After Kilimanjaro or Safari, Where Will You Unwind?
Four incredible Indian Ocean islands—each with white sand and turquoise water but completely different personalities.
1. Zanzibar – The Vibrant Classic
The one everyone knows. Stone Town, spice markets, and beaches for every budget.
Perfect if you want culture, restaurants, nightlife, and easy 1-hour flights from Arusha.
Highlights: UNESCO Stone Town, spice tours, dolphin trips, sunset dhow cruises.
Drawbacks: busiest island, especially July–August and Christmas/New Year.
Price range: $80 → $800+ per night.
Best for: first-timers, culture lovers, and social travelers.
SerengetiNexus pick: North coast (Nungwi/Kendwa) for lively beaches, east coast (Jambiani/Paje) for kite-surfing and chill vibes.
2. Mafia Island – The Divers’ Secret
Tiny, relaxed, and surrounded by one of Africa’s best marine parks.
Perfect if you want world-class diving, whale sharks from October to March, and total peace.
Highlights: 50+ untouched dive sites, whale shark snorkeling, and sandbank picnics.
Drawbacks: only about ten hotels, slow internet, no nightlife.
Price range: $200 → $600 per night.
Best for: serious divers, honeymooners, and off-grid relaxation.
3. Pemba Island—The Ultimate Hideaway
Zanzibar’s greener, wilder, quieter sister with just a handful of hotels.
Perfect if you want rainforest meeting ocean, total seclusion, and incredible diving.
Highlights: pristine reefs with zero crowds, private beaches, and spa retreats.
Drawbacks: even fewer hotels than Mafia, limited activities outside diving.
Price range: $300 → $900 per night.
Best for: couples, honeymooners, anyone who hates crowds.
4. Thanda Island—Your Own Private Island
One villa. One island. Just you and your group.
Perfect if you want total exclusivity with a private chef, butler, spa, and boat.
Highlights: book the entire island, unlimited activities, and absolute privacy.
Drawbacks: eye-watering price, around $10,000–$20,000 per night for the whole villa.
Best for: ultra-luxury honeymoons, celebrity-level getaways, and family reunions.
Quick Decision Guide
- Want culture, beaches, and nightlife? → Zanzibar
- Want the best diving and whale sharks? → Mafia
- Want total peace and green scenery? → Pemba
- Want your own private island? → Thanda
- On a budget? → Zanzibar’s east or south coast
- Need post-Kilimanjaro spa recovery? → Pemba or Thanda
Cultural Reminder
All islands are predominantly Muslim. Resorts are bikini-friendly; Stone Town and villages expect shoulders and knees covered (especially on Fridays).
Why Add an Island with SerengetiNexus?
- Seamless flights from Arusha or the Serengeti
- Hand-picked resorts that match your vibe and budget
- Perfectly combined with safari or Kilimanjaro for the ultimate Tanzania trip
Ready for sun, sand, and zero stress?
Tell us your dates and vibe—we’ll put you on the perfect island.
Start Planning Your Island Escape | View Beach & Safari Packages | Chat with Us
See you on the coast! 🌊✨
