Tanzania Diving Holidays: An Overview

What species can I expect to see?

Good news - many species can be spotted all year round in Tanzania, including whitetip reef sharks, seahorses, hawksbill turtles and dolphins. Others are a little more elusive, with whale sharks only making an appearance between October and March, and humpback whales most likely to be seen from July to September.

When is the best time to dive?

The best time to dive in Tanzania is between October and March, when the waters are nice and calm. This is also the period outside of the rainy season, when many properties across the islands undergo maintenance work.

What types of diving can I do here?

• Reef slopes - dive the beautifully biodiverse coral reefs home to myriad species of fish. If you're lucky, you might even see pods of dolphins during surface intervals on the boat.
• Drift diving - most common off Mafia Island and Pemba Island, drift diving sees you ride the currents along plateaus and channels before being collected by a dive boat.
• Macro diving - Pemba and Zanzibar host macro critters galore, from skeleton shrimp to leaf scorpionfish and 'Sean the Sheep' nudibranchs.

What should I pack for diving in Tanzania?

Here's what to pack for diving in Tanzania:

• Your mask, snorkel and fins
• 3-5mm wetsuit and rash guard
• A buoyancy control device (BCD)
• A dive computer
• Regulators
• A diving torch
• A reef hook for drift diving
• An underwater camera with macro and wide-angle lenses (if you have them)
• Reef-safe suncream
• A dry bag

Make sure to service your equipment before you travel to ensure everything is in good working order.

Is the diving suitable for beginners?

Yes, beginners can dive in Tanzania, with some crowning the beginner diving here the best in East Africa (though we're sure the competition would disagree). From the corals of the Pemba Channel, where there are sites suitable for all levels, to the shallower waters of Mafia Island, you're sure to find somewhere to start your diving journey.

What level of dive qualification will I need?

You'll need an Open-Water Diver certification, which is the minimum requirement for most dive sites. If you're heading to Mafia, we recommend you're comfortable diving in water with lower visibility. Due to the depths of the dive sites and challenging currents, some sites in Mafia and Pemba may require an advanced open-water diver certification.

• There's plenty of wildlife to spot on land as well as in the sea. Tanzania is home to giraffes, rhinos, elephants, lions, leopards and buffalo, so make time for a safari in Selous or the Serengeti if you can.
• Spend time lounging on the powder-soft sandy beaches, the best of which are found in Zanzibar.
• Enjoy whale shark snorkelling tours (between October and March) or humpback whale watching (between July and September) off Mafia Island.
• Visit Chole Village for an immersion into local life.

What is Tanzania known for?

Tanzania is celebrated for its wonderful safaris and is home to some of the biggest and best parks on the continent. Wildlife enthusiasts flock here from across the globe to try and spot one (or more) of the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo.

Tanzania is also home to Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain. This impressive peak serves as a hiking destination for the adventurous (and a view to admire for those who aren't).

What is the food like in Tanzania?

Simple yet satisfying, Tanzanian cuisine is full of flavour. A beloved staple is Ugali, a hearty starchy paste crafted from a blend of flour and water. It's typically served alongside a savoury meat stew infused with flavourful tomatoes, onions and various diced vegetables.

Rice and plantains also feature on the national menu, adding diversity to the culinary landscape through their versatility in both sweet and savoury dishes.

There's also plenty of fresh fruit on the menu - juicy oranges, succulent pineapples, fragrant mangoes, papayas, soursops and an assortment of bananas.

Venturing to the shores of the Indian Ocean and Zanzibar opens up a world of Swahili cuisine. It's celebrated for its rich infusion of seafood, creamy coconut milk and an array of aromatic spices.

What are the drinks like in Tanzania?

There's no shortage of soft drinks available, with sodas, tea and coffee all on the menu.

Beer, a beloved choice among many, is best bought from brands such as Safari, renowned for its robust flavour. Light (and equally delicious) alternatives are also available, like Kilimanjaro and Castle Lager.

You'll find an assortment of South African wines in many restaurants and lodges. Occasionally, Tanzanian wines also make an appearance on the menu. Though they're not as widely recognised, they're a delightful treat for your palate if you come across them.

How much should I tip in Tanzania?

It's customary to show your gratitude through tipping, and the amount varies depending on the service.

• $10 USD per person per day for rangers and trackers.
• $1-$2 USD per day for servers, porters and the housekeeping team.
• 5% of the total bill in a restaurant.

There's an infrastructure levy of $1 USD per night per person in hotels, which should be settled directly with your chosen hotel. Some hotels in Zanzibar may try to raise this levy beyond the prescribed amount. We recommend confirming the $1 USD charge with your hotel in advance to avoid any surprises.

What etiquette is important to know when visiting Tanzania?

• Tanzanians are known for their remarkable friendliness and are always eager to lend a helping hand. A warm and hearty "jambo" will always surpass "hello", going a long way to win affection.
• Zanzibar, in particular, has a mostly Muslim population, and modest clothing is the norm. Make sure your shoulders and legs are adequately covered. It's also polite to refrain from public displays of affection.
• Use your right hand for eating and passing food during meals.
• Bargaining is common practice across the country. Don't hesitate to start haggling, leading with a 50% reduction from the initial quote. Keep a cheerful demeanour and you're likely to get a positive response.
• Tanzania is home to a number of small indigenous groups, each with their own customs. Rely on your guide's advice and adapt accordingly.

When is the best time to visit Tanzania?

The best time to visit Tanzania is in the long dry season between June and October, when the weather is pleasant, the chance of rainfall is low, and the wildlife sightings are plentiful.

What’s the climate like in Tanzania?

The climate varies throughout Tanzania and can be split into four seasons that are different from ours.

There are two rainy seasons: the main season (masika) in March, April and May, when you can expect long, heavy rainfall and high humidity. The shorter season (vuli) is in November and December, when the rain showers are lighter but also less predictable.

The long dry season lasts from June till the end of October - expect sunny skies and temperatures between 20°C and 30°C, depending on the region. The short dry season is during January and February and is hotter than the long one (but also less busy, so it's a great time to go if you'd like to avoid crowds).

Where is Tanzania?

Tanzania is on the east coast of Africa. It's bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east, and surrounded by eight countries: Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique.

How big is Tanzania?

Tanzania is 365,800 square miles, making it the largest country in East Africa.

What plugs are used in Tanzania?

Tanzania uses Type D (three round pins in a triangle formation) and Type G (three rectangular pins in a triangle formation). You should be able to use your usual UK plugs (Type G), but bring an adaptor just in case. The electricity supply is 230V. Power cuts are frequent throughout the country.

What is the capital of Tanzania?

Dodoma is the capital of Tanzania.

What language is spoken in Tanzania?

Swahili (the country's official language) and English are the most widely spoken languages in Tanzania. You're likely to come across others, such as Sukuma, Gogo, Haya, Tumbuka and Nyamwezi, depending on the region you visit.

What is the religion in Tanzania?

Christianity is the most common religion in Tanzania, followed by Islam. A small percentage follow indigenous belief systems. You'll find many temples, mosques and churches throughout the country, reflecting its rich religious landscape.

What’s the time difference between the UK and Tanzania?

Tanzania is three hours ahead of the UK on Eastern African Time (EAT). They don't observe daylight saving, so they're only two hours ahead during our summertime.

What currency is used in Tanzania?

Tanzania's currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). We recommend carrying cash with you for day-to-day expenses, as smaller establishments may not accept foreign currency or card payments. Most hotels and lodges accept credit cards and can exchange other currencies, but there may be an extra 5-10% charge, so it's best to stick to cash.

They don't accept US dollars dated before 2006.

Can you drink the tap water in Tanzania?

No, it's best to drink filtered water for drinking and brushing your teeth. We also recommend avoiding ice cubes in drinks.

When do shops open in Tanzania?

Typically, shops are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5.30pm, and Saturday from 9am to 1pm.

How long is the flight to Tanzania?

It takes between ten and a half hours and 17 hours to fly from the UK to Tanzania, depending on which airport you travel to and how long your stopover is. Common stopover destinations include Istanbul, Zurich, Nairobi and Dubai.

Flight times for popular diving destinations include:

• Dar es Salaam (Mafia Island): The fastest flight time is 13 hours and 40 minutes with one stopover. This would be followed by a 30-50-minute domestic flight to Mafia Island.
• Zanzibar (Zanzibar and Pemba Island): The fastest flight time to Zanzibar is 12 hours and 35 minutes with one stopover. To get to Pemba Island, you'd then take a 30-minute flight with a private aviation company.

Do I need a visa to visit Tanzania?

Yes, you'll need a tourist visa if you're a British citizen. You can apply for an e-visa online, or get a single-entry visa on arrival at the main ports of entry to Tanzania.

What are the passport requirements for entering Tanzania?

Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the date you arrive and have at least one blank page.

Are there any other entry requirements for Tanzania?

You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket at border control.

You must go through mpox screening at all entry points to Tanzania - this is done through body temperature checks and visual health assessments.

Tanzania has had a ban on single-use plastic bags since 2019. We recommend placing any liquids in your hold luggage if possible, or using a resealable bag (such as a Ziploc bag) for liquids in your carry-on luggage if you need them.

What are the vaccination requirements for visiting Tanzania?

You must be up to date with routine vaccinations required for life in the UK. You need a certificate to prove you've been vaccinated against yellow fever if you travel from a country considered to be a transmission risk.