A sleepy backwater and remnant of the old Swahili coast, Mafia Island is reminiscent of the Zanzibar of thirty years ago. Chole Bay’s clear waters offer wonderful snorkelling, sailing and swimming, while outside the bay are some of the richest reefs in the world.
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The most northerly of Tanzania’s offshore islands, Pemba island is still relatively unexplored and tourism is still in its infancy, making it a perfect time to visit. Divers can enjoy untouched reefs and some of the Indian Ocean’s healthiest corals.
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Ideal for viewing: green turtle, whale shark, spotted eagle ray
Zanzibar is a flat, palm-clad coral atoll, surrounded by a coral reef structure where abundant marine life can be found, including whale sharks and whales as they migrate. The island’s rich cultural heritage is still very much in evidence, particularly in Stone Town.
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Ideal for viewing: green turtle, whale shark, hawksbill turtle, spotted eagle ray, humpback whale
The huge and dramatic Ngrongoro Crater encloses the largest concentration of plains game in Africa. Home to some 30,000 animals, including black rhino and hippo, the balance between predator and prey is so precise that animals seldom leave.
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Saadani is East Africa’s only National Park with ocean frontage, and, therefore the only location which genuinely offers a unique combination of beautiful beaches and wildlife, both above and below the water. Its beaches are breeding grounds for the green turtle.
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Founded in 1905, Selous is the is the largest protected wilderness reserve in Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its varied habitats are home to well over a million wild animals, including the world’s greatest remaining herds of buffalo and elephant.
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Tanzania’s beautiful islands offer fabulous dive experiences and endless charm. Hop between islands to enjoy the wealth of diving opportunities, or extend your stay with a Tanzanian wildlife safari.
2 recommended trips.Our trip ideas are offered to inspire you and can be tailored to suit your requirements.
A week exploring the vibrant reefs of Chole Bay in the heart of a marine park. The marine highlight is undoubtedly the annual whale shark aggregation where small males can be seen feeding in the channel.
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Zanzibar promises an unforgettable diving adventure; explore vibrant coral gardens, legendary dive sites, and encounters with sharks and pelagic species, all while soaking up the beauty of this Indian Ocean paradise.
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When to go: Jun-Oct, Dec-Mar
Duration inc. flights: 10 days
Price inc. flights: From £2,395 pp
Trip type:
Tailor-made trip idea
When to go
Travel during the dry season for the best dive conditions.
Seasons
Long rains
Apr to Jun: The wet season makes travel and diving more difficult
Dry season
Jul to Mar: Drier weather and calmer seas make this the best time to visit
Wildlife events
Oct to Mar: Whale sharks aggregate in the channel between Mafia Island and mainland Africa
Jun to Sep: Turtle hatching season (green and hawksbill)
Aug to Oct: Humpback and sperm whales seen migrating along coast
Nov to Feb: Whale sharks and manta rays are seen off Pemba and Zanzibar
Dive Resorts
12 recommended places to stay.Please contact us for further suggestions.
Located on the south coast of Mafia Island, in Chole Bay, this lodge stands amidst tall coconut palms on a sandy beach. It offers 30 air-conditioned rooms, each with verandah overlooking the gardens and bay.
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This beautiful family-run resort is located on the southeast coast of Zanzibar on the stunning palm fringed, white sands of Bwejuu beach, which stretches as far as the eye can see.
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The epitome of a barefoot paradise, Fundu Lagoon Resort is a superb, award-winning beach resort on Pemba Island, accessible only by boat, with almost five kilometres of white sandy beach.
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Located on Zanzibar’s northwest coast, Kendwa Rocks Beach Hotel offers an ideal base after spending the day exploring the great reefs of Tumbatu Island, and boasts a vibrant, lively atmosphere.
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Based in the Southeast of Mafia Island Marine Park, Mafia Kivulini Lodge features only four rooms and is an excellent choice for divers looking for accommodation away from the crowds.
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Very much off the beaten track, this all inclusive resort on the quiet island of Pemba accommodates up to 25 guests in spacious rooms, and even offers an underwater room on a private floating island.
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Park Hyatt Zanzibar offers modern luxury on Stone Town’s waterfront. Explore vivid local culture in this UNESCO Site, enjoy ocean views, and experience unforgettable scuba diving in pristine waters.
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A luxury bungalow resort on Mafia Island, Pole Pole Lodge offers elegant and spacious suites raised on stilts, with a private verandah overlooking the sandy beach. Diving is available nearby.
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Guests will love the easy access to the warm Indian Ocean and its diving delights from Sunshine Azure Beach Hotel. The hotel sits on the north-east coast, right on one of Zanzibar’s most beautiful white-sand beaches.
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Set on a stretch of white sand beach cove near Matemwe, Zanzibar, Sunshine Bay Beach Hotel offers an inviting beachfront escape. Guests can enjoy outstanding access to the coral reefs of the Indian Ocean.
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Sunshine Marine Lodge sits by turquoise waters and palm gardens with direct access to the Indian Ocean. Here, enjoy island life, local flavours, and plenty of wildlife on your Zanzibar diving holiday.
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The Z Hotel in northern Zanzibar combines luxury with a laid-back beach vibe. It's only a few steps from white sand beach, turquoise waters, beautiful coral reefs, and plenty of marine life.
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