Where Cultures Converge and History Lives On
Known as Unguja to locals, Zanzibar is where centuries of African and Arabic heritage meet. Its identity is shaped by ancient trade routes, rich Swahili traditions, and a rhythm that is both soulful and refined. Whether you seek a peaceful island retreat or a continuation of your Tanzania safari, Zanzibar offers a setting that’s both luxurious and deeply immersive.
Travnia crafts seamless transitions from Tanzania’s untamed landscapes to the warm elegance of Zanzibar’s coast-curating unforgettable experiences where every moment feels like paradise.
1. Unguja (Zanzibar Island)
The beating heart of the archipelago. Lose yourself in the maze of Stone Town where every carved wooden door tells a story of sultans, sailors and spice traders. By day wander spice farms and taste cinnamon fresh from the branch. By night, dine on street food at Forodhani Gardens as dhows drift across the horizon. Unguja is where history culture and beach paradise meet.
2. Pemba Island
Pemba is Zanzibar’s secret garden, lush, unspoiled and rich with the scent of cloves. Here fishermen sail traditional dhows and villagers welcome you with genuine smiles. Dive into the emerald waters of Misali Island where vibrant reefs teem with marine life or cycle through spice plantations that seem untouched by time. For those seeking authenticity and tranquility Pemba is a dream.
3. Mafia Island
A world away from the ordinary. Mafia is where ocean giants glide gracefully. Swim alongside whale sharks (Oct–Feb) or explore the pristine Mafia Marine Park with its kaleidoscope of coral reefs. On land the pace is slow and soulful: palm-fringed villages, sandy lanes, and a rhythm of life that makes you breathe deeper. Perfect for divers, adventurers, and seekers of peace.
4. Mnemba Island
Imagine a barefoot paradise that’s Mnemba. Just a short boat ride from Matemwe Beach this private island is the definition of exclusivity. Luxury eco-lodges open onto powdery sand, dolphins play in turquoise waters, and evenings melt into candlelit dinners under starry skies. Whether snorkeling with tropical fish or simply listening to the ocean, Mnemba is where romance and serenity live.
5. Changuu Island (Prison Island)
Step onto Changuu and step back in time. Once a prison and later a quarantine station today it’s a sanctuary of giant Aldabra tortoises, some over 150 years old. Visitors can wander the old stone ruins feed the tortoises and finish with snorkeling in clear waters rich with coral gardens. It’s a short but magical escape from Stone Town.
6. Chumbe Island
Chumbe is a story of conservation triumph. An uninhabited coral island turned eco-reserve it’s home to one of the world’s most pristine reefs. Stay in solar-powered eco-lodges walk nature trails guided by rangers and snorkel with dazzling marine life. Chumbe isn’t just a getaway, it’s an inspiration, showing how travel can protect nature.
7. Bawe Island
Tiny, secluded, and wrapped in turquoise waters, Bawe is the definition of hidden gem. Once a British telecommunication post, today it whispers romance and escape. A short trip from Stone Town, the island offers calm beaches, snorkeling, and private retreats. Here, the only sounds are waves lapping the shore and the breeze in palm trees, a haven for couples and daydreamers.
8. Chapwani Island (Grave Island)
History and tranquility meet on Chapwani. Its name comes from the British sailors buried here during a 19th-century cholera outbreak, and visitors can still see the tiny graveyard. Yet the island is anything but somber. Boutique eco-lodges, birdwatching and snorkeling make it a refreshing escape just minutes from Stone Town.
9. Tumbatu Island
Mysterious and proud, Tumbatu is unlike any other island in Zanzibar. Its people, the Watumbatu, guard their traditions closely, including legends of powerful witchcraft. Access is limited, but with special arrangements, visitors can explore quiet villages, ancient ruins and untouched reefs. For the adventurous cultural traveler, Tumbatu offers a glimpse into Zanzibar’s most mystical secrets.
10. Chole Island (Mafia Archipelago)
Chole is a place where ruins whisper the stories of traders, sultans, and German colonists. Crumbling mosques and colonial homes peek out from lush greenery waiting to be explored. Today, Chole blends past and present: eco-lodges built in trees, mangrove kayaking and cultural exchanges with warm villagers. It’s an island where history, community, and sustainability weave together beautifully.