Zanzibar
Zanzibar is so famous that you’ll find cocktail bars and pubs with that name all over the world. And yes, the island has pristine white beaches and an azure ocean, but let’s be honest—it’s far from an undiscovered gem. It seems like every stressed-out soul stumbles here in search of some peace.The "most beautiful beaches on the entire coast" are now so crowded that you can barely find a spot to lay your towel without ending up on top of another sun-worshipper. If you're willing to brave the crowds and are looking for a vibrant, cultural destination, then Stone Town is the right choice. But don’t pair it with one of Zanzibar’s tourist-packed beaches if you don’t want to return home overstimulated. However, if you enjoy that ‘bustling atmosphere,’ then Zanzibar is certainly a wonderful place to spend some time."The 'most beautiful beaches on the entire coast' are nowadays so crowded that you can barely find a spot to lay your towel without ending up on top of another tourist."
You can literally spend 24 hours a day with your toes in the sand, because after a beautiful sunset, you can indulge in a hearty meal at one of the many cosy restaurants. From delicious local dishes with a Kilimanjaro beer, to a classic Italian pasta with a glass of red, everything is possible in Zanzibar. And if you're not done yet, you can dance off that full stomach with ease at a cool beach club until the early hours. Loosen up those hips! And if you're craving something different from sand, don’t miss the fantastic Stone Town. You'll feel like you’ve entered another world full of culture and treats in this atmospheric town. The flip side of all this is that more people have discovered the beauty of Zanzibar. So, be aware that you’re not the only tourist on the island. If you're after a more authentic experience, head to the southeast of the island towards Jambiani, or unleash the kitesurfer within you at the surfing paradise of Paje.
Pemba
The smaller sister, Pemba, lies just under a hundred kilometres north of Zanzibar. On a clear day, you can see the other island from Nungwi, but still, most travellers seem to overlook this island. Our verdict: completely unjustified. Pemba is also surrounded by the beautiful blue waters of the Indian Ocean, so it definitely doesn’t fall short of Zanzibar. The beaches are equally stunning. Due to the rugged coastline and numerous mangrove forests, you might not find them everywhere. But if you manage to discover them (tip: in the north), you’ll never want to leave. Unlike Zanzibar, it's not unusual to be practically alone here. No sunglass sellers, and no Italian restaurants, mi scuzi. Just the sun, sea, beach, and you. And that lovely atmospheric local spot. Pemba also stands out due to its more hilly, green landscape, whereas Zanzibar is mostly flat and sandy. You can enjoy some great hikes to take in the beautiful views. And I haven’t even mentioned the stunning underwater landscape. Pemba, with its beautiful coral reefs, is one of the best diving spots in East Africa. It's definitely worth exploring the surroundings underwater!Mafia Island
Everyone loves the underdog. Where Pemba is the little sister of Zanzibar, Mafia Island is the lost son. But we, at Charlie's Travels, have found the son again, and we’d love to introduce him to you. Mafia Island is truly a gem with a unique vibe. This island is famous for the incredible opportunity to dive with whale sharks (from October to February). Swimming with the world’s largest fish is an experience you’ll never forget! Mafia Island is a delightful, authentic place with a Caribbean vibe, where you’ll hardly encounter any other tourists. It’s covered with mangroves and beautiful beaches, hidden behind mystical green forests. One of the small islands has stunning ruins, earning it the nickname the Pompeii of East Africa. Because Mafia is such a relaxed and peaceful spot, you won’t be easily bothered as a Mzungu. During our visit to Mafia Island, we completely fell in love with this beautiful island.Disclaimer! Mafia Island is a real hidden gem, but that also means it’s only accessible by an expensive domestic flight. In our opinion, it’s definitely worth the money, but be aware that you’ll need to dig deep into your pockets for a visit to this gem.
