One of the best tourist locations in the world is the stunning region of East Africa where travel lovers can find glorious mountains, lush green forests, breathtaking safari parks, and spectacular islands. Here are the top 5 spectacular islands in East Africa!
- Zanzibar
The extraordinary Zanzibar archipelago is an amazing region with pristine beaches, a rich history, and breathtaking views. Tourists can go to Paje Beach to enjoy exciting water sports and activities such as kayaking, kitesurfing, kiteboarding, and snorkeling! They can go to Nungwi Beach to experience Stand-up Paddle boarding, Jet-Skiing, Parasailing, and Windsurfing, or to stay at top rated boutique hotels such as the Zanzibari where they can enjoy a relaxing spa holiday. For a unique experience, they can visit Kendwa beach to attend a full moon party, where tourists from all over the world meet local acrobats, dancers, singers, and fire-eaters, while they party at the beach! For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, they can go to gorgeous Kizimkazi beach to swim with dolphins!
- Lamu
Lamu Island is one of the most stunning islands in Kenya. This glorious location is a bucket list tourist spot for travel lovers as visitors can explore the winding streets of the historic town, sail into the sunset, relax on the beach, or enjoy dishes from the mouth watering local cuisine. They can take a trip to Lamu Fort, which dates back to 1830, and provides an awesome insight into the region’s rich history and heritage. History lovers can also visit the Ruined City of Takwa, where they can explore the coral stone ruins from the 17th century.
- Pemba
Pemba Island, also known as the Green Island, is one of the biggest islands in East Africa. This remote island offers an excellent getaway as tourists can enjoy the spectacular views of the vegetation, white sands, and crystal clear water. Home to stunning biodiversity, the island is perfect for bird watching, wildlife viewing, and marine life viewing. Tourists can find colorful coral reefs, manta rays, deep sea turtles, crowned hornbills, malachite kingfishers, pigeons, Pemba vervet monkeys, African goshawk, the Pemba Flying Fox (a fruit bat), red colobus monkeys, owls, palm nut vultures, miniature antelopes, and violet breasted sunbirds! Travelers can go to the 13th and 14th century Ras Mkumbuu ruins to see the old chief’s house, as well as several elaborate graves. They can also visit the private and beautiful Vumawimbi Beach, an untouched stretch of white sand, with deep blue waters and sweet smelling air, where they can enjoy the serenity and tranquility.
- Mafia
Mafia Island, is also known as Chole Shamba, and is one of the most peaceful and beautiful islands in East Africa. It is home to over 460 species of fish, and 5 species of turtles, and the Mafia Island Marine Park, a protected nature reserve, where guests can enjoy activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming. Travelers can join cultural tours, go whale watching or boat tours, or witness the incredible birth of turtles. Those who wish to relax can sunbathe on the sandy beaches, enjoy a picnic, or go on a walk on the soft sands. Visitors can also explore the untouched coral reefs and sandbars.
- Ssese
The Ssese archipelago is located in the northwest of Lake Victoria, Uganda. The largest island here is Buggala, a serene but easily accessible island where tourists can enjoy the beautiful views. Other islands include Bulago Island, a small island closer to the lake, or Banda Island, another small and remote island, where tourists can stay at a world class resort. Buggala Island is hilly, offering visitors the excellent opportunity to trek while looking at views of the palm oil plantations. Here, tourists can find hippos, vervet monkeys, large snakes, and Nile crocodiles. Tourists can go on cycling tours of nearby towns, enjoy boating or kayaking, or have relaxing activities such as yoga, picnics, and walks, at the beach. One thing that tourists should not do here is swimming, as it is not safe to swim in lake Victoria and exposes tourists to the risk of contracting several diseases, like Bilharzia.