East Africa boasts of several unique islands that dot the Indian Ocean and provides families with the perfect breathtaking experiences to enjoy the beauty of the motherland. Every year, the unique islands in East Africa attracts droves of tourists who visit to tap the endless potential of the islands. Small islands that are narrow brown with silt beaches where fishermen dock their boats during the day and narrow foot paths that go up the gentle slopes to the fishermen’s villages is a common characteristic of some of the unique Islands in East Africa.
Enclaved in a lush green vegetation and shrubs that provides a perfect scenery for nature lovers, the unique islands in East Africa provides the perfect breathtaking scenery to enjoy African’s wealth in nature. They stride between Kenya and Tanzania. The following are some of the unique islands in East Africa.
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Located 15 miles from Tanzania’s main land, Zanzibar is one of the unique islands in Africa with breathtaking and eye-catching beaches. The island is home to crystal white sandy beaches with palm trees. Zanzibar has also maintained key infrastructure like the Stone Town of Zanzibar which has significant history about the Island’s past. The buildings in the town were built in mangrove timber and coralline ragstone. Additionally, the building materials were also set in thick lime to help reflect the multicultural theme and experience that exists in the island.
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The Island is also has beautiful coral reefs and is also home of friendly people. As one of the unique islands in East Africa, Zanzibar island is home to exotic wildlife, unique African foods and is among the most sought-after tourism destinations in the region.
Lamu Island, Kenya
Lamu Island is one of the few Islands in the entire African continent that have been declared a Unesco World Heritage site given its rich history and tourism footprints that has placed it on the world stage. Located in Kenya and striding the shores of the Indian Ocean, Lamu offers tourists with a chance to enjoy dazzling coral reafs, boat rides and games, breathtaking sceneries of the ocean and beautiful beaches. This makes it one of the unique islands in East Africa.
The rich African culture and the Swahili language and cuisines also provides visitors with the perfect experience on an holiday at the beautiful Island. The beautiful sandy beaches that allows tourists to enjoy a barefoot luxury is an icing on the cake.
Inside the Island lies the Lamu Old town which is preserved as the oldest Swahili settlement in the world and is also a center of study of the Swahili culture and history.
Mombasa Island, Kenya
Mombasa Island is one of the major unique Islands in East Africa. It is one of the hubs for tourism in Kenya and the East Africa bloc because of the wealth and diversity of the tourism potential it holds. Mombasa is home to several notable beaches that have won international accolades because of their beauty and uniqueness. Some of the major tourism attractions in the Island include beautiful nature at Mamba village and Haller park. Apart from the beautiful beaches in Mombasa, visitors can also enjoy water sports at Nyali Beach, Che-Shale, and H2O Extreme. The Island has established an active sports tourism that offer sporting activities like kayaking, boogie boarding, kitesurfing and windsurfing, among others.
Additionally, Mombasa Island is also home to a vibrant Swahili culture for those who cherish cultural tourism. Places such as Fort Jesus which has a rich history of the Island’s growth is also an important tourism site in Mombasa.
Manda Island, Kenya
Manda Island is one of the beautiful unique Islands in Kenya. It is located in Lamu and is accessible by a ferry. The unique Island was abandoned until recently because of the unavailability of fresh water. However, the Island is unique and beautiful and provides tourists with the perfect opportunity to enjoy the Coastal region.
Among the tourism sites in the region include pristine beaches with incredible beauty. The Island is also home to historic archaeological sites such as the Manda Town ruins and ruined city of Takwa. Manda is among the unique islands in East Africa.