Scuba Diving in Tanzania

Beautiful, amazing Tanzania - the country for the Great Adventurer!

The United Republic of Tanzania is located in Eastern Africa between longitude 29o and 41o East, Latitude 1o and 12o South. The United Republic of Tanzania was formed out of the union of two sovereign states namely Tanganyika and Zanzibar. Tanganyika became a sovereign state on 9th December, 1961 and became a Republic the following year. Zanzibar became independent on 10th December, 1963 and the People's Republic of Zanzibar was established after the revolution of 12th January, 1964. The two sovereign republics formed the United Republic of Tanzania on 26th April, 1964. However, the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania is a unitary republic consisting of the Union Government and the Zanzibar Revolutionary Government.

What could beat world class diving combined with the great wonders of the world? To name a few: Mt. Kilimanjaro - the highest peak in Africa, Lake Victoria - the world's second largest freshwater lake, Selous Game Reserve - the biggest game reserve in Africa. Or how about the Nile River in the north and world heritage sites as the spectacular Lake Malawi, Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area….

Wildebeest, monkey, antelope, lion, cheetah, crocodile, gazelle, flamingo are a few of the animals that roam the vast Great Plains. In the clear blue ocean - large napoleon wrasse swim side by side with pelagics such as tuna, jacks, wahoo and shoals of barracuda. Manta and eagle rays cruise the edge of the reefs along with many species of shark and giant groupers reach up to 2 m in length! Hawksbill and green turtles roam the top of the reefs for food, rest and shelter, while numerous smaller reef fish are playing in the shallower depths. Between crustaceans, brightly coloured starfish and molluscs is found in a setting of vibrant colours from the surrounding beautiful coral and sponges.

Mostly the western coast has been explored for diving as this side is sheltered and closest to the main land. The shallows around the islands are offering stunning snorkelling and excellent conditions to experience lush coral gardens which stretches as far as the eye can see.

Diving can be done all year as it is tropical climate. The peak period is from November through January when the weather conditions are considered most pleasant and predictable. The diving season stretches from September through the beginning of March.

The rainy season from March to May - often adversely affects diving conditions because of the increased flow of river water into the ocean.

Underwater visibility averages around 30m (98ft) but can sometimes reach up to 60m (200ft).

Average water temperature is around 27 - 28C (80 - 82F). May drop to 24C (75F) in cooler months.
Best time to see manta rays is from December to early February.

The reefs do not seem to have suffered from coral bleaching as in other parts of the Indian Ocean, and are healthy and have never suffered from diver saturation.

Mafia Island

Mafia Island is so unspoilt (its a marine reserve preserved by law) that its Zanzibar a hundred years ago - before civilization, before technology and widespread commercial overfishing with dynamite. Mafia Island is geographically less accessible than Pemba or Zanzibar, but offers diving worth the trip! The coral reefs surrounding the island are pristine and beautiful. Big Potato Bass, sharks, turtles, and massive Moray Eels abound in warm cobalt-blue water. Green turtle and Hawksbill turtles breed in significant numbers and the southern region was declared a marine park and reserve in 1995.

The dive sites are accessed from a traditional Dhow which make for a novel experience and adds to the entire atmosphere. The accommodation and food is superb, and all this on a quint-essential tropical island in the warm Indian Ocean, surrounded by palm trees and cool sea breezes.

*It is advised that visitors check on entry/visa requirements before leaving their home countries.

*Flights and boats to the islands do not run every day, so planning is vital.

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