Zanzibar Vs. Mafia Vs. Pemba : Which One Is Better? : Finish your journey at the beach, where you can relax after exploring all those busy cities and expend your energy admiring the wildlife you have seen. Zanzibar, Mafia, and Pemba are three of Tanzania’s islands, and while they are all strong contenders for the ideal beach vacation, they each have their own unique characteristics, challenges, and charms. Now the crucial decision: which beach and island do you pick? Tanzania is home to many stunning pearly white paradises, each with their own advantages and (relatively few) drawbacks. You can choose more easily and enjoy your final days in Africa with Focus East Africa Tours by reading all about it in this blog. Here is our guide to the islands, including which one might make the ideal addition to your safari.
1. ZANZIBAR ISLAND
What’s it all about?
Zanzibar, the largest and most well-known of Tanzania’s islands, has long been luring visitors, even before beach vacations were a thing. The island, a former trading port on the East African spice route, is a melting pot of cultures and endearing traditions, but it also has everything you need for a memorable beach vacation. That means endless, sparkling beaches, cool waters all year round, and fiery sunsets, which are best viewed from the roof terrace of your rather lovely hotel.
Is it for me?
Zanzibar is the ideal destination if you want to travel quickly and easily and keep track of your time because it is only a short flight from Dar es Salaam. It’s also a good option if the thought of lying in the sun makes your skin crawl. Spend the morning getting lost in Stone Town’s narrow lanes, taking a dhow out to sea, going on a spice tour, or learning to kitesurf. If that weren’t enough, there is lodging available to fit just about every style, need, and desire, whether you’re on your honeymoon, traveling alone, or traveling with young children.
Take note
Zanzibar’s popularity could be its downfall, as it occasionally seems crowded and active. However, a little research can go a long way, and there are still many locations that have escaped the grasp of tourism and preserved their charm and eccentricity. Make a wise choice, and this is still one of the most alluring “bush and beach” combinations available.
2. MAFIA ISLAND
What’s it all about?
The underdog appeals to everyone. Mafia Island is Zanzibar’s lost son, and Pemba is Zanzibar’s little sister. Focus East Africa Tours has managed to track down the son once more, and we’d like to introduce him to you. Mafia Island is a unique place with a special atmosphere. The incredible opportunity to dive with whale sharks (from October to February) is well known on this island. The opportunity to swim with the biggest fish in the world is one you won’t soon forget.
Mafia Island is a fantastically genuine location with a Caribbean vibe where you won’t run into many other tourists. Mangroves cover it, and it has lovely beaches that are tucked away behind ethereal green forests. One of the tiny islands is also known as the Pompeii of East Africa because of its stunning ruins. You won’t be bothered as easily as Mzungu because Mafia is such a laid-back and quiet place.
Is it for me?
Mafia is undoubtedly a diver’s paradise, and the marine park provides everything from difficult dive walls to protected bays where beginners can float around. If you time it right, you can also have some incredible marine experiences that are worthy of being on your bucket list. Snorkeling and scuba diving with whale sharks are available from October to March, and from June to September, you might be able to see turtle eggs hatching on the beach. The lodges on the island are truly outstanding and will offer everything you could possibly need, including spa services, barefoot dinners under the stars, and diving equipment.
Take note
Although Zanzibar has some of the best diving in the area, Mafia comes in second for beaches. But don’t worry if you have your heart set on fine, sparkling-white sand; the tiny neighboring islands have it in abundance.
3. PEMBA ISLAND
What’s it all about?
Pemba is the little sister of the Tanzanian islands, being smaller, wilder, and, some might argue, considerably prettier. She has so little, in fact, that people frequently overlook her, but look at that as a positive! You will quickly forget about modern stresses and other people because it is such a calm, laid-back environment. Around the banana and coconut plantations are old fishing villages; miles of untouched, jaw-droppingly gorgeous coastline await exploration, and there are only a few lodges to share it with.
Is it for me?
Pemba and Mafia are both known for their diving, and there is a good chance of encountering both bottlenose and spinner dolphins while diving there. The Sea Mountains that rise up along the island’s west coast form amazing dive walls, drop-offs, and coral gardens with schools of fish that resemble those in Finding Nemo. If lounging on the beach is more your style, Pemba’s unspoiled coastline has plenty of sandy crescents and bathtub-warm waters for swimming.
Take note
This is not Zanzibar, and the lodges are basic and rustic—yet absolutely fantastic. There aren’t many rose-petal-filled Jacuzzis, but you will find excellent service from some of the world’s friendliest people, seafood that is fresh from the ocean to your plate, and easygoing pleasures. Although the infrastructure is still underdeveloped in comparison to the other Tanzanian islands and tourism is still in its infancy, a few bumpy roads and a slightly longer flight time shouldn’t deter you.
