Tourism in Mnemba Island Conservation Area - Africa Natural Tours ( africanaturaltours.com )
Tourism in Mnemba
Island Conservation Area: Africa Natural Tours
AFRICA
NATURAL TOURS (The best tour company in Tanzania)
Specialized
in: Wildlife safaris, Cultural tourism,
Beach holiday sand
Mountain
climbing
Contact
+255 653 679 958
Mnemba
Island is a single small island located about 3 km off the northeast coast of
Unguja, the largest island of the Zanzibar Archipelago, Tanzania, opposite
Muyuni Beach. It is roughly triangular in shape, about 500 m in diameter and
about 1.5 km in circumference. It is surrounded by an oval reef seven by four
kilometres in extent. These reefs have been declared a Marine Conservation
area. Mnemba Island and its reef are sometimes called Mnemba Atoll which is
incorrect because an atoll is an island that encircles a lagoon, which is not
the case for Mnemba Island.
The
surrounding waters and area around Mnemba Island are an important breeding
ground for Green Turtles while a host of migratory wading birds use the island
as a secure roost. The fragile coral reef eco-systems support countless fish
species and microorganisms while gigantic Whale Sharks, Humpback Whales and
dolphins frequent the deeper waters.
Diving & Snorkeling Sites Around Northern Zanzibar
Island and Mnemba Island Marine Conservation Area
Diving at Mnemba is a year-round event, with reasonably good conditions to be
found on the atoll under almost all weather conditions and visibilities of 20
to 40 metres are the norm.
Kichwani Reef: Kichwani Reef is a deep, clear, drift dive from 20 to 40
meters depending on the divers experience. Many coral species are found such as
Mushroom, Honeycombe, Brain and Staghorn Coral to name just a few. Below 30
meters, a vertical wall of reef fish, Trumpet fish and large Napoleon Wrasse
are commonly seen; lucky divers can spot Reef sharks, Eagle and Manta Rays.
Wattabomi Site: Wattambomi is an excellent site for snorkels and novice
divers. Schools of small reef fish, Regal Angelfish, Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse,
Semicircle Angelfish, Moorish Idols, Blue Spotted Rays, Lionfish are commonly
seen. Take your time looking for Flounders and Soles. These fish lie on their
side buried in the sand, and are very well camouflaged. For most of the
year, you will be treated to the beautifully patterned Striped Dolphin but the
Bottlenose, Spinner and common Dolphins are also seen in the clear waters
around Mnemba Atoll. This is an excellent photographic opportunity both above
and below the water.
Aquarium Site: The Aquarium’s depth is 20 meters. There is usually a
slight current at this site. Patches of sandy bottom occur quite close to the
reef with Surgeonfishes, Moorish Idols, Parrotfish, Groupers, large Hawksbill
and Green Turtles along with White Tip reef sharks.
West Gardens Site: Lies at a depth of 12 meters, and is a good spot for
snorkels and novice divers.
The Big Wall Site: Lies at a depth of 30 meters, which drops to 50 meters.
You will descend down to 30 meters drifting along a vertical wall. On your
silent drift along this wonderful wall you will be passed by different species
of pelagic school’s of Rainbow Runner, Bluefin Trevally and common dolphin
fish. Along the edge of the wall, you find some overhangs and small caves often
filled with lobsters.
For more information
visit www.africanaturaltours.com
Comments
Post a Comment