Tanzania

Which of East Africa's Indian Ocean islands is for you?

Marketing brochures seem to just scream about luxury resorts on palm-fringed beaches, but East Africa’s Indian Ocean islands are as diverse as the islanders, spice merchants and explorers that have shaped them.

Whether you’re looking for giant coconuts or giant tortoises; lush rainforests, cool highlands or lambent coral reefs; or crossroads cuisine and curious wildlife, there’s an island to suit every taste and budget.

Mwaka Kogwa: a guide to Zanzibar's banana plant fighting festival

'Island and Diving' by moron noodle. Creative Commons Attribution

Tanzania’s overlooked coastline

Zanzibar -- the very name brings to mind salty sea breezes that carry the taste of exotic spices. Floating in electric blue waters off the east coast of Tanzania, this island has become synonymous with divine honeymoon hideaways. So wide is the appeal of this beach paradise that few people ever pause to consider that there might be more to Tanzanian beach life. But for those in the know, the southeast coast of the country has everything that Zanzibar has, minus the tourists.

When it comes to blissful hammock-lounging beaches, the mainland can teach the spice island a thing or two. Pretty much every coastal town and hamlet fronts tropical turquoise waters and crystal-white sands, and in between are hundreds of other beaches known only to the odd passing fishermen. The resort of Ras Kutani, just a short, easy hop from Dar es Salaam, has that ideal combination of a dreamy Indian Ocean vibe, luxury accommodations and utter tranquillity.