{"id":8954,"date":"2019-05-24T14:14:27","date_gmt":"2019-05-24T14:14:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/?p=8954"},"modified":"2025-05-06T12:28:31","modified_gmt":"2025-05-06T12:28:31","slug":"undiscovered-indian-ocean","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/undiscovered-indian-ocean","title":{"rendered":"The undiscovered islands of the Indian Ocean"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re looking for an African island escape or planning to tag a little beach time onto your safari, then the Indian Ocean is probably calling to you. But where to go? Of course you\u2019ve heard of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/mauritius-holiday\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mauritius<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/seychelles-holiday\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Seychelles<\/a> (and both are stunning), but what about somewhere a little off the beaten track, more specifically <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/mafia-island-holiday\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mafia island<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/pemba-island-holiday\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pemba island<\/a>? These two beautiful isles are just off the coast of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/tanzania-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tanzania<\/a> and are exactly what you picture when you imagine a Robinson Crusoe-style escape: swaying palm fronds, white sandy beaches and gin clear waters &#8211; heaven on earth. As they\u2019re both so beautiful it can be tricky to pick which is right for you. Roll up our handy guide that might help you make a decision&#8230;<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_8956\" style=\"width: 910px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/lodge\/fundu-lagoon-camp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8956\" class=\"wp-image-8956 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1440,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/1a-10-17-Fundu-Lagoon-pemba-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg\" alt=\"Undiscovered Indian Ocean - fundu lagoon\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=900,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/1a-10-17-Fundu-Lagoon-pemba-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1440,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/1a-10-17-Fundu-Lagoon-pemba-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=250,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/1a-10-17-Fundu-Lagoon-pemba-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=512,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/1a-10-17-Fundu-Lagoon-pemba-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=300,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/1a-10-17-Fundu-Lagoon-pemba-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-8956\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Take a trip out to sea to meet Pemba&#8217;s inquisitive pods of dolphins. Credit: Fundu Lagoon<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>What to do?<\/h2>\n<p>You might think that because <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/mafia-island-holiday\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mafia island<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/pemba-island-holiday\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pemba island<\/a> are so small, they offer nothing more than lazy beach days\u2026 But whilst you can certainly get your fill of those here, these havens are more than just somewhere to top up your tan. Both Mafia and Pemba are world renowned dive spots and divers come here from far and wide in search of pristine reefs, crystal-clear waters and an abundance of incredible sea life.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_8957\" style=\"width: 910px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/lodge\/the-manta-resort\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8957\" class=\"wp-image-8957 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1440,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/1b-The-Manta-Resort-pemba-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg\" alt=\"Undiscovered Indian Ocean - pemba island\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=900,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/1b-The-Manta-Resort-pemba-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1440,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/1b-The-Manta-Resort-pemba-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=250,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/1b-The-Manta-Resort-pemba-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=512,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/1b-The-Manta-Resort-pemba-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=300,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/1b-The-Manta-Resort-pemba-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-8957\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Explore the vibrant corals surrounding Pemba on a snorkelling safari. Credit: Manta Resort<\/p><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/pemba-island-holiday\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pemba<\/a> is probably the most famous of the two when it comes to diving. The west coast is known for its steep drop offs and coral reefs, making it a veritable playground to spot tropical schools of fish. As well as observing Nemo and his friends, you can expect to dive alongside napoleon wrasse, barracuda, reef sharks, spotted eagle rays and always spectacular pods of dolphin.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_8958\" style=\"width: 910px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/mafia-island-holiday\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8958\" class=\"wp-image-8958 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1440,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/1c-mafia-island-General-zanzibar-Tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg\" alt=\"Undiscovered Indian Ocean - mafia island\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=900,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/1c-mafia-island-General-zanzibar-Tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1440,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/1c-mafia-island-General-zanzibar-Tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=250,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/1c-mafia-island-General-zanzibar-Tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=512,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/1c-mafia-island-General-zanzibar-Tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=300,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/1c-mafia-island-General-zanzibar-Tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-8958\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Swim alongside whalesharks, Mafia Island&#8217;s majestic beasts of the sea<\/p><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/mafia-island-holiday\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mafia<\/a> is also famous for out-of-this-world diving and the sheltered bays and challenging dive walls are home to similar marine life to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/pemba-island-holiday\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pemba<\/a>. There is one special thing, however, that might just help Mafia pip its neighbouring island to the post: between October and March each year, visitors are able to snorkel with one of the most beautiful creatures in the ocean, the whale shark. The island is recognised by PADI as being one of the top ten spots in the world to interact with these incredible beasts, which also happen to be the world\u2019s biggest fish.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_8959\" style=\"width: 910px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/lodge\/the-manta-resort\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8959\" class=\"wp-image-8959 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1440,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/1d-The-Manta-Resort-pemba-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg\" alt=\"Undiscovered Indian Ocean - manta resort pemba\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=900,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/1d-The-Manta-Resort-pemba-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1440,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/1d-The-Manta-Resort-pemba-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=250,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/1d-The-Manta-Resort-pemba-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=512,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/1d-The-Manta-Resort-pemba-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=300,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/1d-The-Manta-Resort-pemba-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-8959\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Take a stroll through Pemba&#8217;s lush green interior. Credit: Manta Resort<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Whilst <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/pemba-island-holiday\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pemba<\/a> might not be home to these graceful giants, don\u2019t write it off just yet. It\u2019s also known as \u2018The Green Island\u2019 as a result of it\u2019s lush and vivid interior. Take a wander and you might encounter vervet monkeys and flying foxes, or wander around the local plantations growing everything from cloves (the smell permeates the air), to mangos, coconuts and bananas.<br \/>\nThe reality is, you can\u2019t go wrong with either island. Both are perfect for beachy escapes and watery adventures and are truly idyllic destinations.<\/p>\n<div id=\"timbuktu-wp\"><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css?family=Merriweather:700|Open+Sans:300,600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/africa-safari?action=DesignATrip&wId=001\" class=\"no_underline timbuktu-test-class\" target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_container image-included\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner \" data-entity-type=\"country\" data-country-id=\"10000000\">\n                    <figure><img src=https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/images\/affiliate\/timbuktu-general-african-safari.jpg?w=500&h=634&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=2&q=50&crop=center bottom data-country-id=\"10000000\" class=\"timbuktu_desktop_image\" alt=\"General Image\"><img src=https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/images\/affiliate\/timbuktu-general-african-safari.jpg?w=768&h=309&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=1&q=50&crop=center bottom data-country-id=\"10000000\" class=\"timbuktu_mobile_image\" alt=\"General Image\"><\/figure><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_copy\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_heading\">Design your own trip<\/div>\n                        <span class=\"timbuktu_works\">Choose a destination, pick your properties and we'll do the rest<\/span>\n                        <div class=\"timbuktu_button\" style=\"background-color:#128d8d\">Design a trip<\/div>\n                        \n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_8960\" style=\"width: 910px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/mafia-island-holiday\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8960\" class=\"wp-image-8960 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1440,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/2a-Thanda-Island-mafia-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg\" alt=\"Undiscovered Indian Ocean - thanda island\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=900,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/2a-Thanda-Island-mafia-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1440,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/2a-Thanda-Island-mafia-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=250,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/2a-Thanda-Island-mafia-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=512,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/2a-Thanda-Island-mafia-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=300,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/2a-Thanda-Island-mafia-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-8960\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Escape from the world at Mafia&#8217;s private Thanda Island<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>Where to stay?<\/h2>\n<p>Being much smaller islands with far less tourist footfall than some of their neighbours (hurrah to that), you might expect the accommodation options to be slim on the ground. Whilst the islands might not have the multitude of options offered by the bigger island of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/zanzibar-holiday\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Zanzibar<\/a>, the ones they do have are top notch. Everything from rustic opulence on the beach, underwater bedrooms (yes really), to private islands, we promise you\u2019ll find something for you &#8211; and here are some of our favourites&#8230;<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_8961\" style=\"width: 910px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/lodge\/fundu-lagoon-camp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8961\" class=\"wp-image-8961 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1440,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/2b-Fundu-Lagoon-pemba-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg\" alt=\"Undiscovered Indian Ocean - fundu pemba\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=900,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/2b-Fundu-Lagoon-pemba-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1440,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/2b-Fundu-Lagoon-pemba-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=250,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/2b-Fundu-Lagoon-pemba-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=512,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/2b-Fundu-Lagoon-pemba-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=300,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/2b-Fundu-Lagoon-pemba-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-8961\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Pemba&#8217;s Fundu Lagoon let&#8217;s you live out your wildest Robinson Crusoe dreams<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>Fundu Lagoon<\/h2>\n<p><em>Pemba Island<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Set amid <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/pemba-island-holiday\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pemba\u2019s<\/a> tropical wilderness, this idyllic spot is the place to go if you\u2019re in the market for a spot of barefoot luxury. Hemmed in by jungle and sea, you\u2019ll feel as though you\u2019ve stumbled upon paradise itself. With options for every budget, visitors can choose to stay in a tented room (perfect for Castaway would-be\u2019s), suites, and luxury suites (for those really wanting to push the boat out). You\u2019ll be spoilt for choice.<\/p>\n<div id=\"timbuktu_shortcode\" class=\"alternate is-active\"><div id=\"timbuktu-wp\"><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css?family=Merriweather:700|Open+Sans:300,600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/lodge\/fundu-lagoon-camp?action=DesignATrip&wId=001&lodgeName=Fundu%20Lagoon%20Camp&lodgeId=415\" class=\"no_underline timbuktu-test-class\" target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_container image-included\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_layout_minimal\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner\" data-entity-type=\"lodge\" data-country-id=\"5\" data-region-id=\"65\" data-lodge-id=\"415\" >\n                    <figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/lodges\/kodak_images\/000\/000\/415\/original\/fundu-lagoon-pemab-island-tanzania-timbutku-travel.JPG?w=150&h=150&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=2&q=50&crop=center top\"data-country-id=\"5\" data-region-id=\"65\" data-lodge-id=\"415\" class=\"timbuktu_minimal_image\" alt=\"Fundu Lagoon Image\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_copy\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_heading\">Fundu Lagoon<\/div><div class=\"timbuktu_button\" style=\"background-color:#128d8d\">Learn more<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_8962\" style=\"width: 910px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/lodge\/the-manta-resort\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8962\" class=\"wp-image-8962 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1440,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/2c-The-Manta-Resort-pemba-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg\" alt=\"Undiscovered Indian Ocean - manta resort\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=900,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/2c-The-Manta-Resort-pemba-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1440,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/2c-The-Manta-Resort-pemba-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=250,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/2c-The-Manta-Resort-pemba-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=512,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/2c-The-Manta-Resort-pemba-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=300,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/2c-The-Manta-Resort-pemba-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-8962\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sleep beneath the waves in Manta Resort\u2019s unique underwater room<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>The Manta Resort<\/h2>\n<p><em>Pemba Island<\/em><\/p>\n<p>We\u2019re willing to bet you\u2019ve never stayed anywhere quite like this. The resort itself is placed high on a remote hilltop, overlooking the sparkling sea. So far, so beautiful\u2026 but it gets better! Set not on dry land, the resort\u2019s underwater room is perfect for those searching for the life aquatic. Anchored out in the water, the unique room is a floating glass cube, allowing guests to be completely immersed in the ocean watching as fish slowly swim by. Bliss.<\/p>\n<div id=\"timbuktu_shortcode\" class=\"alternate is-active\"><div id=\"timbuktu-wp\"><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css?family=Merriweather:700|Open+Sans:300,600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/lodge\/the-manta-resort?action=DesignATrip&wId=001&lodgeName=The%20Manta%20Resort&lodgeId=3677\" class=\"no_underline timbuktu-test-class\" target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_container image-included\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_layout_minimal\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner\" data-entity-type=\"lodge\" data-country-id=\"5\" data-region-id=\"65\" data-lodge-id=\"3677\" >\n                    <figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/lodges\/kodak_images\/000\/003\/677\/original\/above-and-under-water-manta-resort-pemba-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.JPG?w=150&h=150&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=2&q=50&crop=center center\"data-country-id=\"5\" data-region-id=\"65\" data-lodge-id=\"3677\" class=\"timbuktu_minimal_image\" alt=\"The Manta Resort Image\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_copy\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_heading\">The Manta Resort<\/div><div class=\"timbuktu_button\" style=\"background-color:#128d8d\">Learn more<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_8963\" style=\"width: 910px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/lodge\/pole-pole\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8963\" class=\"wp-image-8963 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1440,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/2d-Pole-Pole-Lodge-mafia-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg\" alt=\"Undiscovered Indian Ocean - pole pole\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=900,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/2d-Pole-Pole-Lodge-mafia-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1440,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/2d-Pole-Pole-Lodge-mafia-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=250,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/2d-Pole-Pole-Lodge-mafia-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=512,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/2d-Pole-Pole-Lodge-mafia-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=300,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/2d-Pole-Pole-Lodge-mafia-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/2d-Pole-Pole-Lodge-mafia-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-8963\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mafia&#8217;s Pole Pole is the ideal beachside retreat<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>Pole Pole<\/h2>\n<p><em>Mafia Island<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Sophistication for the eco-friendly traveller, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/lodge\/pole-pole\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pole Pole<\/a> is green luxe at its finest. Translating as \u2018slowly slowly\u2019 from Swahili, this is truly a place to switch off from the world. Understated and refined, there\u2019s a quiet pool to relax by, a restaurant overlooking the sea (renowned for serving some of the best food on the island) and a bar under the palms to enjoy a sundowner or two. If that doesn\u2019t sound like heaven, we don\u2019t know what does.<\/p>\n<div id=\"timbuktu_shortcode\" class=\"alternate is-active\"><div id=\"timbuktu-wp\"><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css?family=Merriweather:700|Open+Sans:300,600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/lodge\/pole-pole?action=DesignATrip&wId=001&lodgeName=Pole%20Pole&lodgeId=937\" class=\"no_underline timbuktu-test-class\" target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_container image-included\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_layout_minimal\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner\" data-entity-type=\"lodge\" data-country-id=\"5\" data-region-id=\"64\" data-lodge-id=\"937\" >\n                    <figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/lodges\/kodak_images\/000\/000\/937\/original\/pole-pole-lodge-mafia-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.JPG?w=150&h=150&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=2&q=50&crop=center bottom\"data-country-id=\"5\" data-region-id=\"64\" data-lodge-id=\"937\" class=\"timbuktu_minimal_image\" alt=\"Pole Pole Image\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_copy\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_heading\">Pole Pole<\/div><div class=\"timbuktu_button\" style=\"background-color:#128d8d\">Learn more<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_8964\" style=\"width: 910px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/lodge\/thanda-island\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8964\" class=\"wp-image-8964 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1439,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/2e-Thanda-Island-mafia-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel-2.jpg\" alt=\"Undiscovered Indian Ocean - thanda mafia\" width=\"900\" height=\"601\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=899,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/2e-Thanda-Island-mafia-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel-2.jpg 899w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1439,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/2e-Thanda-Island-mafia-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel-2.jpg 1439w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=250,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/2e-Thanda-Island-mafia-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel-2.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=513,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/2e-Thanda-Island-mafia-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel-2.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=300,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/05\/2e-Thanda-Island-mafia-island-tanzania-timbuktu-travel-2.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-8964\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Indulge in escapism on your very own private island just off Mafia&#8217;s coast. Credit: Thanda Island<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>Thanda Island<\/h2>\n<p><em>Mafia Island<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Rustic luxury is all well and good, but sometimes you just want out and out extravagance. And nowhere in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/mafia-island-holiday\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mafia<\/a> fits that brief better than <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/lodge\/thanda-island\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Thanda Island<\/a>, the ultimate definition of exclusivity. A private isle set in Tanzania\u2019s Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve, you\u2019ll stay in a luxury house that\u2019s big enough for you and your friends, with all the mod cons you can shake a stick at. Fresh local seafood is served up by your private chef and activities include snorkelling around the surrounding coral reef, straight from your very own beach. Book us a one way ticket!<\/p>\n<div id=\"timbuktu_shortcode\" class=\"alternate is-active\"><div id=\"timbuktu-wp\"><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css?family=Merriweather:700|Open+Sans:300,600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/lodge\/thanda-island?action=DesignATrip&wId=001&lodgeName=Thanda%20Island&lodgeId=1755\" class=\"no_underline timbuktu-test-class\" target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_container image-included\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_layout_minimal\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner\" data-entity-type=\"lodge\" data-country-id=\"5\" data-region-id=\"64\" data-lodge-id=\"1755\" >\n                    <figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/lodges\/kodak_images\/000\/001\/755\/original\/aerial-view-thanda-island-zanzibar-timbuktu-travel.jpg?w=150&h=150&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=2&q=50&crop=left top\"data-country-id=\"5\" data-region-id=\"64\" data-lodge-id=\"1755\" class=\"timbuktu_minimal_image\" alt=\"Thanda Island Image\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_copy\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_heading\">Thanda Island<\/div><div class=\"timbuktu_button\" style=\"background-color:#128d8d\">Learn more<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<h2>How to get there?<\/h2>\n<p>Despite being far from the madding crowds, both <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/mafia-island-holiday\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mafia<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/pemba-island-holiday\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pemba<\/a> are relatively easy to get to with regular connections from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/dar-es-salaam-holiday\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dar es Salaam<\/a>. You might have to make a little stop to drop some passengers off in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/zanzibar-holiday\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Zanzibar<\/a> &#8211; but then that\u2019s all the more time to look at this ocean paradise from above.<\/p>\n<div id=\"timbuktu_shortcode\" class=\"alternate is-active\"><div id=\"timbuktu-wp\"><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css?family=Merriweather:700|Open+Sans:300,600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/wizard\/start?action=StartTheWizard&wId=001\" class=\"no_underline timbuktu-test-class\" target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_container image-included\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner \" data-entity-type=\"country\" data-country-id=\"10000001\">\n                    <figure><img src=https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/images\/affiliate\/start-africa-safari-wizard-timbuktu-travel.jpg?w=500&h=634&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=2&q=50&crop=center center data-country-id=\"10000001\" class=\"timbuktu_desktop_image\" alt=\"Wizard Image\"><img src=https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/images\/affiliate\/start-africa-safari-wizard-timbuktu-travel.jpg?w=768&h=309&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=1&q=50&crop=center center data-country-id=\"10000001\" class=\"timbuktu_mobile_image\" alt=\"Wizard Image\"><\/figure><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_copy\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_heading\">Not sure where to go?<\/div>\n                        <span class=\"timbuktu_works\">Answer a few simple questions to get instant trip recommendations<\/span>\n                        <div class=\"timbuktu_button\" style=\"background-color:#128d8d\">Start the wizard<\/div>\n                        \n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>All you need to know about Mafia and Pemba island<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":33,"featured_media":8955,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[174,175],"tags":[40,4502,3523,133,4584,68,3050,129,4585,3294,137,843,3301,130,3882,144,2616,96,4586,2270,4500],"class_list":["post-8954","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-beach","category-outabout","tag-africa","tag-beaches","tag-boat-trips","tag-dar-es-salaam","tag-fundu-lagoon","tag-honeymoon","tag-island","tag-mafia-island","tag-manta-resort","tag-march","tag-mauritius","tag-ocean","tag-october","tag-pemba-island","tag-pole-pole","tag-seychelles","tag-snorkeling","tag-tanzania","tag-thanda-island","tag-when-to-go","tag-where-to-go"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Undiscovered Indian Ocean - Timbuktu<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Looking for an African Island escape but seeking something different? 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