Africa is a continent of astounding beauty above and below the surface. While Egypt may be the most well-charted when it comes to diving, divers flock back year-after-year to explore coastlines that stretch from the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean. From the wreck-strewn waters of Egypt to the raw reefs of Mozambique and the pelagic paradise of Madagascar, it's hard not to be blown away by the breathtaking biodiversity of this vast waterscape. So, if you want to discover the best diving in Africa, read on....
Egypt
Egypt is arguably the best diving in Africa that is (relatively) close to the UK. Ras Mohammed National Park (located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula) is a favourite due to its stunning coral gardens that feature hard and soft corals in every hue and lazing green turtles. Further up in the northeast, the four reefs of Tiran promise deep walls, among which tropical fish flit and stronger currents for some thrilling drift dives. For shark lovers, head to the trifecta of delights - Brothers Islands, Daedalus and Elphinstone for various sharks such as hammerheads, oceanic white tips and threshers. Wreck heads can rejoice at the various sunken vessels found along the sea floor, with the most famous being the SS Thistlegorm (a WWII wreck) that rests at 30m with a load of cargo, including jeeps, motorbikes and ammunition. And while the wrecks may tell stories from long ago, they have now been claimed by marine life, with corals decorating the walls in rainbow hues and schools of fish patrolling the corridors.
Madagascar
Going off the well-finned track, Madagascar, floating off the southeast coast of Africa, boasts raw beauty with several species of endemic flora and fauna. While nature lovers flock here for the tropical topography, the dive sites remain delightfully crowd-free. Surrounding the island (which is the fourth largest in the world) are coral reefs that buzz with life. We're talking 300 types of coral, over 1,300 species of fish and 50 kinds of sharks that call Nosy Be (the archipelago just off the northwest coast) home. If whale sharks and humpback whales are on your bucket list, then be sure to visit between May and December for their annual appearance, and for the manta ray lovers, head to the Mitsio Archipelago to dance with these delights.
Mozambique
For those a little more experienced when it comes to diving, Mozambique's 1,500-mile coastline offers adventures with little crowds. Here, you can find several marine national parks with healthy and varied species of corals surrounded by shoals of fish. Arguably, one of the best dive sites in Africa is Neptune's Arm. Only accessible from the beautiful Vamizi Island in the remote Quirimbas Archipelago, a gigantic coral garden with incredibly varied topography featuring pinnacles, canyons and drop offs that descend as far as the eye can see. The scenery is epic, and the quantity of fish that sit above the giant pinnacles that rise from the deep is breathtaking. Throw in dozens of curious reef sharks on top of 40 metres of visibility, and you can see why it stands out at some of the best diving in Africa.
Tanzania
Mafia Island
Mafia Island, one of the most southern islands off Tanzania's coast, is a remote, laid-back gem of a place. If whale sharks are your thing, then visit between October and February for some guaranteed swims with these dotted docile giants. A clear reason why Mafia Island is one of the best places to dive in Africa is that most of its sites are at depths of less than 30m, making it accessible for all divers. The variety of species and health of the reefs here meant it has been recognised as Tanzania's first marine park. The waters here have over 50 coral species that support the life of 460 types of fish (with many more still to be identified). You'll glide over giant table corals and huge stands of blue-tipped staghorn with delicate sea fans wafting in the soft current. And that's just in the shallows. Fin a little deeper, and you may be able to spot two endangered species: the docile dugong and the gentle green turtle.
Pemba Island
If corals are your thing, then you're in for a treat when diving Pemba Island. North of Mafia Island, the Pemba Channel has over 320 coral species and is arguably the best diving in West Africa for coral lovers. Drift along the walls adorned in colourful corals and spy schools of hammerhead sharks and barracuda before settling down on sugar-soft, secluded beaches to watch picturesque dhows with billowing white sails cross the horizon.
Zanzibar
Last but certainly not least, in our round-up of the best diving in Africa is Zanzibar, an island located off Tanzania's east coast. It is the best known of Tanzania's island, yet retains its charm through its cardamom-scented air and unspoilt white sand beaches that spill into the Indian Ocean. If you want to tick off some bucket list species, then you're in the right place. For the big animals, be sure to visit at the right time of year. For humpback whales, visit from June to October to glimpse them as they migrate from the Antarctic. If gliding with manta rays is on your list, then head to Pemba from November to April when the Northeast Monsoon season is underway, bringing with it warm waters, which turns the water into a plankton soup. And, of course, the docile delights of the water - the whale sharks. These gentle giants can be spotted swimming out in the blue from October to March.
