Where Is The Current Best Diving In East Africa?

[cleung]

If I'm to go on an African safari covering Serengeti and possibly Masai Mari as well and want to add on a scuba diving component, where is currently the best diving in East Africa especially if I prefer pelagics and big schools of fish rather than macro?

 

[BoltSnap]

I'd check with these guys. They are experts in Africa:

African & Oriental Travel Co.

We’re a UK-based purveyor of luxury safaris and dive tours capturing the world’s most unusual and alluring natural landscapes.

www.orientafricatravel.com

 

[chf]

Depending on your budget there are some amazing options off the Kenyan coast. Check dive.ke, they can give you more information.

 

[Triple C]

I just dove in Zanzibar, Tanzania after a Maasai safari in Kenya in April. Flew direct from Nairobi to Zanzibar. I stayed 2 nights in Stonetown, then 5 nights in Pwani Mchangani at a place called Mambo Ocean Resort. Nice place, about $50 USD per night with aircon. I dove 3 days with Scuba Blue. Marine life was good but no big stuff. Several reefs were badly bleached but one called Leon's Wall was excellent plate coral and very healthy. I dive with my own equipment. The shop owner is very competent but their facilities are limited. I think the diving there was worth doing because I was close by in Nairobi, but I wouldn't plan a whole vacation around Zanzibar diving, from what I saw. However, the beaches and small resorts make for a very nice vacation destination. LMK if you want more info.

 

[cleung]

I just dove in Zanzibar, Tanzania after a Maasai safari in Kenya in April. Flew direct from Nairobi to Zanzibar. I stayed 2 nights in Stonetown, then 5 nights in Pwani Mchangani at a place called Mambo Ocean Resort. Nice place, about $50 USD per night with aircon. I dove 3 days with Scuba Blue. Marine life was good but no big stuff. Several reefs were badly bleached but one called Leon's Wall was excellent plate coral and very healthy. I dive with my own equipment. The shop owner is very competent but their facilities are limited. I think the diving there was worth doing because I was close by in Nairobi, but I wouldn't plan a whole vacation around Zanzibar diving, from what I saw. However, the beaches and small resorts make for a very nice vacation destination. LMK if you want more info.

Thanks for your feedback. I guess you didn't get out to Pemba Island?

 

[Triple C]

Thanks for your feedback. I guess you didn't get out to Pemba Island?

I didn't. My trip was last minute to Kenya and I added on the diving in TZ, so not a lot of time for research. Zanzibar's waters and beaches were very pretty and the one day's diving was quite good. I travel quite a lot for diving and wouldn't choose it solely for diving. Good luck with your planning.