Saturday, June 25, 2016

Chumbe Island: African Diving

Chumbe Island Coral Gardens
 A little known secret hides off the east coast of Africa. It is one of the most incredible coral reefs anywhere in the world...yet almost no one has heard of scuba diving in Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique, or South Africa. In Africa, land animals tend to steal the show, leaving reefs uncrowded and perfect for underwater photography.
  A good place to start a diving excursion in East Africa is a small island within easy striking distance of the Tanzania mainland called Zanzibar. The name itself envokes mystical images of ancient seafarers and spice traders which is not too far off. The island inhabitants are almost 100% muslim descendants of these spice traders of old and the exotic architecture on the island match.
  This picture was taken off Chumbe Island, an even smaller island off of Zanzibar. It is still part of Tanzania which makes it a great side trip after an overland safari. The island and its surrounding coral gardens make up an award winning private nature reserve. And as you can it is not only worth protecting, but exploring as well. A day spent lazing in these waters will fill your expectations as well as your memory cards.