LUXURY DIVING HOLIDAYS IN AFRICA

Overview

Drawing divers and snorkellers from all over the world, and making an obvious pairing with a safari, for nature-lovers diving holidays in Africa are truly a bucket list experience. The East Coast of Africa is the beating heart of scuba diving experiences on the continent. With a healthy balance of large and little, the best dive sites in Africa cater to beginners and expert divers alike, and Reefscape Travel has a special list of recommendations tailored to guests’ preferences. Marine megafauna and macro magic alike mean that there is something for everyone, with the added bonus of minimal time difference from Europe and warm water the year round.

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The view from the Azura Benguerra helicopter

helicopter views with Azura

A Chromodoris nudibranch in Mafia Island

Chromodoris Nudibranch, Mafia Island

Sunset sand dune drinks with Azura benguerra

Dugong

Azura Benguerra infinity beach villa

baobab tree, mafia island

Kua Lagoon, Mafia Island

Barracuda, Mafia island

table coral, mafia island

Azura benguerra heli flips

In Depth

Divers needn’t travel to the ends of the Earth to find exceptional scuba diving, and the reefs around Tanzania’s Pemba and Mafia Islands is proof of this. Coral health is impressive and a plethora of marine delights can be seen in the waters around these history-rich Spice Islands, making diving holidays in Africa very special. The annual whale shark migration through Mafia Island is a snorkelling highlight and this sleepy island hosts relatively few tourists versus neighbouring buzzy Zanzibar for example, meaning that there are far fewer divers on the region’s best dive sites. From the gigantic whale shark to the tiny nudibranch, divers and snorkellers can see the full spectrum in these inviting waters, where scuba diving brings a different surprise every day.

For those looking for the big fish action, Mozambique’s best dive sites pack a punch with frequent visits from manta rays, whale sharks and humpback whales around Tofo Beach. Amongst the jaw-dropping undulating sand bars of the Bazaruto Archipelago, divers and snorkellers visiting Two Mile Reef, home to some of the region’s best dive sites, can meet devil rays, guitarfish, mantas and friendly potato cod, as well as the ever-present turtles cruising by. The lucky few may catch a glimpse of an elusive dugong grazing on a bed of sea grass.

Madagascar, dubbed the Eighth Continent for its sheer range of biodiversity and huge size, is home to some beautiful scuba diving and a trip to the northern island of Nosy Be will reward visitors with colourful reefs and abundant fish life. Whilst this isn’t the crème de la crème of diving holidays in Africa, it makes for a wonderful addition to a wider Madagascar adventure.

Beyond the Reef

Diving holidays in Africa are a natural complement to a wide host of top side activities. The obvious pairing is a ‘bush and beach’ special, with a combination of a safari with some time on the coast. East Africa is world-renowned for exceptional safari experiences, with a wide range of lodges and tented camp offering access to nature’s most impressive marvels. For those more interested in the cultural and historical element of travel, a visit to Zanzibar’s Stone Town gives the opportunity to explore Prison Island and learn about the rich history of spice trading off the coast of East Africa. We can arrange the best possible guides to accompany guests on their discovery. In Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago, helicopter trips over some of the most beautiful scenery imaginable is a must-do, while Madagascar showcases some of the highest endemic species populations on Earth with their varied species of lemurs and weird and wonderful chameleons found nowhere else on the planet.