Tanzania Island Explorer

Day 1. Depart London

Depart London for Dar es Salaam.

Days 2 to 8. Mafia Island [FB]

Transfer by light aircraft to Chole Bay and the Kinasi Lodge. At the centre of East Africa's largest marine park, is wonderful Mafia island. A real sleepy backwater and remnant of the old Swahili coast, retaining a traditional, unspoilt friendly culture reminiscent of the Zanzibar of thirty years ago.

With over 400 marine species identified, this is the meeting place for large oceanic fish, as well as those common to coral reefs in the Indian Ocean. Almost all of Mafi a's best diving is at less than 30 metres, with an unparalleled variety of hard and soft corals and fabulous shallow reefs, bommies, channels, walls and caves, drift and night dives. Among the grasses of the Majira Channel, you may find the amazing mermaid-like Dugong. Giant Sea Turtles lay eggs on the beaches of small islands to the east of Mafia, while the fascinating giant Madagascan Fruit Bat remains an alluring and unusual visitor's attraction.

Kinasi is a small, private lodge beautifully furnished with hand-crafted furniture and situated in a coconut and cashew plantation. Each of the twelve, en-suite cottages boasts a large verandah and provides a high standard of accommodation. Activities range from sailing to nature walks or just relaxing around the pool, gardens or on the beach.

Days 9 to 15. Zanzibar Island [B, D]

Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel, located on the northern tip of Zanzibar where the best diving in the country can be found, is a unique beach hotel built from natural materials on an expanse of beach wilderness. All 54 en-suite rooms are tastefully decorated in local style with four-poster beds, ceiling fans, mosquito nets and balconies. Choose from garden view lodge rooms to superior chalet rooms with air-conditioning and ocean views. Activities include water-skiing, windsurfing, snorkelling, volleyball, fishing and day trips around the island. The proximity and variety of the surrounding reefs make Ras Nungwi the perfect diving destination, and the hotel has an on-site, fully equipped dive centre.

Day 16. Homeward [B]

Fly home via Dar es Salaam, taking the opportunity to explore this beautiful island and it's wonderful culture and heritage. A visit to the spice plantations is a sensory experience not to be missed!

Day 17. Arrive London

Please contact us if you would like to add a safari or some time on Pemba to this itinerary