Tanzania has a coastline on the Indian Ocean to the east and is the most populous country located completely south of the equator. The country's largest city, Dar es Salaam, is also the capital. The coastline on the Indian Ocean stretches for just over 1,400 kilometers and there are several islands along the coast and a bit further out. The islands are also popular tourist destinations, including Unguja (Zanzibar), Pemba and Mafia.

The country has Africa's highest and lowest points: the famous Mount Kilimanjaro at 5,895 meters above sea level and which is sometimes covered in snow. The bottom of Lake Tanganyika, which is 1,471 meters deep below sea level.

Africa's three largest lakes are partly located within Tanzania: Lake Victoria, which is the largest, Lake Tanganyika, which is the deepest, and Lake Nyasa or Malawi, famous for its cichlids. 

Kalambo Falls in southwestern Tanzania is the second highest uninterrupted waterfall in Africa. Tanzania contains about 20% of Africa's warm-blooded animal species. It is also home to about 130 amphibian and over 275 reptile species, many of which are endemic. Tanzania also has the largest lion population in the world.

How much does a diving trip to Tanzania, Zanzibar and Pemba cost?

A diving trip to Tanzania and the islands off the coast can vary greatly in price and it is difficult to give a general answer about how much it costs. A diving trip to Tanzania can cost from about 35-50 000 SEK / person and upwards for flights, transfers, accommodation and diving. But it is very difficult to say exactly how much a diving trip costs without more information about what you want it to include, how long you want to be away, the structure of the trip. There are many variables and you can find them here on our website. The best thing to do is to contact us at Scuba Travel and ask for a free proposal for more details and a more accurate price for your diving trip to Tanzania, Zanzibar and Pemba.

When is the best time to go to Tanzania?

The best time to dive on Tanzania's islands of Zanzibar and Pemba is during the dry seasons, from December to March and June to October, when there are clear waters, calm seas and excellent visibility, with the peak months often considered to be July to September. You can dive all year round, but the rainy seasons can bring storms, greatly reduced sea visibility and wind, although they can also offer more chances to see whale sharks.

o Dry season, December – March, and June – October
o Rainy season, April – May and November

What can I see when I dive in Tanzania?

The marine life in Tanzania is rich. Typical species for the waters here are, for example, scorpionfish, frogfish, crocodilefish, seahorses and many invertebrates such as crustaceans, octopus, nudibranchs, cnidarians and sea urchins. Dolphins are common in Mnemba Atoll and turtles can also be seen at several of Zanzibar and Pemba's various dive sites. During certain times of the year, it is quite common to see whales and whale sharks.

Animals and nature

Tanzania offers a very diverse wildlife. The mainland is known for large animals and savannah life with animals such as lions, zebras, wildebeests, buffalos, crocodiles, leopards and elephants and many more. The islands of Zanzibar and Pemba have unique primate species, marine life such as dolphins and turtles. There are also endangered birds. There is a national park for the Zanzibar red guereza and a reserve for the Pemba flying fox.
In addition, there are coral reefs with a lot of marine life and at certain times of the year, for example, whale sharks are common.

Where is the best diving in Tanzania, Zanzibar and Pemba?

The best dive depends on your experience level. If you want to see healthy reefs and abundant life, Mnemba Atoll off Zanzibar is ideal for all levels. Pemba Island offers exciting, deeper dives with stronger currents for more experienced divers due to its walls and the Pemba Channel. For those interested in pristine, unspoiled reefs and the potential to see whale sharks, Mafia Island is a top choice for experienced divers, although it is less frequented.

Is there liveaboarding in Tanzania?

No, there are no liveaboards currently operating in Tanzania. For those of you who want to go on a liveaboard in another destination or are considering alternatives for diving in Tanzania, please contact us with your wishes and concerns on tel: 0301-22100 – Departures

Great species richness

Zanzibar and Pemba, off the coast of Tanzania, are home to a rich variety of marine life, including various coral species, tropical fish such as clownfish, ladyfish, barracuda, tuna, moray eels, lionfish and groupers. Here you will find mollusks such as octopus, nudibranchs, mussels and larger animals such as bottlenose dolphins and various species of sea turtles. Whale sharks can be seen seasonally and Pemba is known for its manta rays and an exceptional diversity of whales. Hammerhead sharks are sometimes seen in the channel between Pemba and the mainland. There is also a range of larger pelagic species such as dorado, wahoo, sailfish and many more

For those of you who don't dive

If you are not diving in Zanzibar or Pemba, you can still enjoy many activities. Take tours to Stone Town, explore spice plantations, visit Jozani Forest to see wildlife. Relax on the beautiful beaches, take boat trips to sandbanks or Prison Island and enjoy a sunset cruise. You can also explore Pemba's cultural sites, go dolphin watching, kayak through mangroves or go deep sea fishing. For those who like to snorkel, there is always something to see in Tanzania and its islands, as well as sun and water.