Mafia - Mafia Island
Marine Park (the first in Tanzania) was opened in July
1995. The project is backed by the WWF which contributes
human and financial resources for its development and
maintenance.
The Mafia
archipelago is formed of a number of very large islands
and small uninhabited coral atolls. Due to its position
alongside the barrier, the island is the meeting place
of large oceanic fish and the vast variety of fish
common to the Indian Ocean coral reefs. There are over
400 species of fish in the park. The Park is a paradise
for both expert scuba divers as well as those wishing to
snorkel or sail in the native local boats from island to
island.
The Mafia archipelago is situated about 130 km south of
Dar es-Salaam and about 25 km from the mainland. Chole
Bay, Mafia's protected deep-water anchorage and the
original harbour, is studded with islands, sandbanks and
beaches. The clear, protected waters offer wonderful
snorkeling, sailing and swimming. Outside the Bay
unbroken reef runs the length of the island, from Tutia
in the south to Ras Mkumbi at the northern tip.
On land, the
rich variety of vegetation is dominated by large palm
groves. In some areas there are baobab trees dotting the
typical African savannah. The mangroves play an
extremely important role by preventing coastal erosion.
There are also fruit trees in many areas, mainly mango
and cashew trees.
The
archipelago's wildlife is extremely varied: monkeys,
small antelopes, wild pigs, lemurs, as well as a small
colony of dwarf hippopotamuses. There are countless
types of birds undergoing significant seasonal
variations according to the passing migrants. Falcons
and fish eagles build their nests on both the small and
larger islands.
When
to Visit: Best time to visit is June-October
and December-February.
Where to Stay:- On Mafia
Island
Pole Pole Bungalow Resort and
Kinasi Lodge represent the best quality
options.
Mafia Island Lodge offers less expensive
accommodation. On Chole
Island the unique tree houses at Chole Mjini are built amongst huge baobab
trees. Diving can be
organised at all the lodges.
Pemba - Pemba is the northernmost of the two Spice Islands lying off the East African coast and centuries ago had busy trading ports. Still the world's major clove producer, Pemba has now slipped into its more traditional role of being an Island Paradise with small inter-island trade.Pemba is now listed as one of the top dive spots in the world and diving is still the major attraction for visitors.
The warm Indian Ocean waters surrounding Pemba Island are home to thousands of species of tropical fish and exotic marine life. The shallows around the numerous islands of Pemba offer stunning snorkelling in aquamarine waters lush coral gardens which stretch far ahead and then suddenly plunge into the dark blue depths of Pemba's incredible drop offs. Not only is Pemba renowned for its pristine and unspoilt coral reefs but also for its vertical coral cliffs which plummet to depths of more than 800 metres. Underwater visibility often reaches 40 meters or more.
Mesali Island: The jewel of Pemba, Mesali Island is a highlight of everyone's stay. As Pemba's only marine sanctuary, its protected reefs provide a home to an exceptional range of sea life. Pristine corals attract vast numbers of reef fish and animals coming in from deeper waters including manta and eagle rays, barracuda and other game fish and reef sharks. For sun-lovers and dry land-lovers, the Mesali beaches are superb and you can go for nature trails with trained wardens through the island including a walk on turtle nesting beaches
Ngezi Forest: Ngezi forest in the North of Pemba is a beautiful area of natural rain forest populated by large numbers of birdlife, the vervet monkey and full of spectacular trees. At the forest a local guide will help you follow a nature trail
Getting There: By ferry: Take a ferry via Zanzibar. Ferry from Dar to Zanzibar takes roughly 90 minutes. The ferry from Zanzibar-Pemba takes about 3 hours depending on weather conditions.
By air: There are daily scheduled flights with Coastal Aviation from/to Dar es Salaam and from/to Zanzibar.
When to Visit: Best time to visit is June-January
Where to stay:- Fundu Lagoon is the finest accommodation on Pemba. For a cheaper alternative Manta Reef Lodge is good value and offers diving services.
For reservations, help and advice click here |
