Water Sports
BLUE SAFARIS
The soft chug of an outboard engine, or the whispering flap of a canvas sail; the so-called ‘blue safaris’ in Tanzania are a tranquil and relaxing way to watch wildlife, enjoy snorkeling, or simply admire the beautiful scenery of the water’s edge. This is one of the best ways to see the Selous Game Reserve, up the huge muddy brown sweep of the Rufiji River, spotting hundreds of resident hippos and crocodiles. Sail into chimpanzee territory on a dhow, skimming over the fresh, crystal waters of Lake Tanganyika to Mahale Mountains National Park, or travel up the Wami River in Saadani, surrounded by amazing birdlife, hippos and crocodiles. Visit the Indian Ocean islands, sometimes several in a day, enjoying the coral reefs, marine life and birds of each island along the way.
CANOEING
Canoeing trips are available in the Arusha National Park and are a wonderful experience, drifting past herds of elephant, giraffe, hippo and buffalo as you cruise along the shores of the lake surrounded by countless flocks of birds. Canoes are also available for rental throughout Zanzibar, which provide a perfect opportunity to enjoy the rare birds of Zanzibar’s many mangrove forests.
DEEP SEA & INLAND FISHING
The water around Zanzibar and Pemba islands is considered by experts to offer some of the best fishing in the world, especially the Pemba Channel, between Zanzibar and Pemba, and around Mafia Island, south of Zanzibar. Rivers are stocked with trout around Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru. Large rivers such as the Kilombero and Great Ruaha offer fabulous sport fishing for Tiger Fish, and large Nile Perch can be caught in the great lakes.
DHOW CRUISES
When Sultans ruled and the monsoon winds carried trade across the Indian Ocean, the vessel used was the Dhow, with its characteristic lateen sail made with merikani cloth. So step back in time, and sail the crystal blue waters of the Zanzibar Archipelago on an original dhow. Choose from sunrise cruises, sandbank picnics, or sunset cruises, but whichever it is, just sit back and enjoy the serenity.
DIVING & SNORKELLING
The coral reefs off Tanzania’s coast around Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia Island offer some of the world’s finest scuba diving and snorkeling. Diving is possible all year round, however visibility is best from November to March, before the long rains set in.
KITESURFING
Kitesurfing has become the hottest and most popular up-and-coming activity in Zanzibar. Kitesurfing centres are popping up all along the east coast of the island, providing adrenaline seeking visitors with the chance to undertake lessons and get out on the waves while on holiday.
WHALE WATCHING
Tanzania’s Indian Ocean is home to one of the least known populations of Humpback Whales in the world. Researchers from Stockholm University and the University of Dar es Salaam are studying the Humpback Whales found near Zanzibar to learn more about their population and conservation status. The herds of migrating whales arrive in the waters around Zanzibar in late July, and August is now becoming the most popular month for sightings.
