Tanzania Beach Holidays, Tanzania has over 800 kilometers of stunning Indian Ocean coastline to explore, and that’s before you visit the exotic Zanzibar and Tanzania’s other tropical islands. However, Tanzania’s reputation as one of Africa’s top safari destinations frequently obscures this reality.
Every traveler will enjoy a Tanzania beach trip since it offers enough variety to be the appropriate conclusion to a Tanzania safari or as a stand-alone vacation. The beaches are among the best on the East African coast, and the variety of top-notch dive locations will enthrall snorkelers and scuba divers.
Couples on a romantic getaway will like the opulent and private beachside hotels, while parents will value the variety of family-friendly lodging and activities offered.
Zanzibar is an archipelago composed of islands in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of mainland Tanzania. The largest of these is Unguja, known popularly as Zanzibar. This magical place is the stuff of fairy-tales; pristine beaches, hidden forests with rare monkeys, enclaves favored by dolphins, and an ancient town with narrow, stone streets, steeped in history. The north and west sides of the Island are endless beaches with turquoise waters and coral reefs. In the southeast are continuous waves, favored by surfers and dolphin watchers.
Visitors can experience a variety of excursions: touring a spice plantation; walking through Jozani Forest; deep-sea fishing; or meet the impressive tortoises on Prison Island – some with are over 150 years old! Those who are seeking deep relaxation can enjoy a massage and sundowner drinks on the beach.
Zanzibar’s history is rich, with influence from the Arab world, Portuguese traders and neighboring India. Visitors will see intricately carved doors and beds, as well as intense spices that flavor everything from food to coffee. While Zanzibar may feel like another world, it is still very much a part of Tanzania and a not-to-be-missed part of a complete visit to this incredible country.
Pemba Island is a small island located off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa. It is part of the Zanzibar archipelago, along with Unguja Island (commonly known as Zanzibar Island) and several smaller islands. Pemba Island is known for its unspoiled beauty, crystal-clear waters, and rich cultural heritage.
Pemba Island is also known for its spice farms, which produce cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and other aromatic spices. Visitors can tour these farms to learn about the cultivation and harvesting of these spices, as well as their use in local cuisine and traditional medicine.
The island’s history dates back to the 7th century, and it has been inhabited by various ethnic groups over the centuries, including Shirazi Arabs, Bantu-speaking Africans, and Portuguese colonizers. This rich cultural heritage is reflected in the island’s architecture, music, dance, and cuisine.
Pemba Island offers a unique and authentic travel experience for those seeking to explore the beauty and culture of East Africa.
Mafia Island, Tanzania is an island paradise offering superb diving and ocean experiences. Travelers looking to get away from crowded tourist hubs and overdone resort accommodations can saturate themselves in Mafia’s pristine waters, white sand beaches and coral reefs.
Mafia, Tanzania has no connection at all with the Italian gangsters and you certainly will not find any mob bosses among the sea turtle nesting sites or schools of tropical fish that abound on the island.
The name “Mafia” comes from the Swahili phrase Mahali pa Afya, which means ‘the place of good health’. And, we certainly think spending time on this serene island can only improve one’s health!
The appeal of Mafia is its marine life; from sea turtles or coral reefs, to gentle, but gigantic whale sharks.
Mafia Island Marine Park is the first site to be designated a marine park in all of Tanzania, and is dedicated to the conservation and preservation of this incredible marine area.
While some adventure-seekers may prefer the extreme experience of swimming with Great White Sharks, such as is offered in places like South Africa, swimming with whale sharks is an entirely different sort of experience.
Whale sharks are beautiful, shy creatures that pose no harm to humans. As their name implies, they are similar to whales, not only in their massive size, but also diet: whale sharks eat plankton. Diving with whale sharks in the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean is a serene experience, allowing visitors to interact with nature in a profound and safe way. These spotted giants can reach lengths up to 8 meters (over 25 feet) and will leave divers in complete awe. But, divers are encouraged to move slowly and gently in the water, because despite their huge size, whale sharks are easily frightened and might swim away if they feel uncomfortable.
The best time to swim with whale sharks is from October – February. This is because the monsoon winds from the north bring down water from the Rufiji River, which is rich with plankton – the whale sharks preferred food. Whale sharks will come in droves along Mafia Island’s western shores to consume plankton, and divers can have the experience of a lifetime swimming with these giant creatures.
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