Island Hopping in Zanzibar: Must-See Spots Off the Beaten Path
People usually think of the wavy streets of the Stone Town when a majority of the travelers use Zanzibar; beaches in Nungwi and kitesurfing in Paje. Even though these are good positions, the jewel of the Archipelago of Zanzibar has its pearls of lesser known islands whereby every island has its personality, history, and natural beauty. Other than the tourist attractions the only option that the tourist who wants to explore more of the area offers is to take an Island hopping tour whereby he will be able to explore more non-tourist areas of the area.
This is a journey to the uncharted islands of Zanzibar that have perfect beaches, pure culture and pure nature.
Chumbe Island A Coral Sanctuary.
Chumbe Island is a marine paradise as well as one of the most lucrative eco-tourism not to mention the proximity of Stone Town which can be reached by boat in just a few minutes.
It is a small island, a marine reserve which harbors in excess of 200 species of coral and also more than 500 species of fish.
Highlights:
Play in the crystal sea in the coloured sea water.
Eco-tours will visit the nature trails that led to the rare coconut crabs present in the island.
The environmentally friendly bungalows room with the solar energy.
Why It’s Special:
Chumbe is a bright representation of eco-tourism, as conservation is the major one and the environment of peace is provided.
Mnemba Atoll -the Heaven of Snorkelers.
The Mnemba Atoll is not known to every individual who is not involved in the practice of diving and is a haven of peace as opposed to the large beaches of Zanzibar. The location of the atoll is the northeast of the Unguja Island and the atoll turquoise waters is a delight to an under water traveller.
Highlights:
Snorkeling with dolphins, which are colored reef fishes and even sea turtles.
Sucked into the coral gardens which seem to be timeless.
Day tours, to consist of a boat trip, with seafood grill on a sandbank.
Why It’s Special:
This also causes the reefs nearby to be one of the most clear in the archipelago and they also provide unexampled visibility and marine diversity.
Tumbatu Island A Cultural Maze of Mysteries.
Tumbatu Island is situated to the northwest of Zanzibar and is shrouded with a great deal of mystery that can hardly be entered even by ordinary tourists without the permission of locals. It is populated predominantly by the Shirazi nation representatives and the island is a robust and solid tradition and mysticism.
Highlights:
Taking a local tour with a guide and observing how life was conventional and what were the conventions.
Going to ancient mosques and tombs.
The view of special dhows (traditional boats), which have been constructed here.
Why It’s Special:
Tumbatu is also among the less touristy islands, who managed to preserve their past in the manner, how not many other places can.
Pemba Island The Green Island.
The Green Island, as it is commonly called, is the north of the main island of Zanzibar (Unguija) which is characterized by fertile hills and successful plantation of cloves called the Pemba Island. It is also not well established as a tourist attraction area and therefore is best suited in a situation where the person would like to experience the actual life on the island.
Highlights:
Sailing on some of the most sensational drop-offs and coral walls in East Africa.
Visit to spice plantations and clove manufacturing.
Hiking Ngezi Forest reserve.
Why It’s Special:
Pemba is the exclusive mixture of adventure, culture and leisure in the islands.
Prison Island -A Historical Landmark.
Prison Island (Changuu) is just 30 minutes by boat out of the Stone Town but it has a fascinating history. It was first built as a jail in the late 1800s and it was converted to a quarantine station.
Highlights:
The sight of the giant Aldabra tortoises with some of them being more than 100 years.
Sightseeing of the historical buildings in the island.
Snorkeling in the shallow water in the island.
Why It’s Special:
It is a half-day travel which is a day-out and a combination of historical, wild life and beach rest.
Bawe Island – Peaceful Luxury
The privately owned Bawe Island has a number of upscale villas some 5 miles west of Stone Town. It is the most appropriate option when you would like being in luxury and to have complete privacy.
Highlights:
No other sight of man, white, sandy beaches.
Custom and boat transfers.
Good snorkeling and kayaking.
Why It’s Special:
It is everything exclusiveness and peace in bawe – honeymooners or anybody that desires to have all the privacy.
Changuu and Chapwani-Day Twin Gems.
Changuu (Prison Island) is more popular but the Chapwani Island is a secret one. Chapwani is a small island which is also referred to as the Grave Island due to the historic graves of the British sea sailors and has a record of boutique eco-lodge and peaceful beaches.
Highlights:
Birdwatching, particularly of a threatened African paradise flycatcher.
Indian oceans and sunset.
It was the finding of the colonial history of the island.
Why It’s Special:
It is near to Stone town yet appears as far as possible thus making it a perfect fast getaway.
Pemba -Diver Secret in Misali Island.
Misali Island is a few yards off the west coast of Pemba and is a part of marine conservation area and is ranked as one of the best diving locations in East Africa.
Highlights:
More than 40 coral reefs and huge pelagic fish.
remote picnic and sun bathing beaches.
Hiking along unspoiled wood.
Why It’s Special:
Misali introduces to the two worlds the most beautiful sea creatures and untouched land.
On the Island of Latham
We have a deep water plunge, and I assure you that but the most serious divers will venture to it.
This far off sandbank is also known as Fungu Kizimkazi, located south east of Zanzibar and it requires the help of professional divers. It also has deep waters surrounding it and is therefore favorable in catching fish species of large sizes.
Highlights:
Big game diving e.g. tuna, barracuda.
Unique marine formations.
Brutal, savage feeling out of the whole civilization.
Why It’s Special:
It is among the purest unadulterated diving points in the area with which a thrill-seeker can be made.
Suggestions on Zanzibar Island Hopping.
Be Smart with Your Travel Itinerary- You need a permit, guide or plans on an unimaginable number of islands.
Take into account Local Transport- Traditional dhows: It is a more traditional (but slower) mode of travelling between the islands.
Always obey Local Traditions -Some islands are conservative in nature, and the life is simple; dress simply and obey the culture.
Bring – waterproof sunscreen, snorkeling gear, dry fast clothes.
Book Before High Season -Popular islands such as Mademba and Chumbe are booked.
Final Thoughts
The magic is that which happens in the out of the beaten path islands of Zanzibar. It is an isolated place on the secondary tourist path, with serene beaches, a rich cultural heritage and some of the best diving in the Indian Ocean. You can be sailing over the coral reefs, or in the spice-laden villages or at sunset upon some deserted sandbank; and it will be journeying into a more secret, more personal part of paradise, the island hopping at this.
