Zanzibar archipelago is comprised of the two main islands of Zanzibar and Pemba Island and also some other little islands dotted around, including a few absolutely stunning private ones…
The islands worth mentioning in the archipelago apart from
Zanzibar itself are definitely
Pemba Island and the few private islands. The other islands do not have accommodation options and therefore are best explored as part of a day trip whilst staying on Zanzibar Island (where there are a lot of fabulous accommodation options!).
The islands surrounding Zanzibar generally offer a more secluded and remote beach experience, away from the attraction of the main island. Some of these are only accessible at certain times of the day according to tide levels, and the smaller sandbanks and spits are excellent for sailing excursions and picnics.
Pemba island is really off the beaten track and offers a really wild, untouched island experience that you don’t get on Zanzibar. The accommodation options are not as vast as on Zanzibar, but there a few different shades of luxury which fit into most traveller’s preferences in the three lodges we like to recommend. So if you are seeking a really different Indian Ocean experience, there should be nothing stopping you looking at Pemba. We would recommend if you are keen on white sand beaches though that you look at combining it with Zanzibar Island too as Pemba’s beaches admittedly pale in comparison. The diving is world class.
For a summary of the
Best Places to Stay on Pemba Island, please follow this link.
Zanzibar Archipelago - Private Islands
For those looking for the very best and most private beach experience with flour soft sand
beaches and absolute seclusion,
Mnemba Island is undoubtedly the best option for a
Tanzania honeymoon, or indeed any Zanzibar holiday. This tiny island is everything you can imagine of a remote windswept paradise, and has been voted one of the most romantic destinations on the planet.
On a much simpler scale,
Fanjove Private Island is the definition of beach-shack-chic, meaning the accommodation is very basic… Yet the food is delicious, the staff excellent and most importantly the location (beaches, ocean) is out of this world.
If you are not sure about where to start when considering your Indian Ocean holiday, whether it be a honeymoon, family safari, summar holiday or trip of a lifetime; the team here at Odyssey have visited it all, so please do just give us a ring and we can take you through your different options.
For a summary of the
Best time to go to Zanzibar, please follow this link.
Other islands off Tanzania – Mafia Island
Like Pemba, Mafia has a few lodges and offers an insight into an off the beaten track Tanzania beach experience. Unfortunately, the beaches of Mafia are incredibly tidal and are really not that luxury
Indian Ocean beach experience some may invisage. However, the underwater experiences off
Mafia Island are world class. People visit from all over the world to swim next to the mighty
Whale Sharks which are in season from November through to March. The general marine life and underwater scenes are also phenomenal. So if you are an ocean activity lover and not bothered about lazing around on a beautiful beach, then Mafia is an excellent option.
For a more complete
guide to the best beach accommodation in Zanzibar, please follow this link.
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