkeling. On land, you can follow a walking trail around the island through pristine forest, rockpools and secret beaches. About 60 bird species have been recorded, including breeding pairs of the rare roseate tern. You might also catch a glimpse of Aders’s duiker, a secretive small antelope of coastal thicket. Even more exciting are the giant nocturnal coconut crabs, which crawl out of coral crevices at dusk. These endangered, slightly scary-looking creatures weigh up to 4kg/9lb. You can visit the island on a day trip, but an overnight stay in the zero-impact, ecofriendly Chumbe Island Lodge is highly recommended.