Tanzania · Zanzibar - Mnemba Atoll

Kichwani

Best time to dive

October to March; June to September

What you might see

  • DolphinPossible
  • Grey reef sharkPossible
  • Moray eelLikely
  • Napoleon wrasseLikely
  • NudibranchLikely

Sightings are seasonal probabilities, not promises - even in peak season nature does its own thing.

Certification & difficulty

Open Water - advanced conditions (currents/depth); dive within your training.

Snorkelling

Snorkel-friendly - Yes - very viable and a popular snorkelling excursion

Safety notes

Heavy boat traffic/overcrowding in peak season (reportedly up to ~100 boats at once); coral bleaching in places

Permits & fees

Mnemba Island Marine Conservation Area fee - revised Sep 2025 to USD 10/day (non-EAC adult, up from USD 3), USD 5/day for children 5-15; a separate 'Special Area' closer to the island costs USD 25/adult, USD 10/child

Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.

Location

Nearest hub: Matemwe

This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand dive report. Coordinates are approximate.