Discover the beauty of Tanzania’s islands
Three islands, three different holidays. Spice farms and Swahili history on Zanzibar, forest and empty beaches on Pemba, whale sharks and coral gardens on Mafia. We book the flights, the transfers and the nights in between, so one trip can hold all three.
Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia
Arranging Tanzanian travel
Flight from Kilimanjaro to the coast
Every departure, every itinerary
The part of Tanzania that comes after the dust
Tanzania’s coastline is dotted with breathtaking islands, each offering a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history and vibrant marine life. Warm tropical weather, turquoise water and welcoming communities make them the obvious end to a climb or a safari, and a fine holiday on their own.
Most of our guests fly from Kilimanjaro or Arusha straight after the mainland, land in under two hours, and are in the water the same afternoon.
Straight off the mountain
Climb or safari first, then fly to the coast the next morning. We hold the flight and the transfer in one booking.
Hotels we have slept in
We recommend a short list we know, from family guesthouses to the resorts, and say plainly which is which.
Tides matter here
On the east coast the water walks out for hours. We plan snorkelling and boat days around the tide table, not the brochure.
One point of contact
Same person from the first email to the airport pickup, reachable on WhatsApp while you travel.
Pick the island that suits the holiday you want
They sit within an hour of each other by air and feel nothing alike. Choose one below and you get the honest version: what it is good at, what it is not, and what people actually do there.
The most famous of the Tanzanian islands: pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear water and a Swahili heritage shaped by Arab, Persian, Indian and European trade. UNESCO-listed Stone Town still carries all of it in its alleys, its carved doors and the Old Fort.
The east coast at Paje and Jambiani is shallow, windy and made for kitesurfing. Nungwi and Kendwa in the north have the deep water, the sunsets and the nightlife. Choosing between them is most of the planning.
Best for: history and variety · Getting there: 90 min from Kilimanjaro · Stay: 4 to 7 nights
Top activities in Zanzibar
- Explore Stone Town’s historic sites and museums
- Snorkel or dive at Mnemba Atoll, home to abundant marine life
- Relax on the beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa
- Take a spice tour and learn about Zanzibar’s famous cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg
- Visit Jozani Forest to see the rare Red Colobus Monkeys
- Experience a dhow sunset cruise along the Indian Ocean
- Indulge in fresh seafood at The Rock Restaurant or Forodhani Night Market
- Enjoy cultural performances, including traditional Taarab music
Known for its lush forests and dramatic cliffs, Pemba is a haven for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Unlike Zanzibar it remains largely undeveloped, which is the point: an authentic and secluded escape with a fraction of the visitors.
The island is famous for deep-sea fishing, excellent diving and spice plantations. Ngezi Forest holds endemic species, and Misali Island Marine Park is a pristine snorkelling and diving paradise.
Best for: diving and quiet · Getting there: 30 min flight from Zanzibar · Stay: 4 to 6 nights
Top activities in Pemba Island
- Scuba dive in Misali Island Marine Park
- Discover the ancient Ngezi Forest Reserve
- Enjoy dhow sailing along the coastline
- Visit traditional villages and learn about Swahili culture
- Explore ancient ruins and historical landmarks
- Visit Vumawimbi Beach for a secluded tropical experience
Mafia offers a tranquil escape with world-class diving and snorkelling. Less commercialised than Zanzibar, it is home to Mafia Island Marine Park, where visitors explore a vibrant underwater world of coral reefs, whale sharks and sea turtles.
Chole Bay gives colourful fish, manta rays and shipwrecks. The island’s remoteness keeps nature largely untouched, the fishing communities run the cultural side themselves, and the seafood is caught the same day.
Best for: whale sharks and turtles · Getting there: flight via Dar es Salaam · Stay: 4 to 6 nights
Top activities in Mafia Island
- Swim with whale sharks (October to March)
- Snorkel in Chole Bay’s coral reefs
- Visit historic ruins on Chole Island
- Kayak through the mangroves
- Experience traditional fishing with the local community
- Enjoy a boat safari to watch dolphins and marine life
- Explore nature trails and birdwatching areas
Island trips to Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia
Every island trip is private and can be shortened, extended or bolted onto a Kilimanjaro climb or a safari, priced as one booking.
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The coast has a season for most things
Diving, kitesurfing and whale sharks each have their own window. This is the short version.
The long dry season
The safest weather of the year and the busiest. Clear water, steady breeze, and every hotel open. Book six months out for July and August.
Whale sharks off Mafia
The window for swimming with whale sharks in Mafia Island Marine Park. February and March are the most reliable weeks.
Hot, calm and bright
The warmest water and the flattest sea, which makes it the best diving of the year. Christmas and New Year book out early.
Long rains, low prices
Heavy afternoon rain and some hotels closed. If you do not mind a wet week, the rates are half and the beaches are empty.
A Moshi company, not a booking site
Over 25 years of experience
Family-owned and running trips across Tanzania since 1999, from Kilimanjaro summits to the coast.
Locally owned and operated
Tanzanian company, Tanzanian staff, offices in Moshi. Your money stays in the country you are visiting.
Certified guides
Certified mountain and safari guides on the mainland, and island guides who live where they work.
Custom itineraries
Built for individuals, families, schools and companies, including school trips and corporate retreats.
Sustainable and ethical
A strong commitment to community-run lodges, local markets and local hiring on every island.
Reviews and partnerships
Excellent guest reviews and trusted international partnerships behind every booking.
Best Tour Operator for Mawenzi Peak Technical Climbs, 2020.
Tanzania’s Leading Tour Operator. Nominee four years in a row, 2019 to 2023.
Tell us what kind of island week you want
Luxury resort, eco-lodge or a family guesthouse a street back from the beach. Say roughly what you are after and we will come back with two or three real options, named hotels and a price.
- Two or three real options with named hotels, not a brochure
- Flights, transfers and boat days booked with the trip
- Island stays combined with a Kilimanjaro climb or a safari
- Honest advice on which coast suits your dates and your tides
The questions we get every week
Which island should I choose?
Zanzibar if you want history, choice of hotels and plenty to do. Pemba if you dive and want almost nobody around. Mafia if the marine park and whale sharks are the reason you are coming. If you have eight nights or more, two islands work comfortably.
How do I get there from Kilimanjaro or Arusha?
Direct flights to Zanzibar take around 90 minutes and run daily from both Kilimanjaro and Arusha. Pemba is a short hop on from Zanzibar. Mafia is reached via Dar es Salaam. We book all of it with your trip and meet you at every airport.
Can I add the beach to a climb or a safari?
Most of our guests do. A four to six night island stay after Kilimanjaro or the Serengeti is the standard shape of the trip, and we price the whole chain together rather than as two bookings.
When can I swim with whale sharks?
October to March in Mafia Island Marine Park, with February and March the most reliable. Sightings are never guaranteed, and we use operators who keep to the marine park rules on distance and numbers in the water.
Is Zanzibar suitable for families?
Yes, and the north coast suits them best. Nungwi and Kendwa hold their water at low tide, so children can swim all day, which is not true of the east coast beaches. We pick hotels with pools and family rooms.
What should I know about dress and local customs?
Zanzibar and Pemba are predominantly Muslim. Beachwear is fine at the hotels and on the beach, but cover shoulders and knees in Stone Town and the villages. During Ramadan, eat and drink discreetly in public.