Tanzania Beach Escapade

Inspiring Itinerary

5 Days in Tanzania

5 Days4 NightsThanda Island to Pemba Island
195 nautical miles
SeasonIdeal for Summer Season

Itinerary summary


Day 1Thanda Island

Day 2Mafia Island

Day 3Zanzibar

Day 4Stone Town

Day 5Pemba Island

About

Tanzania is a land of contrasts, offering everything from the luxury of Thanda Island to the pristine beauty of Mafia Island, the cultural depth of Zanzibar and Stone Town, and the tranquility of Pemba Island. Start your adventure on the exclusive Thanda Island, a private oasis perfect for relaxation and marine exploration. On day two, head to Mafia Island, where you can dive into the vibrant underwater world and swim with whale sharks. Day three takes you to Zanzibar, with its stunning beaches and spice tours, before exploring the historic Stone Town on day four, where winding alleys and rich history tell the story of centuries-old trade routes. Conclude your journey on Pemba Island, a lush paradise known for its clove plantations and serene diving spots. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from June to October, when the weather is ideal for beach activities and wildlife encounters.

Destination image
Destination image
Destination image
Day 1 - Thanda Island
Day 1

Thanda Island

Thanda Island is part of the Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve and is one of the few places where you can witness endangered sea turtles nesting on its pristine beaches, making it a unique haven for marine conservation.

LocationStarting point

Thanda Island is a private tropical island paradise located in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Tanzania. It's a pristine, secluded haven surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters, soft white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. The island is small and exclusive, offering luxurious accommodations in a single lavish villa with five suites and two traditional Tanzanian bandas (thatched cottages), designed to provide a private and intimate experience.

Day 2 - Mafia Island
Day 2

Mafia Island

Mafia Island is one of the rare places in the world where you can swim with the gentle giant of the ocean, the whale shark, particularly from October to March when these majestic creatures frequent its waters.

Distance11nm

Mafia Island is one of the few places in the world where you can swim with whale sharks, the largest fish in the ocean. These gentle giants are frequent visitors to the waters around Mafia Island, particularly from October to March, making it a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. Mafia Island is much quieter and less developed than Zanzibar, making it ideal for travelers seeking tranquility and a close connection with nature. The island has limited infrastructure, so accommodations and amenities are more basic compared to more touristy areas. However, this also means that Mafia Island has remained largely untouched by mass tourism.

Day 3 - Zanzibar
Day 3

Zanzibar

Zanzibar, often called the "Spice Island," is famed for its production of cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon, and was once the world’s largest producer of cloves, which played a crucial role in its rich trading history.

Distance108nm

Zanzibar is an archipelago located off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa, known for its stunning white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and rich cultural history. Zanzibar is often called the "Spice Island" due to its long history of spice production. The island is one of the world's leading producers of cloves and also grows a variety of other spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper. The island’s capital, Stone Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its narrow winding streets, bustling bazaars, and intricately carved wooden doors.

Day 4 - Stone Town
Day 4

Stone Town

Stone Town is home to the House of Wonders, the first building in Zanzibar to have electricity and an elevator, earning its name for being a marvel of innovation when it was built in 1883.

Route120nm*

Stone Town, the historic heart of Zanzibar City on Unguja Island, is a living museum of culture, history, and architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its labyrinthine streets, where the past meets the present. Stone Town is home to the House of Wonders, the tallest and largest building in the town and one of the most iconic landmarks in Zanzibar. Built in 1883, it was the first building in Zanzibar to have electricity and an elevator, making it a true wonder of its time. The building served as a ceremonial palace for the Sultan and now houses a museum showcasing Zanzibar's rich history and culture.

Day 5 - Pemba Island
Day 5

Pemba Island

Pemba Island is known as the "Clove Island" because it produces nearly 70% of the world's cloves, filling the air with the sweet aroma of cloves during the harvest season.

Route120nm*

Pemba Island, often referred to as the "Green Island" due to its lush vegetation, is part of the Zanzibar Archipelago in Tanzania. The island is characterized by its rolling hills, fertile farmlands, and dense clove plantations, along with mangrove forests and secluded beaches. Pemba Island is known as the "Clove Island" because it produces nearly 70% of the world’s cloves. The clove trade has been a significant part of Pemba’s economy for centuries, and the island is covered with aromatic clove plantations. The annual clove harvest is a major event on the island, with the scent of cloves permeating the air during the harvest season.