Diving Holidays In Tanzania
Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar… The names roll off the tongue like a roster call of Africa’s most alluring destinations, all packed into one country. Resonating with hints of the wild and exotic, these four alone are reason enough to justify packing your bag and heading off to dive in Tanzania. Within the space of several hours, it’s possible to go from diving in the idyllic beaches of Zanzibar to exploring moss-covered ruins of ancient Swahili city-states; from climbing mist-covered slopes in the Southern Highlands to trekking through the barren landscapes around Ol Doinyo Lengai, guided by a spear-carrying Maasai warrior. Yet, despite its attractions, Tanzania has managed for the most part to remain unassuming and low-key.
Diving Tanzania offers divers world-class reefs and plentiful schools of tropical fish just offshore of popular beaches and secluded locations; barracudas, sailfish, sting rays and the occasional sharks are only a few of the wide range of species that divers can meet under the deep clear waters of Zanzibar.
In general the dive season in East Africa is between September and March, with June-August being less reliable conditions though diving continues in sheltered lea shores of Zanzibar, Pemba and in the Bay of Mafia. April and May are the months of the long rains when many facilities close. Between August - October Humpback and Sperm whales and whale sharks migrate along the coast. This is also the time that Hawksbill & Green Turtles start to nest with hatchlings emerging in the new year. January to March is also the period of Whale shark aggregations.
Ask your travel health expert (e.g. GP, practice nurse or travel clinic) before your trip to provide you with up to date information and vaccines to ensure your travels are safe and enjoyable. It is vital to ensure that all members of your party have adequate health and travel insurance cover, which includes cover for cancellation and any ‘higher risk’ activities you are likely to take part in.
You will need to ensure you have correct documentation for your holiday including a full passport valid for the minimum period required from the date of departure from Tanzania. You may also require a visa.