Unguja Island is situated in the Indian Ocean about 40km east of Bagamoyo on the Tanzanian mainland. The island is about 85 km long and 30 km wide at its widest point. Unguja is the home of Stone Town which is the main city for the islands of
Zanzibar . Most of the population on the island stays in and around
Stone Town. Most of the farming community stay out on the northern and western sections as this contains the most fertile land, whilst the the eastern part of the island consists of coral rag and is ideal for tourists. This section also has the greatest beaches and reefs, thus making it very popular with tourists.
Unlike the landscape of Zanzibar, Pemba is very hilly and appears a lot more unexplored. A more fertile land is very hard to imagine. The beauty of
Pemba is that it is basically unexplored territory. It has a strange atmosphere, with some 300,000 locals and only a handful of tourists to be seen. Possibly one of the reasons that tourists keep away is the difficulty accessing the island. The locals on
Pemba are extremely friendly and always eager to assist. This is possibly due to the lack of tourism on the island. The downside to traveling Pemba is the lack of infrastructure and facilities. Food must be bought from local shops and markets, and this does not appeal to everybody. It is however one of the most beautiful places you will ever encounter should you decide that a visit is worthwhile.
This is the most popular island to visit from
Stone Town as it is only a short boat ride (about 10 minutes) away from town. The island was owned by a wealthy slave owner who sent unruly slaves to the island for discipline. Later it was owned by a British General who used it as a quarantine station. The island offers the largest tortoises we have ever seen, and visitors can take a walk around the island sightseeing the old prisons and various other historical artifacts. Snorkeling off the island is fantastic with snorkel equipment hire available when you land. Visitors are well advised to take a half or full day trip to see this beautiful place.
This island is not frequently visited as there is no beach. Legend has it that this island was infested with snakes, and the local community stay clear away from it. No known trails are offered.
Lying south of Prison Island, this island has some of the best snorkeling spots in the archipelago. About a 30 minute boat ride and slightly more expensive than a boat to Prison Island, this island is much less visited. Bawe island was used in 1870 to anchor the first telegraph cables to Zanzibar, linking it to Aden, South Africa and the Seychelles. There are no facilities on the island, and visitors are advised to bring all their own equipment and food.
This is Tanzania's first Marine Reserve and also boasts an impressive nature reserve with an abundance of local flora and birds.
This is the most popular island to visit from Stone Town as it is only a short boat ride (about 10 minutes) away from town. The island was owned by a wealthy slave owner who sent unruly slaves to the island for discipline. Later it was owned by a British General who used it as a quarantine station.
Prison island offers the largest tortoises we have ever seen, and visitors can take a walk around the island sightseeing the old prisons and various other historical artifacts. Snorkeling off the island is fantastic with snorkel equipment hire available when you land. Visitors are well advised to take a half or full day trip to see this beautiful place.
