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| Tanzania is a diverse country that is fortunate enough to have the best of the bush, and the best of the ocean. The three major islands of the coast of Tanzania are: Zanzibar, Pemba & Mafia island. Zanzibar are almost a country on its own and we have a dedicated website to this beautiful island. There are also more information on Pemba & Mafia Island on our Zanzibar website and please see the links here below. |
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Zanzibar is lying 36km off the Tanzania coast in the Indian Ocean about 72km North from Dar es Salaam. The Island is 85km long and covers an area of 1 464sq kms. Few countries have such a romantic allure as the Spice Island of Zanzibar; a slumbering lush paradise where green cloves, bread leaf, rice, cinnamon and coconuts still grow wild today. Hidden around Zanzibar's idyllic coves or along its stunning beaches are some excellent hotels and further afield, over 50 islands litter the warm tranquil waters of the Indian Ocean, with golden sands, swaying palms and tiny rustic retreats.
The old Stone Town of Zanzibar is a fascinating warren of narrow streets, overhanging balconies and huge, intricately carved wooden doors. The bustling Suk (bazaar), where traders bargain excitedly, is full of the pungent perfume of exotic spices. Outside the town there are beautiful white beaches lined with giant coconut palms - an unspoilt paradise with fisherman's villages where the locals live in their little mud-and-wattle houses roofed with palm thatch.
Zanzibar has a airport and a couple of different international & local airlines fly to Zanzibar. You can also reach Zanzibar with a boat - couple of departure times ex Dar es Salaam port.
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| Pemba Island (North of Zanzibar) |
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Pemba Island is one of Tanzania's best kept secrets. Pemba's main attractions include pristine white sand beaches, world-class scuba diving, lush tropical forests, historical tours, and spice plantations. Although Pemba has several world-class attractions, the number of tourists rarely exceeds thirty on any given day, even during high season.
Arabs knew Pemba Island as the "Green Island", named after the lush vegetation and the Island resembles a floating forest. Traveling in Pemba is like traveling in unknown territory. For those seeking an adventure, Pemba is a fascinating and beautiful island to visit. In short...Paradise!
The island is situated about 50 km north of Zanzibar (Unguja) and 50 km east of mainland of Tanzania. Pemba is smaller than Zanzibar but has a hillier landscape, although its highest point is less than 100 metres above sea level. Pemba is the only granitic continental island on the East Coast of Africa.
Pemba Island can be reached from Kenya or Tanzania. From Zanzibar it is possible to take a hydrofoil crossing or a flight.
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| Mafia Island (South of Zanzibar) |
Mafia is a wonderful little island at the centre of the largest marine park in East Africa. Mafia is an unspoiled, uncommercial, timeless island, where local people go about their traditional businesses apparently completely detached from the outside world. The largest of a score of islands, atolls and tidal sandbars, Mafia itself is approximately 50 km long by 15km across, and is surrounded by a barrier reef teeming with marine life. The local people live in rustic fishing communities and farming villages. The population are mainly fishermen - other industries include coconut palms and cashew nuts.
Mafia Island lies approximately 25 kilometres off the Tanzanian coast, 128km south of Dar es Salaam and 160 km south of Zanzibar Island.
From Dar es Salaam there are daily flights to the Kilondoni airfield on Mafia as well as frequent flights from Zanzibar. It is approximately 30 minutes by air to/from Dar es Salaam and 45 minutes to/from Zanzibar.
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