Tanzania has nearly 900 miles of tropical Indian Ocean coastline, with as many coastal destinations as safari hotspots. Sitting on the coast of this East African country, the warm island is full of heritage, lined with sandy beaches and fringed by coral reefs. Commonly known as the Swahili coast, the region is a fascinating vortex of Bantu traditions and Islamic influences. The marine life here – including whale sharks, legally protected species in Tanzania, is a huge attraction for travelers, and the miracle of nature is that locals are working to protect. Relax from the untouched beaches of Pemba Island to wandering on the historic streets of zanzibar, here are five experiences to taste on the eastern islands of Tanzania.
1. Participate in the Reef Recovery on Jumeira Danda Island
For Tanzania’s first timer, Jumeirah Thanda Island offers a luxurious introduction – sugar-soft sand, shallow turquoise, tropical greenery and a five-cottage with two traditional bandas. Its position between Tanzania and the Mafia Island makes it the strategic basis for exploring the region. It is also located in the Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve, where the underwater biodiversity is fully demonstrated.
Visitors to Jumeirah Thanda Island can join members of the conservation team on a snorkeling tour along the reef, or take a low tide walk in search of starfish and octopus.
“The reserve is a haven for fish breeding and a haven for juvenile fish to grow to adult size,” said Rianne Laan, a marine biologist on the island. “There are a large number of teenagers painted black reef sharks here; green turtles return to the island to nest; species such as giant grouper, eagle rays and osprey are also returning.
There are also opportunities to participate in hands-on protection – for example, visitors can fill their own ropes with coral debris or fill a coral frame and then put them back on the reef. “This close proximity and personal experience with corals often leads to a deeper understanding and appreciation of this delicate ecosystem.”
Similar conservation projects are underway around Tanzania’s coastline. Mafia Ocean Park provides educational programs for locals and visitors to raise awareness about the importance of marine conservation, while the Blue Alliance is working to protect more than 40 threatened species in the Pemba River Reserve, as well as the Blue Corridor – the Blue Corridor – which is like the super highway in Wheeles.
Rianne Laan has been a resident marine biologist on Jumeirah Thanda Island since 2017. Jumeira’s photography
Jumeirah Thanda Island is surrounded by five hectares of soft golden sand. Jumeira’s photography
2. Marine creatures near the coast of Mafia Island
Don’t be postponed by dark names (probably from MorpheyeArabic archipelago word) – This island is a place you can enjoy in your leisure time. The Mafia Island is often regarded as a low-key alternative to Zanzibar, equipped with soft sandy beaches, traditional fishing villages and surrounding marine parks. Visitors may also find whale sharks on the west side of Mafia, near the island’s main town, Kilindoni. These gentle giants are the largest fish in the world and most often, they sound as awesome as they are.
3. Explore the historic sites of Joel Island
Chole Island is nestled on a fossil coral bed, green, green, surrounded by mangroves, although its uniqueness stems from recent history. The island was once a trading station on the Swahili coast. The ruins of an ancient German prison and customs house can still be explored, as well as the remnants of an abandoned mosque. Additionally, the island is a shelter for flying foxes, also known as fruit bats, that can be found inhabited during the day.
These traditional wooden sailboats are known as Dhows and have been historically used for fishing and trading. Jumeira’s photography
4. Relax on the pristine beach of Pemba Island
With gentle hills and great diving locations, Verdant Pemba Island is a slow destination. You will only find a few huts, which in turn means that there are often close-ups of powdery beaches. Traditional DHOWS (Wooden sailboat with long bodies and one or two masts) and wooden mtumbwi (long canoe made of single trunks) can still be found navigating in transparent sea water. The island is also known for its aromatic cloves, hand-picked by local farmers.
5. Discover the fascinating history of Zanzibar
There are few stories in East Africa like Zanzibar. Technical naming Unguja, This island, along with the smaller island of Pemba and Mafia, constitutes the Zanzibar Islands. Zanzibar is known for its long history and UNESCO listed capital Stone Town. In addition to the main Swahili culture, you will find Arab, Persian and European influences – all mixed together on the town’s crazy streets, with coral and limestone architecture evoking the history of people.
Stone Town is the historic center of Zanzibar and a great example of a small Swahili-language trade town. Moiz Husein’s storytelling photos, Getty Images
This paid content was created for Jumeirah. It does not necessarily reflect the national geography perspective, National Geographic Traveler (UK) or its editorial staff.
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