The best islands of Tanzania
Changuu
The best islands of Tanzania : Changuu Island is an exotic island which is located North West of stone town. This island has significance in the history of Zanzibar.The island has beautiful beaches, various bird species as well as aldabra tortoises which are the among the largest tortoises in the world. There are also coral reefs on Changuu island which is also referred to as the prison island.
The giant aldabra tortoises came to the island as a gift from the British governor of Seychelles in 1919 and these tortoises are a major tourist attraction on the Changuu island. Some of the activities which are carried out on the island include swimming and snorkeling.
Chumbe island
Chumbe island is located south west of Zanzibar in Tanzania and has one of the most pristine coral reefs in the world.
The island is a privately managed coral park which is home to a variety of bird species, coral, and Tropical fish as well as hawksbill turtles. The locals on Chumbe island act as guides for tourists visiting the island and they include guided forest walks, snorkeling.
There are over 400 fish species and about 200 coral species and the proceeds on the island contribute to local conservation as well as involvement of the local communities around Chumbe island.
Mnemba island
Mnemba island is a private island which is located on the north eastern coast of Zanzibar which is home to diverse marine life such as dolphins, green turtles as well as whales.
The island is also known as the spice island and it has beautiful views of the beach. Tourists can enjoy staying at andbeyond beach resort which is located on Mnemba island. There is also a coral reef on the north eastern coast of the island.
Scuba diving is among the activities which are carried out on Mnemba island.
Rubondo island
Rubondo island on the southern part of Lake victoria and is also the largest island national park of Africa.
The island is made up of dense tropical rainforest, marshland as well as reeds. Rubondo island is also home to wildlife species such as hippos, black and white colobus monkeys, giraffes, elephants, antelopes among others.
Rubondo island also has over 300 bird species and activities which are carried out on the island include game drives, nature walks, boat rides, chimpanzee habituation and fishing. There are also chimpanzees which can be spotted on the island.
Tourists visiting Rubondo island can explore Lake Victoria and the island is part of Rubondo island national park which can be visited at different times of the year.
Mbudya island
Mbudya island is located north of Dar es Salaam and is famous for its white sand beaches, turquoise waters.
There are a number of activities which are carried out on the island and these include swimming, hiking, sunbathing and snorkeling. The island is one of the four islands that are part of the Dar es Salaam marine reserve.
Rare coconut crabs as well as snakes can also be spotted on Mbudya island.
Kilwa kisiwani
Kilwa kisiwani is an island on the Indian ocean which is located on the southern coast of Tanzania.
The island was also once a seaport where gold trade was carried out and is also known for its ruins which are still standing from the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries such as the great mosque, the palace of Husini kubwa and Husini Ndogo. Spices, ivory, porcelain and quartz were also among the items which were traded on Kilwa kisiwani.
This small island of Kilwa kisiwani was also home to the capital of the Kilwa sultanate and among the important empires of East Africa.
Bongoyo island
Another island of Tanzania is Bongoyo island which is found off the coast of Msasani peninsular.
The island is also part of the Dar es Salaam marine reserve which also includes Mbudya island. Visiting Bongoyo island is among the activities which are carried out during a safari to Dar es Salaam.
Activities which are carried out on Bongoyo island include swimming, boat rides as well as snorkeling. Tourists visiting the island also enjoy the fresh sea food such as crabs as they relax on the white sand and in the blue waters on the island.
Pemba island
Pemba island is another island which is part of the Zanzibar archipelago and is also referred to as a green island as it consists of fertile soils where crops such as coconuts, bananas, cloves, mangoes among others are grown.
Fishing, snorkeling and diving are among the activities which take place on Pemba island which is also known for its culture which was influenced by Arab traders that lived on the island for a long time.
There are also coral reefs on Pemba island which offers an authentic island experience. The ruins of old Muslim settlements in Africa are also found on the island. The island also has a variety of marine life such as turtles, reef sharks, yellow fin tuna and many others.
Mafia island
Mafia island is located on the Indian ocean and is the 3rd largest island on the Zanzibar archipelago.
This island is famous for its adventures and activities which are carried out on Mafia island include diving, bird watching as well as nature walks and cultural experiences, kayaking, spot fishing, boating excursions, watching the humback whales, snorkeling with white sharks among others.
Mafia island has a number of marine life which includes sea turtles, whale sharks, various tropical fishes and different bird species.
Zanzibar
Zanzibar which is also known as the spice island and is located on the Indian ocean in Tanzania. The island is famous for its sandy beaches and is also an exotic destination which is visited by many tourists for leisure and to engage in many other activities.
An experience of visiting Zanzibar includes activities such as visiting the stone town, Paje beach, snorkeling, kite surfing, swimming, scuba diving, visiting the Sultans palace, the Dharajani market and many others.
Visit Tanzania and explore the different destinations and experience its unique cultures and various wildlife species.
