5 paradisiacal dive websites in Zanzibar…

So that you’ve simply skilled a safari of a lifetime, ticked off the large beasts of the African bush, gained an appreciation for the lesser-known creatures, develop into far too used to your morning wake-up calls with espresso and cookies, and it’s now time for some relaxation and rest on Zanzibar… solely you possibly can’t assist however really feel that you just’re leaving a bit little bit of the journey behind. Properly, simply because there’s no open-sided game-viewer perception doesn’t imply that the journey’s ended.

The Indian Ocean homes a few of the world’s most stunning and various dive websites. Whether or not you’re a seasoned diver or fancy simply making an attempt it out for the primary time (put together for an costly pastime), Zanzibar’s Archipelago goes to give you one thing spectacular:

South coast of Zanzibar

Particularly inside an space referred to as Kizimkazi, the south coast of Zanzibar is greatest recognized for its dolphin inhabitants. There are additionally some glorious shark sightings down right here, and in the event you’re actually fortunate there’s a small probability of manta rays too. The dive websites are predominantly wall dives with some superbly flat and coral-filled shallow spots. By way of your lodging, Unguja Lodge is a superb alternative with its personal dive centre and secret dive spots the place no different firm ventures out to.

Central coast of Zanzibar

Shifting up the coast barely, there’s an extended stretch of shoreline encompassing the villages of Paje, Bwejuu and Dongwe. There’s an unlimited array of gorgeous dive spots alongside this complete stretch, reminiscent of lagoon areas contained in the reef offering mild, calm and shallow circumstances for these simply beginning out, and outer reef websites with sloping coral gardens and deep wall dives, usually with enjoyable currents for these wishing for a bit extra of an adrenalin kick. Right here it’s widespread to identify sea horses, ribbon eel, harlequin shrimp, leaf fish, octopus, and even the Indian Ocean walkman amongst different species reminiscent of groupers, lobsters and set off fish. This space is ideal for these eager to take pleasure in fairly a couple of dives with a lot of variety – the evening dives listed below are nice too. There’s a lot of totally different lodging choices, together with Breezes Seaside Membership, Baraza Resort & Spa, Zawadi Lodge and Matlai Boutique Lodge to call only a few, all of which cater to totally different kinds and budgets.

Mafia Island

Mafia Island is a distant and laidback little spot providing some sensational diving with whale sharks nearly assured from October to February. A lot of the island’s greatest dive websites are lower than 30 metres deep, and the reefs right here supply an insanely stunning and assorted show of marine life. Mafia Island’s Marine Park was the primary of its form in Tanzania and boasts a few of the most vibrant coral conceivable. In terms of the place to remain on the island, you’re considerably restricted. Nonetheless, a favorite is Pole Pole, an outstanding boutique seashore lodge that has glorious requirements of service, meals and hospitality, and gives a terrific vary of actions apart from the exceptional diving.

Pemba Island

Pemba Island is unquestionably value contemplating. In all honesty the marine life right here isn’t akin to the likes of Mafia, however the underwater topography is a few of the most stunning in the whole archipelago. With epic drop-offs, stunning partitions and gorgeous coral gardens, it is a area that will attraction to skilled divers searching for deeper dives with some thrilling currents. Fundu Lagoon is among the greatest properties the island has to supply, with Manta Resort additionally being worthy of a point out.

Mnemba

This checklist could be incomplete with no point out of Mnemba Atoll, a protected marine reserve on the north-east of Zanzibar’s most important Unguja Island. With one of many solely ‘no fish’ zones, the dive websites listed below are brimming with life. An space glorious for dolphin, turtles, sharks, frog fish, leaf fish and large colleges of many extra, Mnemba has rightly earned its title for having essentially the most spectacular diving on the island. Mnemba Island is essentially the most unique lodge on Zanzibar, providing barefoot luxurious at its best, a personal island location to die for and a price ticket to match.

Julian Carter-Manning is a Co-founder and MD at Yellow Zebra Safaris.

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