25 December 2023
Looking for outings or experiences beyond the usual tourist hot spots? Then think about the many islands scattered around Tanzania, which have a great deal more to discover than Zanzibar alone.
Each of these islands gives you a different kind of experience, whether snorkelling is your thing or you would rather get close to the surrounding nature and its plentiful wildlife in all its glory.
But which islands match your interests and needs, and how do you make the most of your time on them?
This article walks you through the 10 best islands in the region and shows you the sights and activities each one has to offer. Keep reading and start planning an unforgettable adventure you could arrange today.
The 10 Best Islands In Tanzania
Pemba Island
Covering 988 square kilometres, this larger island lies east of Tanga, or Yambe Island. It is known for its soft green hills and clove plantations, and it is a wonderful place to see the many fishing and farming villages.
Pemba Island is ideal if you want to immerse yourself more deeply in the people and their culture, and you will find plenty more ground to cover. Every part of it is distinct, with a landscape full of wildlife to discover, from Colobus and vervet monkeys to a huge range of birds that you will hear and spot with ease.
On this island you will also come across the Kidike Flying Fox Sanctuary, where 4,000 Pemba flying foxes live. Walk the trails through the Ngezi forest and you may catch sight of these remarkable bats. And that is only a taste of the fascinating things you’ll see here.
Mnemba Island
This one small island sits roughly 3 km off the north-east coast of Zanzibar, the largest island in the archipelago. Mnemba Island measures 1.5 kilometres around and tends to be quiet, with just a handful of staff and the occasional boat coming or going.
It is a private island with room for only 20 guests at a time, yet once you are there you will discover plenty of different vantage points, so you can enjoy the sea wherever you happen to be.
With a bit of luck you might spot a few dolphins or some friendly fish, and if you fancy snorkelling, the guides will adjust to however little experience you have in the water, which is very reassuring.
Fanjove Island
Just south-east of Songo Songo Island, and reached by a boat crossing, you will find this private island retreat. It is a peaceful haven treasured by fishermen, staff and fellow guests alike, who value the secluded beauty of its untouched beach and an exclusivity that goes well beyond the typical tourist destination.
Diving, kayaking, sailing and snorkelling are all possible here. You can also learn more about the surrounding area and how the local community goes about its daily life. You might even pick up a few tips while you try your hand at fishing.
Fanjove Island is also home to a boutique lodge, with bandas dotted along the beach and paths leading to the dining areas. After that, the nature trails are waiting to let you explore more of this rich island.
Pungume Island
Pungume Island, south of the village of Fumba, is a place where you can roam the forests and sandbanks. It also offers the most colourful view of the Indian Ocean you will ever lay eyes on. Soak it all up, explore and head out on a snorkelling trip for an experience you will never forget.
You will see magnificent coral reefs and fish, and maybe a starfish or two as well. On top of that, you can enjoy the finest grilled seafood, all caught and prepared locally.
The island's position gives you a real feeling of seclusion, which makes it the perfect spot to enjoy yourself, relax and simply leave everything behind.
Some of the staff and fishermen will be only too glad to show you around and enrich your visit, so if there is something particular you would like to see, just tell them.
Bongoyo Island
This is another enchanting island, lying just off the coast of Dar es Salaam and reached by a short boat ride. Experienced guides are on hand to take you around the island, or, if you would rather, you can discover it at your own pace.
Expect a generous menu too, with ingredients such as grilled fish and lobster, chips, and even beer if you can picture it, and you may well find the cooks happy to prepare something on request.
Volunteers work here on conservation to protect the land, and you can see what they do and why it matters to the people who live here, since tourism is one of the ways this work is kept going.
Mbudya Island
This island lies just north of Bongoyo island and has a lovely, clean beach with clear water, trees and shrubs that give you a feeling of privacy.
The boat trip over is a pleasure in itself and gives you a better perspective on the surrounding area.
At weekends the island can get fairly busy with locals. If you come during the week instead, your visit will be more peaceful, with time to look around the island and dip your toes in the clear, calm water.
Feeling peckish? You can always call in at the bar and kiosk, where the food is made with fresh ingredients. While you’re there, try the perfectly grilled dishes with some fresh mango on the side – you’re going to love it!
Mafia Island
Mafia Island, the third-largest island in Tanzania's waters, might look like a busy tourist destination. At certain times of the year, though, you will find a calm and peaceful island with superb diving and the chance to see magnificent whale sharks.
The island also has a number of high-end restaurants and lodges, some of them right by the beach, so you can dine in style.
If you book a tour guide through your travel provider, you can dig deeper into the island’s rich history and varied wildlife.
Getting to Mafia Island is simple: just take a flight from Dar es Salaam. Once you arrive, you’ll have the amazing opportunity to see the whale sharks that live in these waters.
For the most authentic experience, come between October and March, when these magnificent creatures gather in the greatest numbers and you can watch them or even snorkel alongside them.
Thanda Island
This island sits west of the tip of Mafia island, so you can reach it from there or include it in a tour once you leave the mainland.
You do need to book if you want to stay here, but in return you get a beautiful island where you’ll be able to truly switch off and relax.
On top of that, you’ll be looked after by an exceptionally welcoming team that goes out of its way to meet your every need. Their cooking promises flavours and experiences you’ll never forget. Little wonder this island is so often called a dreamlike paradise!
Chumbe Island
Lying west of the suburb of Chukwani, with no more than 15 guests allowed on the island at any one time, it is easy to see why so many people are impressed by the spectacular views and the rich ecology.
Chumbe island gives you a truly exotic experience, with the sound of the ocean and birdsong all around you.
Relax over candlelit dinners in picturesque spots beside the ocean. In the evening, take an easy stroll to catch a glimpse of the native coconut crabs, colourful and captivating creatures that are among the most unusual residents of the coastal forests.
Ukerewe Island
This is the biggest island in Lake Victoria and the largest inland island in Africa. A ferry from Mwanza takes you there, and you will find wide rolling fields, parks and a lovely environment shared by fishermen and visitors alike.
One of the finest ways to see Ukerewe island is by bike: a guide can lead you through farmland and forest that will leave you breathless, with the chance to take in the view from the lookout on Rutare Hill.
You’ll also be able to admire architectural heritage from centuries gone by, including the oldest Roman Catholic Church. A wealth of history and culture awaits you on this island – so don’t hesitate, book a trip now or you may regret it later!
Conclusion
These Tanzanian islands are prized for their beauty and for the range of facilities and activities they offer. Naturally, we cannot promise that every one of them will be free of tourists. But once you get there, you’ll understand why so many people visit.
From peaceful walks and conservation areas through to snorkelling trips, there is something for every kind of traveller, and many of these islands are only a short boat ride away.
Would you like some help planning your dream trip to Tanzania? Contact us today and let us help you put together the best trip you could ever have!
