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Zanzibar, Mafia, And Pemba Island
Tropical beach holiday in Tanzania
After an intensive safari, it is wonderful to relax on the pearly white beaches.
Beach holiday Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia Island
Exotic islands with beautiful white beaches, an interesting history, and a fascinating underwater world; you will find all this off the coast of Tanzania! The ideal destination for a relaxing stay after your safari adventure, where you can snorkel, swim, dive, get a massage, or simply do absolutely nothing. Of course, a stay on Zanzibar, Pemba, or Mafia Island can also be booked as a beach holiday, without a prior safari.
The choice of Greenway Nature Tours
We work with a number of small-scale resorts. These are places we have visited ourselves and know well. This allows us to assess important aspects such as location, atmosphere, service, and personal attention, but also security and behind-the-scenes facilities—things you might not readily think of yourself. A beach hotel easily looks nice in a photo. However, all recent hotels are generally situated on grounds that are too small, causing the accommodation to quickly feel crowded. We certainly do not offer all accommodations; there are only a handful of truly high-quality ones! We select those locations that meet our requirements, including a beautiful location on a natural beach and a spacious layout, so that you can truly enjoy yourself and your beach stay, both now and after your safari, is fully appreciated.
Our Top Ten Recommended Hotels in Zanzibar
- Mr Kahawa
- Baladin Beach Hotel
- The Loop
- Breezes Beach Club & Spa
- Mwezi Boutique Resort
- The Palms, Zanzibar
- Baraza Resort & Spa
- Zawad Hotel
- Qambani Luxury Resort
- Jafferji House
Our favourite Spice Islands safari ideas
About Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia Island
Just off the coast of mainland Tanzania, in the warm Indian Ocean, you will find an archipelago made up of Zanzibar (Unguja), Pemba, and Mafia Island, along with a number of smaller surrounding islands. Zanzibar is the largest and closest to the mainland. It is also the most developed. You will find it lively, full of history, and easy to explore. Pemba lies further north and feels much more remote. Here, you can enjoy lush green landscapes and a slower, quieter pace. Mafia Island sits to the south and is known for its protected marine park and excellent diving.
Zanzibar Island
Zanzibar is the best place to go if you want the most complete holiday experience: beaches, culture, dining, watersports and luxurious accommodation in one accessible place. Zanzibar is also the natural choice if you are combining a beach stay with a Tanzania safari on the northern circuit and gorilla trekking in Uganda. This is because it is served by direct flights from Arusha, Dar es Salaam and Entebbe International Airport. It also has the broadest range of accommodation at every price point.
Pemba Island
Pemba is, after Zanzibar, the largest island of the archipelago and lies to the north of Zanzibar. It is the best place to visit if snorkeling and scuba diving are your top priority and you value quiet over convenience. And if you are looking for an authentic Swahili island experience free of tourist infrastructure. This special island is also highly suitable for an unforgettable honeymoon. Pemba is approximately 20 to 30 minutes by small aircraft from Zanzibar. It is a perfect natural add-on to a Zanzibar beach holiday for those who want to go deeper, literally. It shares the same Zanzibar visa, which simplifies logistics considerably.
Mafia Island
To the east of mainland Tanzania and 160 kilometers south of Zanzibar lies the pristine Mafia Island. It is a great place to visit if marine wildlife is your main motivation or if you actively want to be off the tourist map. Mafia Island requires you to have a separate Tanzania mainland visa. You also need a dedicated flight from Dar es Salaam. So, it works best as a standalone destination or paired with Tanzania’s southern safari circuit parks like Nyerere National Park and Ruaha National Park, rather than bolted onto a Zanzibar tour. Three nights is the practical minimum; five nights will do it justice.
Fanjove Island
Fanjove Island is one of those undiscovered gems in Africa where you can unwind completely and be far away from the crowds. From Dar es Salaam, you first fly to Songo Songo Island, from where you continue by boat to idyllic Fanjove Island. Along the way, you will enjoy passing various small islands. During your beach stay, you can fully relax and be active in a fantastic setting. You can go both above and below the water; Fanjove offers exceptional diving and snorkeling opportunities. The reef stretches for 11 kilometers around the island. Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or walking around the island are also possible for enthusiasts. Or how about a picnic lunch on a sandbank or a sunset boat trip on a traditional dhow? We offer you an exclusive stay here at the 5* Fanjove Private Island.
Where To Stay
The Spice Islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia offer a wide range of places to stay. These include boutique beachfront lodges, private island retreats and larger resorts along the coastline of Zanzibar. Many accommodations are positioned directly on the beach. They offers easy access to dhow excursions, swimming, and snorkelling. More remote islands lien Mafia and Pemba offer smaller, more exclusive lodges. These places are on diving and marine experiences. They often operate with a strong emphasis on conservation and privacy. Whether seeking a romantic honeymoon escape, a family-friendly resort or a secluded barefoot luxury experience, the islands cater to a variety of travel styles.
Frequently Asked Questions
A holiday to the spice Islands is not something you take lightly. It is a special destination, and that requires an organization that truly suits you. To help with that choice, we have already answered the most frequently asked questions for you below.
What is special about the Spice Islands?
What makes the Spice Islands so special is the combination of beautiful beaches, fascinating culture, and an incredible underwater world. Here, you can relax on white-sand beaches one day and explore centuries of history the next.
Because the islands were once located along important trade routes, you will find a unique mix of African, Arab, and Asian influences wherever you go. You can see it in the architecture, taste it in the food, and feel it in the atmosphere of places like Stone Town.
The islands are also home to some of Africa’s best snorkeling and diving. Colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and crystal-clear waters make every trip into the ocean an adventure.
For us, that is what makes the Spice Islands so appealing. They are not just a beach destination. They offer the perfect balance of relaxation, culture, and nature, making them an unforgettable addition to any East African journey.
How do Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia compare?
Each of the Spice Islands offers a different experience. So, the best choice depends on the kind of trip you are looking for.
Zanzibar or Unguja is the largest and most popular island. Here, you will find beautiful beaches, a wide range of accommodations, lively coastal villages, and the historic streets of Stone Town. It offers the perfect mix of relaxation, culture, and activities.
Pemba is often called the Green Island because of its lush landscapes and tropical vegetation. It feels much quieter and less developed than Zanzibar. If you are looking for tranquility, authenticity, and some of East Africa’s finest diving, Pemba is an excellent choice.
Mafia Island is the most remote of the three. Life moves at a slower pace here. The island is best known for its protected marine park, exceptional diving, and seasonal whale shark encounters. It is ideal for travelers who love nature and want to escape the crowds.
While Zanzibar attracts most visitors, far fewer travelers make it to Pemba or Mafia. As a result, both islands feel more secluded, peaceful, and exclusive.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia?
You can visit the Spice Islands throughout the year, but most travelers prefer the dry seasons. These run from June to October and December to February.
During these months, you can expect plenty of sunshine, warm temperatures, and ideal conditions for swimming, snorkeling, diving, and relaxing on the beach. The ocean is generally calm, and visibility underwater is often at its best.
The long rainy season usually falls between March and May. During this period, heavier rainfall is more common, and some lodges may close temporarily for maintenance.
A shorter rainy season typically occurs in November. However, these showers are often brief and followed by sunshine, so they are usually less disruptive to travel plans.
For the best beach weather and marine activities, we generally recommend traveling between June and October or December and February.
How many days should I spend on the Spice Islands?
The ideal length of your stay depends on how you want to experience the islands.
If you are combining the Spice Islands with an East African safari, we usually recommend at least 4 nights. This gives you enough time to explore Stone Town, visit a spice plantation, and enjoy a few relaxing days on the beach.
If diving is your main reason for visiting, especially on Pemba or Mafia Island, we suggest staying 5 to 7 nights. This allows plenty of time to enjoy the islands’ exceptional reefs and marine life without feeling rushed.
Planning to visit more than one island? In that case, 7 to 10nights is ideal. You will have enough time to experience the unique atmosphere of each island while allowing for transfers between them.
Whatever length of stay you choose, the Spice Islands are the perfect place to slow down, unwind, and enjoy a relaxing end to your East African adventure.
What activities can I do in the Spice Islands?
Whether you prefer adventure or relaxation, the Spice Islands offer something for everyone.
You can spend your days snorkeling or diving among colorful coral reefs, discovering an underwater world filled with tropical fish and marine life.
Sail across the Indian Ocean on a traditional dhow, explore fragrant spice plantations, or wander through the historic streets of Stone Town with a local guide.
Nature lovers can visit mangrove forests, explore hidden beaches, or enjoy unforgettable marine safaris around Mafia Island. Depending on the season, you may even have the chance to see whale sharks.
Of course, you do not have to fill every day with activities. Many travelers simply come to relax. Swim in the warm ocean, enjoy long walks along the beach, watch the sunset from the shore, and embrace the slower pace of island life.
That is what makes the Spice Islands so special. You can be as active or as relaxed as you like, creating the perfect balance between adventure and tropical escape.
Is Zanzibar good for a honeymoon?
Absolutely. Zanzibar is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in Africa, and it is easy to see why.
Imagine white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, romantic sunset dhow cruises, and intimate dinners beneath the stars. Zanzibar offers the perfect setting to celebrate the start of a new chapter together.
The island is home to a wonderful selection of boutique hotels and luxury beach lodges, many designed with privacy and romance in mind. Couples can spend their days relaxing on beautiful beaches, exploring Stone Town, enjoying spa treatments, or sailing across the Indian Ocean at sunset.
For an even more exclusive experience, private islands such as Mnemba Island are especially popular with honeymooners. If you are looking for complete peace and seclusion, Pemba and Mafia Island offer a quieter and more intimate atmosphere, far from the crowds.
Many couples also combine Zanzibar with an African safari. After days of adventure and wildlife encounters, there is no better place to slow down, relax, and enjoy time together in a truly tropical setting.
Are the Spice Islands suitable after a safari?
Yes, of course. In fact, the Spice Islands are one of the most popular ways to end an East African safari. After days spent tracking gorillas in Uganda, searching for wildlife on the savannah, or exploring some of Africa’s most spectacular landscapes, the islands offer the perfect change of pace. Instead of early morning game drives and forest walks, you can look forward to white-sand beaches, warm ocean waters, and a more relaxed rhythm of life.
Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia Island are all easily reached from the mainland, making them a convenient addition to your itinerary. Whether you want to spend your days snorkeling, diving, sailing on a traditional dhow, exploring historic Stone Town, or simply unwinding by the beach, there is something for every type of traveler.
For many visitors, the combination is hard to beat. First the excitement and adventure of safari. Then the peace, beauty, and relaxation of the Indian Ocean. Together, they create the perfect balance and an unforgettable East African journey.
How do I get to the Spice Islands?afari?
Reaching the Spice Islands is easier than you might think.
From Tanzania, there are regular flights from major hubs such as Dar es Salaam and Arusha to Zanzibar, with onward connections to Pemba and Mafia Island. Flight times are short, making the islands an easy addition to any safari itinerary.
If you are traveling from Uganda, you will usually fly from Entebbe International Airport. Depending on the route and flight schedules, you may fly directly to Zanzibar or connect through a regional hub such as Nairobi.
Zanzibar is the easiest island to access. It has its own international airport with regular regional connections and a growing number of direct international flights. This makes it a convenient place to begin or end an East African journey.
Whether you are arriving after a safari in Tanzania, gorilla trekking in Uganda, or a wider East African adventure, getting to the Spice Islands is straightforward. Before long, you will be swapping game drives and forest trails for white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and the relaxed rhythm of island life.
Have more questions?
Contact us. Our team of experts are here to help! Whether you are curious about the best time to travel, want to hear first-hand about an experience or need help planning your safari.
Greenway nature tours
We are a fully licensed tour company accredited by the Uganda Tourism Board. We design and operate safaris in Uganda and East Africa. Our operations are based in Kampala, Uganda, the heart of our safari planning and coordination. Though our company was officially established in 2025, our team brings deep, hands-on knowledge of East Africa.
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