Experiences

Island Hopping – Marine Magic in the Indian Ocean

A journey between islands in the Indian Ocean

This journey feeds your curiosity and bathes your senses, spanning three islands off the coast of Tanzania. Starting with a hint of spice in Zanzibar’s Stone Town, complex histories pave narrow streets and live within Arabic buildings with Swahili doors. Meanwhile, the remote Fanjove and Mafia Islands await, where gentle whale sharks and private coral reefs exist in a haven with no pull of time.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Tanzania

All accommodations & scheduled meals
Domestic flights and boat transfers
Guided snorkeling, diving, and marine park activities
Cultural and historical excursions
All entrance and conservation fees
Tourism and carbon offset levies

WHEN TO TRAVEL

These islands are warm year round, so just look out for the heavy rains in April. If you come between October – March, you’ll have the chance to swim alongside whale sharks, and the drier weather will bring you calm waters for snorkeling.

Price starting from

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HIGHLIGHTS

REMOTE ISLANDS, TURQUOISE WATERS, WHITE SAND, SUNSET DHOWS, SPICES, ARABIC ARCHITECTURE

The Experience

From spice markets to Indian Ocean archipelago beaches, you’ll learn and relax in equal measure. Starting in one of Zanzibar’s oldest buildings, you’ll go from rooftop views across historic Stone Town to barefoot havens on Fanjove and Mafia islands. Diving, marine life and sunset dhows await.

Responsible Travel Elements: Our Team has curated this experience to be focused on conservation experiences.

Arrive in Dar es Salaam, East Africa's largest city full of towering skyscrapers and a working harbour. Transit on to Zanzibar, or "Spice Island", for a two night stay at the Arabic Zanzibar Coffee House with 360° rooftop views across Stone Town, harmonious interiors, antiques and rich fabrics.

Stunning landscape at sunset with a vibrant sky reflecting on a serene lake, bordered by lush vegetation and distant mountains.

Enjoy a tour through Zanzibar's Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an important part of the slave and ivory trade connecting the mainland and the Middle East. Explore the Cathedral, Sultan's Palace, sprawling spice markets and, inevitebly, the doorway of Queen's frontman Freddie Mercury.

Bustling cityscape during dusk with a busy street, diverse pedestrians, and modern skyscrapers reflecting a colorful sky.

Moving on to the intimate Pongwe Beach Hotel for three nights, you'll unwind at the spa and melt into the pool overlooking the coral lagoon. Once you've settled in, venture off to a local spice plantation, or spend the morning getting friendly with marine life in the private reef.

Serene sunset scene over a calm lake reflecting warm hues, framed by silhouetted pine trees.

Three nights at Pongwe Beach Hotel will rejuvinate you. The boutique hotel offers food rich in Swahili flavour, local spices and international influences. With lounges and a bar overlooking the ocean, sip on handcrafted cocktails at sunset as you soak up the day's adventures.

Serene landscape at dawn with a tranquil lake reflecting a gradient sky, lush green trees, and distant mountains.

Make your way to the private Fanjove Island in the Songo Songo Archipelago for three nights, floating over in style on a traditional dhow sailboat. As the only ones on the island, you'll get to know your marine neighbours along the 11km coral reef, including dolphins, turtles and humpback whales.

Stunning landscape of a vibrant green meadow with wildflowers and a tranquil lake reflecting snow-capped mountains.

1km in length and 400 meters in width, this island's luxury lodge and white sandy beaches dotted with palm trees are something to savour. Sip sundowners in a 19th century lighthouse and dine in the lodge's open air restaurant, sampling fusion cuisine and fresh fish at chic beachside tables.

Lively outdoor scene in a park with families picnicking, friends playing frisbee, and people walking along a tree-lined pathway.

Archipelago heaven continues with three nights on Mafia Island at Butiama Beach Lodge. Once a stopping point for Arab traders en route to East Africa, this island is now home to just fisherman and farmers with few ecotourism ventures. Its surrounding waters are protected by Mafia Island Marine Park.

Serene landscape of a flowing river in a lush green valley with a wooden footbridge and rolling hills under a blue sky.

Majestic whale sharks are famous to the island, so venture out into their waters from the lodge's beachfront dive centre. Visit a protected beach during turtle hatching season, snorkel in Mange sandbank, or take a yoga class on the lodge's purpose-built deck with local and international teachers.

Serene landscape at sunset with tall grasses, a hiking path, and silhouetted trees under a peach and blue sky.

Make the most of your final island morning before heading back home. You'll go straight from Mafia Island Airport to Dar es Salaam where you'll catch your international return flight.

Vibrant sunset over a calm lake reflecting orange and pink hues, with silhouetted trees and distant mountains.

The Experience

Responsible Travel Elements: Our Team has curated this experience to be focused on conservation experiences.

The Experience

Responsible Travel Elements: Our Team has curated this experience to be focused on conservation experiences.

WHY TRAVELLERS LOVE THIS EXPERIENCE

“Island hopping in Tanzania is pure magic: each stop is a new world, from swimming with whale sharks to wandering spice markets and relaxing on barefoot beaches.”