Imagine Tanzania a country by the great Indian Ocean, and the largest lake in Africa, the country prides in a number of water sport activities among which are some of the finest diving spots in the world on fresh-water-lakes and the ocean, boat trips, yacht trips, snorkeling, white-water rafting among others.
The waters of Tanzania are blessed a variety if reefs plus tropical fish that can best be viewed by diving off the Tanzanian mainland. In addition you can enjoy diving tips to any of the island of Tanzania such as Mafia, Zanzibar and Pemba which are located just off the country’s shoreline. For novices, you can enroll for the diving courses which are offered by several hotels plus lodges back on the mainland. So book today for a Tanzania Safari to enjoy the wonderful water adventures the country offers.
Below are some of the best water adventures you can enjoy while in Tanzania.
Snorkeling
No doubt Tanzania is a for many a snorkeling paradise with stunning reefs and a breathtaking views of Dar Es Salaam city beneath the water. Several lodges as well as diving shops offer snorkeling gear so in case you did not carry yours, there is no reason why you should miss out on this great adventure.
Scuba Diving
Tanzania opens to you some of the finest scuba diving opportunities in the world. It has four main dive locations on its shoreline and islands and these are: Msali Island on Pemba Island, Chole Bay on Mafia island Mnazi Bay at Mtwara and Mnemba Atoll on Zanzibar Island in addition to other numerous wonderful spots.
However Zanzibar is the most renowned island and there are several companies offering diving tours there followed by Mafia Island. On the other hand, Pemba Island plus the Mnazi Bay are less visited yet they offer the best diving opportunities in the country.
Most of the diving places offer courses (PADI) for beginner divers, although the most affordable and finest place to enroll for this course is at Sea Breeze Marine, a diving center located north of the city of Dar Es Salaam. From there you can extend your skills to the islands of Tanzania as you explore its marine life.
White Water Rafting in Tanzania
The official paradise of White Water Rafting in Africa is on the Zambezi River which holds Grade 5 White-Water rapids internationally recognized. The waters f river Zambezi flow fron the Victoria Falls channeling through the spectacular basalt rock-faces of the stunning Batoka Gorge, presenting a breathtaking background for adrenaline-rash White-Water-Rafting opportunity.
A Tanzania Safari on river Zambezi will reward you with skills that will make you stand out and be able to challenge other rivers in Africa.
Yacht Sailing
The yacht is a beautifully kept schooner built as a working fishing vessel in Holland in 1910. She has since been refitted in Italy and now accommodates up to six people in luxurious surroundings. Those with previous sailing experience can help sail, and those without can learn if they wish, or simply allow the friendly and experienced crew to do the sailing while you lie back, relax and enjoy the view. You can also try your hand at fishing for big game fish such as tuna, barracuda, or sailfish. There is ample space on deck for reading or simply relaxing in the sun, and the lovely wooden cabins and galley are very comfortable.
A Catamaran Sail
The catamaran is a modern luxurious lounge-boat with ample deck space for unwinding as well as sunbathing as you sail on Tanzania’s waters. It is has a living area plus a galley that are well equipped plus comfy cabins. You can take part in the sailing or learn how to sail on these waters.
Traditional Dhow Safaris or Tours
Pleasure in an opportunity of sailing in one of the traditionally made Arabic Dhows! Enjoy the Indian Ocean’s blue waters as you sail smoothly in these dhows on your adventure to visit any of the islands off the Dar Es Salaam coastline. You will have a picnic lunch on the sandy beaches that look out to the high tides right on the Indian Ocean.
Whale Sharks
Between October and March, the largest fish in the world – the Whale shark move down to the eastern coast of Africa. So this is the best time to marvel at their great sizes with some weighing to 35 tons, on Mafia Island’s west coast adjacent to Ras Mbizi Lodge.
You can also enjoy an opportunity to swim with these large fish and this is something that will for your life-time be very memorable. The best period to watch the Whale Sharks is from the end of December all through to February.
Deep Sea Fishing
Tanzania as a country prides in its exceptional Deep-Sea Fishing. This is mostly carried out in Kilwa, a place where the well-known bone-fish can be captured. However, this is also done in Southern Zanzibar, Dar Es Salaam and on Mafia Island. Special about this activity is that it requires very powerful motorboats to take you to these spots very fast.
Lake Diving
Tanzania being one of the countries in the Great Lakes Region prides of several lakes among which is Africa’s largest lake- Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganika and lake Manyara among others.
Lake diving is carried out on lake Tanganika whose waters are filled with ciclids plus catfish, and not to forget a beautiful diving backdrop with fascinating rock formations as well as swim-throughs. And as for altitude diving Lake Tanganyika is at 900meters so you don’t require over one kg!