• Zanzibar

The spice island of Zanzibar with its interesting history influenced by early Arab traders offers beautiful beaches at the Indian Ocean and beach hotels of all standards. Consisting of the main islands Unguja and Pemba as well as of several smaller untouched islands, the Zanzibar Archipelago features gorgeous, palm-fringed white sandy beaches that stretch into the warm turquoise waters and invite visitors to unwind and soak up the sun.

The capital of Zanzibar City with its old historic center of Stone Town, a UNESCO world heritage site, is situated on Unguja Island and is often referred to simply as Zanzibar. Its eventful history of gruesome slave and exotic trade still shows traces everywhere. Magnificent Sultan’s palaces and grand Arab houses, winding alleys and bustling bazaars give visitors the feeling of being immersed in the world of Sindbad and Alibaba.

Zanzibar is blessed with miles of glorious white sand beaches, protected by the coral reef that rings the majority of the island. There are secluded coves, working beaches where the dhow fisherman leave their boats, private stretches of untouched sand, and, equally, stretches of sand with sun-beds. This is an island with something for everyone.

• Mainland

The long beaches of Tanzania’s mainland are not frequently visited when compared to the sister islands of Mafia, Pemba and Zanzibar just off the coast. Reasons for this might that it is relatively unknown and the long time to travel by road from Tanzania’s northern national parks and the game reserves in the south.

Slowly but surely, the northern Swahili coast with its palm-fringed beaches are developing; Bagamoyo and Pangani especially being the main attractions.

• Pemba

Pemba is the northernmost island of the archipelago and the smaller, hillier, and greener “sister island” of Zanzibar. Pemba enjoys far less attention than the world-famous main island and often even gets forgotten. Therefore the island and its friendly and relaxed people can maintain a quiet and easy-going atmosphere among spice plantations, fruit trees, and the lush tropical vegetation.

For those travelers who find Zanzibar too crowded, Pemba is the right island to go to. Accommodation is limited to just a few small guest house style accommodations and very lovely lodges right on the beach.