Mafia Island & Zanzibar Diving Archives

Overview

The warm, clear waters around the spice islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia offer great diving holidays, especially as an end to a Tanzania safari...

Zanzibar is the best known island – a flat coral atoll surrounded by fringing coral reefs to the east. The National Marine Parks at Chumbe Island and Mnemba protect the rich marine life.

Snorkellers and novice divers should also see plenty of colourful coral fish, moray eels, stingrays and lionfish. Dolphins, turtles, manta rays and whale sharks are commonly seen.

The Leven Banks to the north of Zanzibar are ideal for advanced divers who can cope with the strong currents. Here you’ll find schools of kingfish, barracuda, tuna and reef fish as well as moray eels.

Zanzibar diving holidays - best time to visit

Whale sharks migrate through Zanzibar’s waters in season from August to September and also from February to March. These harmless creatures are a magnificent sight, up to 14m in length with a 1.5m wide mouth.

See our Main Page on Luxury Diving Holidays around Africa for more destinations.

Highlights

The coral atoll of Mnemba Island just off Zanzibar is one of the top diving sites in the Indian Ocean. Snorkellers and novice divers should also see plenty of colourful coral fish, moray eels, stingrays and lionfish. Dolphins, turtles, manta rays and whale sharks are commonly seen.
Pemba Island, north of Zanzibar lies in deep ocean. The Pemba Channel drops off steeply just off its west coast. The vertical coral walls drop over 300 metres and the marine life, coral and visibility here are superb.
Whale-shark sightings from August to September

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Sonja Brand

Africa Travel Specialist

Hi I'm Sonja, I'm here to help you plan your ideal holiday experience

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Luxury Zanzibar Getaway

This sample 4 night Zanzibar holiday can be enjoyed as a stand-alone beach holiday or you can add a Tanzania safari as well.

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WHEN Jun - Dec

DURATION 4 Nights

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Did you know

VisibilityOften over 30 metres (100ft)
VarietyOver 500 species

Accommodation

Islands of Pemba & Mnemba

Fundu Lagoon

Fundu Lagoon lies on Pemba Island, the much quieter sister island of Zanzibar to the north. This rather romantic lodge is situated on a remote and beautiful beach on the south western side of...

RATING Premier

Zanzibar Beach Resorts

Baraza Resort & Spa

Baraza Resort & Spa is an ultra-romantic resort on the south-eastern coast of Zanzibar. It comprises 30 luxury one and two bedroom villas on a long stretch of powdery sand on Bwejuu Beach.

RATING Top of Class

Zanzibar Beach Resorts

Matemwe Lodge

Perched on an outcrop overlooking a shallow coral fringed lagoon on the quieter northeast coast of Zanzibar, Matemwe's peaceful location and famed relaxed atmosphere, makes it the ideal place to...

RATING Premier

Zanzibar Beach Resorts

Matemwe Retreat

The exclusive Matemwe Retreat is located on a beautiful stretch of private land opposite the Mnemba atoll in a secluded part of the north-east coast of Zanzibar. Four self-contained and massive...

RATING Luxury

Zanzibar Beach Resorts

Kichanga Lodge

Kichanga Lodge lies on the south-east coast of Zanzibar, facing the beautiful Indian Ocean across a white sandy beach. Charming cottages and bungalows nestled in the tropical gardens make up this...

RATING Premier

Mafia Island

Pole Pole

Pole Pole is located in the Chole Bay area, near Utende village on the southeast coast of the Mafia Island Marine Park. It lies on the beach, within a tropical garden, overlooking the Mafia...

RATING Comfortable

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Wonderful adventure for us!!

"I want to Thank you for planning another Wonderful adventure for us!! " S Family

WHAT AN AMAZING SAFARI! An outstanding job!

"WHAT AN AMAZING SAFARI! What an outstanding job you did! From the arrival of the guests to the end of the safari. I’ll speak on my behalf and let the other guests speak for themselves and give their own opinions. Let me just say the Safari amazing…., The team did an outstanding job, from the day of arrival at the airport with ground handlers to the drivers, to the departure day. Everything went smoothly and without this team, I do believe the experience would have been different. Africa is known for being slow, especially being punctual (as we call it, African time). The team changed all that. Everything ran according to the schedule and on time. They made us feel at ease, stress-free, and truly on vacation. It indeed made me feel proud of my country, proud to be a Kenyan, and proud of the people. There was UBUNTU all around, everywhere we went people were respectful, polite, and kind (apart from the one or two individuals who would hassle us to buy something and especially when they see Mzungu) and for that, I thank you, THOMAS, and the team. Excellent work. A hand of applause to Mari; Thank you to Mari, it all started with you. Thank you for planning and organizing the Safari it will forever be in our memories. The accommodation and the food were fantastic. Amboseli was stunning, although it would have been great to see Mt Kilimanjaro it was cloudy. Eka Hotel was great, and the breakfast was delicious. At the Keekorok, zebras visited us behind our cabins and could hear the call of the hippos. And finally, the Voyager hotel in Mombasa was fun and relaxing and the food was fantastic. Overall, the hospitality everywhere was fantastic. Couldn’t have asked for more. Lastly, a big thank you to my safari team (Resa, Anette, Pete, Jim, Pat, Sarah and Mike) for being seasoned travelers, easy going and went with the flow. The Safari wouldn’t have been the same without great travelers like you. I enjoyed spending time with you all. THANK YOU, GUYS. Sincerely, I thank you ALL. " Mrs Carol Ndungu

Everything went smoothly

"From the initial enquiry until the end of the holiday everything went smoothly. We were very happy with all aspects of the holiday. All the hotels were comfortable; well staffed; good food. " Mrs Kate Mars, UK

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Mafia Island & Zanzibar Diving