Snorkling at Maziwe Marine Park-From Pangani Town

Maziwe Island is a very small submerged, unvegetated island surrounded by coral reefs located about 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) South East of the Town of Pangani off the northern coast of Tanzania.

Maziwe / Maziwi Island is one of the oldest Marine Reserve in Tanzania which located about 15 miles from the cost of Pangani. It assumes that in 1912 the island was covered by a dense forest which was so lush. From the 1970 the trees were cut down and the island reverted to a sandbank. Around 1983 the last tree was seen on Maziwe and what is left today is a sun-kissed sand island exposed during low tide.

The Maziwe Island was established in 1975 and given a status of a Reserve to protect this most important breeding place for sea turtles of the East Africa Coast as well as to take care of the important reef system around.

Maziwe is also a diversity of nearly 400 species of fish, 35 general of hard and soft corals, sponges and algae as well as shoreline birds have been identified. The long reef slopes and beautiful coral gardens around the island are still visited by sea turtles looking for breeding places with records of about 200 nests of green and olive ridley turtles in a season when maziwe was still a forested island.

Attractions

Species of fish: In Maziwe Marine reserve you will find over 200 species of fish and 35 kinds of coral reefs which are found in the particular area.

Under water adventures : The area is also ideal for underwater adventures and is among the best diving destinations along the Eastern African Coast with a wide variety of underwater marine life.

Activities:

• Swimming and Snorkeling - Maziwe Island remains an ideal place for swimming, snorkeling and diving in the deep sea.
• Sunbathing - Sunbathing and watching dazzling tropical fish is more impressive at this marine park.
• Fishing - Maziwe Island serves as a fishing camp to a number of fishermen from different areas.

Climate

Rainfall - The coastal has tropical climate and it contain about two main rain seasons but heavy rains occurs between mid-march to May.

Temperature - The temperatures average between 25°C to 30°C

Best time to visit

• The Maziwe Island reserve is open and can be visited all round the year.
• Dolphins favour the area and are frequently spotted