It recently hit me (as I shockingly and sadly realized that I was no longer a spring chicken), that life is so undeniably short. We should live every day as if it were our last, be adventurous and experience new things, for we may never again be give the chance.
And so this holiday, why not be bold and courageous and venture into the unknown. I’m referring to the magical and mysterious world beneath our surface, a world filled with millions of creatures, big and small, terrifying and mesmerizing. A world so many of us know so little about. Let us leave behind, albeit it for just a little while, the savannah of Africa and head off into the enthralling underwater of our continent’s greatest and hottest snorkelling spots.
Zanzibar, Tanzania
For me Zanzibar will always be one of the rarest gems in the crown of the Indian Ocean. Above and below the surface, Tanzania has some of the world’s most biologically diverse environments. The massive reef of Mnemba Island, which is immense and dwarfs the island in comparison, makes it to the top of my list. Most of the lodges in north and north-east Zanzibar, as well as the top-end Mnemba Island Lodge, will undertake many of their dives here, so it’s not a peaceful reef. Many tour guides and fishermen organize dolphin-watching tours (particularly in Kizimkazi). Here you can see shoals of clownfish, surgeonfish, small reef sharks, clownfish, and, if you’re lucky, turtles. If I didn’t know for certain that Nemo was set in The Great Barrier Reef, this could easily have been the setting in my mind.
This is without a doubt the most popular snorkelling area on the island. The crystal blue waters are home to an incredible amount of marine life, and the location itself is a sight to behold for any island lover showcasing more than 50 different coral species which can be seen in the park. The protected marine park is stunning, with water depths ranging from five to six meters in the lagoon. You can also play it safe and walk in from the shore in more shallow water.
Mozambique
Mozambique boasts almost 1600 kilometres of coastline and numerous islands soaked in the Indian Ocean’s warm and beguiling waters, making some areas of its coasts, particularly in the Nacala region, Bazaruto Archipelago and the Quirimbas Archipelago which are surrounded by coral reefs, the perfect dive and snorkelling spots. The closest snorkelling places to Maputo are on Inhanca Island, about 20 kilometres off the coast. A coral reef runs along its west coast, which can be explored on boat cruises or from Praia do Coral for very good swimmers. The reef and the beach are around 500 metres apart and its blue waters are home to everything from clownfish and angelfish to rays, sharks, whales, and dugongs.
Kenya
Kenya has a large number of complex marine reserves that stretch along a coastline of about 1400 kilometres of beautiful white beaches and coral reefs making it ideal for snorkelling. It is important to note that in Kenya, the tidal range can be as much as 2.5m, which will affect your entry and exit points if snorkelling from shore. Snorkelling is popular off Watamu Beach and the nearby Turtle Bay and Blue Lagoon beaches, which are all located in the Watamu-Malindi National Marine Reserve. The range of species of fish is so extraordinary and vast at over 600 types, that the area was declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
Seychelles
The waters of the Seychelles are home to an array of fascinating marine life: clownfish, triggerfish, reef sharks, spotted eagle rays and variety of other species. Bird and Denis Islands are coral cays with white sand beaches that have a tropical climate and pleasant temperatures all year and unlike the other islands in the Seychelles; they are not in the path of cyclones. The best part is that you can opt to take a full day reef safari that will take you on a laid back cruise past the island of Hodoul and then followed by a visit to the marine park where you can board a semi-submersible to explore the reefs – a perfect way to meet the colourful creatures that inhabit the reef.
Not So Secret Information Before Setting Out On Your Underwater Adventure:
- Make sure to arrange your snorkelling tours with a reputable company that is concerned about marine conservation.
- Read up on the tourism responsibilities of wildlife and the environment you are visiting beforehand. Coral reefs are delicate and can be permanently damaged, posing a threat to the environment.
- Don’t touch or feed any of the fish or aquatic life; we’re there to observe, not to interact.
- Don’t go diving in overcrowded regions; instead, be flexible and wait till there are fewer people in one place.
- Don’t touch or gather coral samples. Admire them from afar and with your camera.
- Help the environment and collect any trash you may have accumulated.
The Best Conditions Under Which To Snorkel:
You may want to consider some conditions before setting off to explore the best spots. These include the weather and the season. Summer is the best time for snorkelling and in most parts of central and southern Africa; this is usually during November to February.
Low tides are great for snorkelling as long as you have at least one or two metres below the surface. Lagoons are also perfect since you don’t have to worry about the tide returning.
The time of day also plays an important factor and the best time is usually early in the morning.
And there you have it, some of the top snorkelling spots in Africa! Don’t forget to be kind to our environment, act responsibly and have the most wonderful time venturing into the unknown!!