The 5 Best Islands For Day Trips In Tanzania : Tanzania is blessed with a multitude of natural islands. Not every one of them offers lodging for travelers. However, it is precisely why a romantic boat day excursion is worthwhile. Tanzania is home to stunning islands in addition to excellent trekking options and world-class safaris. These islands can only be visited for half days or full days and do not offer lodging for visitors. Although getting there isn’t always simple, the trip across the Indian Ocean by boat and the islands themselves are fantastic.
HERE ARE THE 5 BEST ISLANDS FOR DAY TRIPS IN TANZANIA
Bongoyo Island and Mbudya Island
The islands of Bongoyo and Mbudya are situated roughly 3 kilometers off the coast of Dar es Salaam. Neighboring and deserted, both islands are natural reserves. You can get to the islands, though. You’ll find yourself surrounded by thick forests, white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and a variety of marine life. From Dar es Salaam, the trip is quite simple.
Bongoyo Island: The Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve (DMRS) consists of four islands, the most popular of which is Bongoyo Island. Visitors can reach the island from the Hotel Splipway’s Bongoyo Island terminal by boat in thirty minutes at various times throughout the day. You will be driven to the island’s northwest tip, where the stunning white sand beach will practically blind you. A few kiosks provide food and beverages. You may even completely forget about swimming and snorkeling. On the northern coast of Bongoyo Island, the Indian Ocean formed a tidal lagoon of sorts. However, you can snorkel in the lagoon’s mangroves if the water levels are just perfect.
There are extremely rocky areas along the island’s coastline. Along the north side is another, longer beach that is narrower in size. You might have it all to yourself because not many tourists visit this location. As of right now, this location does not have any kiosks or other amenities. There are a few hiking trails and a thick forest on the island. Perfect for creating your private haven. Who knows? Maybe amid the island, you will find the remnants of German colonial structures.
Mbudya Island: Compared to Bongoyo Island, Mbudya Island appears to be less well-liked. This could be because the White Sands Resort and Conference Center, the point of departure, is located roughly 25 kilometers north of Dar es Salaam. The only convenient way to get to Mbudya Island is from here (it takes 15-20 minutes). The island is far quieter, which is a plus. Because of this, it’s the perfect place to escape, and in my opinion, it’s the island of love for couples or those wishing to be married.
Mbudya Island is a romantic gateway, why? Now let’s take a look at the island from above: A wide, elongated heart is formed by the dense trees. If it’s not a signal, then Thatched huts with refreshing beverages and delectable meals are also present. Music is provided by the calming sounds of the sea. The romantic ambiance is enhanced by the white-sand beaches and a spectrum of blue tones ranging from turquoise to navy. It encourages you to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and more.
Misali Island
Are you trying to find the greatest islands in Tanzania to visit for a day trip? If yes, then Misali Island has to be on top of your bucket list. Furthermore, Misali Island’s rich greenery resembles an enticing slice of cake, while Mbudya Island is fashioned somewhat like a heart. And sure, the little island, about 1 km2 in size, to the west of Pemba Island, is truly a treat. This area is home to several endemic species, including the Pemba flying fox, Pemba sunbird, Pemba white-eye, and green vervet monkey. The beaches of the island are home to endangered species, including sea turtles and coconut crabs, which is a true highlight of Misali Island.
The region surrounding Misali Island is well-known among divers as one of the greatest places to go diving in East Africa; you’ll find stunning coral reefs and crystal blue water. On a snorkeling excursion, however, even those who would rather remain above the surface might discover an amazing underwater world. After that, stop and unwind on the stunning white-sand beaches. A magnificent baobab tree may be seen near Baobab Beach on the north coast. Always bear in mind that the spirits of your ancestors may or may not be residing in whatever caves you may come across on your travels through the islands.
Kwale Island and Sandbank
Kwale Island is located on the border of Menai Bay to the southwest of Unguja, the main island of Zanzibar, with Kwale Sandbank to the north of it. Many stunning islands and sandbanks are worth visiting, such as Pungume Island and Pungume Sandbank. They make a decent substitute for the more popular sandbank at Nakupenda Beach, which is located just outside Stone Town and where an excessive number of sailing dhows anchor with their passengers. The islands often have a paradisiacal beach and are abundant in greenery. Sandbanks, on the other hand, are essentially just brilliant, glittering beaches that have no land behind them. But it makes it all the more exciting.
The Sandbank Experience
You sail across the ocean, and if you’re lucky, you may see dolphins leaping erratically. Eventually, you come across a small sandbank in the center of the water. After disembarking, you go into the desert-like oasis and turn around on your axis 360 degrees. At this point, you instinctively inhale deeply, a breath of freedom mixed with awe-inspiring vastness and a pounding sense of awe at nature: a small, seemingly safe piece of land surrounded by the ocean, which is changing from turquoise to an impenetrable dark blue.
What if a massive tsunami arrived? And what if you had to swim all the way back? Don’t worry—instead of a massive wave, you’ll typically be served a delicious feast of fish and seafood. Your crew cooks a delicious supper as you enjoy swimming in the emerald lagoon of Kwale Island’s mangroves and snorkeling at Kwale Sandbank. This is about as romantic as it gets. Savor a beachside nap while the warm sun shines on your tummy. To protect yourself from the heat and sun, remember to pack plenty of sunscreen and a hat. When embarking on day tours from Unguja, you will typically be picked up from your hotel. The journey begins south of Stone Town in the Fumba neighborhood.
Kilwa Kilwisani Island
You’re in for a surprise if you assumed Tanzania was just made up of picture-perfect islands for day trips with immaculate white sand beaches. Kilwa Kilwisani is about Arab cultural history, not about sunbathing and swimming. On the first part of the excursion, a traditional dhow sails softly to the island’s jetty. Leave here to ascend stone steps leading to a dirt track. Later on, this splits off into numerous tiny trails that meander past gardens, small marketplaces, and backyards. Students gaze at you, either grinning broadly or nervously averting their eyes. Some will give you a loud “bye-bye” when they say goodbye.
The next stop on your route is an astounding collection of ancient remains that you would not anticipate seeing on a tiny island. However, you will quickly come to see how deeply entwined they are with the people’s way of life. The Kilwa Sultanate originally had its capital on this island.
Approximately around 975, at the height of his wealth, the Persian Ali ibn Hasan established this sultanate. Ships transporting trade items including china, pearls, Chinese silk, gold, ivory, and more swarmed the sultanate’s ports for generations.
Kilwa Kisiwani developed and became the stronghold of the Shiraz dynasty over time. The great buildings of the past became the striking ruins of the present after they fell. Among these is the Great Mosque, the oldest surviving mosque on the coast of East Africa, dating back to the tenth century. The coral stone remnants of the Husuni Kubwa Sultan’s palace are also visible. It was previously thought to be the largest and most impressive palace south of the Sahara. This was made possible by some ornate building features, such as the spacious octagonal swimming pool.
Kilwa Kisiwani is accessible from Tanzania’s mainland and is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kilwa Masoko’s little harbor is an easy detour if you are traveling in the southeast of the country and intend to visit the Selous Game Reserve and Nyerere National Park. To get to the islands, you can rent a boat and stay in hotels. Verify that you possess the appropriate visitor’s permit. It is available at Kilwa Masoko’s tourist information office.
CONCLUSION: THE 5 BEST ISLANDS FOR DAY TRIPS IN TANZANIA
These are the top five islands in Tanzania for day getaways. They are all reachable only by boat, lack traditional lodging for guests, and—most importantly—are all worthwhile visits! We will be pleased to assist you in organizing your trip to Tanzania and to respond to any queries you may have. We are aware of the current circumstances and are present on the scene.
