Yambe Island borders the southeast coast of Tanga Bay opposite of the Ras Nyamakuu peninsula.
The island is surrounded by coral reefs and totally covered by coastal rag and mangrove forests. Uninhabited today, German records of the 19th century mention a small resident village of a local Arab ruler with his slaves.
Maybe from his time or earlier, the island has ruins hidden in the forest, a walled grave and pillar tomb with large panels, enclosed by stones decorated with a herringbone pattern and a frieze of small panels.
The herringbone pattern is a rare and unique feature Yambe Island in such tombs, but also sometimes found in ‘mihrabs’ of mosques.
Tanga Marine Parks & Reserves
Tanga Marine Reserves System (TMRS) is a group of marine reserves in the Tanga Region with covers total of 56.30 km². The Tanga Marine Reserves have every species of mangrove found in Tanzania.
Rhizophora mucronata predominated in wave-protected locations, while Sonneratia alba is the main tree seaward. The Islands serve as significant sea bird breeding areas, Maziwe Island Marine Reserve have sand beach which is ideal for tourists.
- Kwale Island Marine Reserve
- Kirui Island Marine Reserve
- Ulenge Island Marine Reserve
- Mwewe Island Marine Reserve
- Maziwe Island Marine Reserve / Maziwe Sand Bar