Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous archipelago off the coast of Tanzania consisting of Zanzibar Island (locally, Unguja), Pemba Island and many other smaller islands.
Zanzibar island itself is approximately 90km long and 40km wide. In 1896, Zanzibar was the location of the world’s shortest war, surrendering to Britain after 38 minutes of naval bombardment.
For those looking for the very best and most private beach experience with flour soft sand beaches and absolute seclusion, Mnemba Island is undoubtedly the best option for a Tanzania honeymoon, or indeed any Zanzibar holiday. This tiny island is everything you can imagine of a remote windswept paradise and has been voted one of the most romantic beach destinations on the planet.
On a much simpler scale, the eco-lodge at the heart of marine conservation on Chumbe island provides a blissful island hideaway, although the shoreline is a sharp coral rock with not much of a beach. However, the marine life around here is outstanding and the snorkelling first rate. Chumbe should always be used in conjunction with another location that offers a good quality beach.
To the west of Stone Town is Prison Island (also known as Chapwani), which is renowned for being a prison station that was never built. Instead, it was used for a brief time in the 1860s as a prison for rebellious slaves and as a coral mine. The main attraction here is the monstrous tortoises that are well worth a visit. Close to Prison Island is Bawe island, which is lovely.
