Tanzania’s Untouched Mainland Coast

Morning scheduled flight from Arusha Airport to Pangani (approx. 1 hour)

Land on a coconut fringed landing strip literally 500m from the beach. Met on arrival and transferred to the beach lodge (5 mins) settle in and lunch

With only 12 ocean facing bandas this isn’t a huge sprawling beach hotel complex. This is a small intimate lodge set on a quiet bit of coastline – no thumping music or multiple restaurants – just peace and the chance to relax and unwind in tune with nature.

The bandas are all simple but tasteful, large and airy with ensuite facilitates and are all just 20m from the ocean. Each with its own private shaded sunbeds down by the shore.  

Designed to give you everything you need and nothing more – with not a flat screen TV in sight this is a chance to detox and unwind with the simple life.

Think Robinson Crusoe rather than spring break!

Having checked into your room the afternoon is at leisure to settle in and get over the international flight OR your Kili Climb.

The afternoon is a chance to explore the area, either on foot or on the water.

Kayaks and stand-up paddle boards are available and for the naturalist there is some great birding from the huge majestic palm nut vulture to the colourful Orioles and four different species for Kingfisher.

There is a wonderful mangrove estuary just a few hundred meters North of the lodge – At high tide its possible to paddle more than half a mile inland – perfect for the explorer!

The lodge supports a turtle project just South of the lodge. The offshore sand islands used to be more substantial and turtles would nest there, now they have eroded and wash over at high tides which would kill the eggs. So, they are carefully transported back to the mainland and re-buried there – you may be lucky enough to be there for a hatching of eggs but even if not its fascinating to learn more about the project and its successes.

Or for this not feeling quite so energetic – or with a few aches and pains from their Kilimanjaro climb, then perhaps a relaxing massage in a secluded banda near the beach would be more in order…

For those doing their PADI Open Water Course the training starts right away! …. Meet your instructor and start familiarising yourself with the equipment. Learning how it all fits together and putting in to practice the theory learning you have done prior to your trip – your first time breathing underwater will be in the pool that afternoon!

o/n Emiyani Beach Lodge FB

After breakfast head out by boat (watch out for dolphins on the way there and back) approximately 5 miles to a marine reserve with a tidal sand island and extensive coral reef.  There is an extensive coral reef system around the sand island and long-term protection that this reef has enjoyed has meant that the coral is healthy and the fish are teeming. Turtles are common in the area and can either be seen whilst snorkelling or perhaps their track on the island as they come to lay their eggs. The boat can drop you at different locations to see different aspects of the reef and drift with the current.

The boat crew will have taken drinks, snacks and a picnic lunch out to the island for you.

Mid-afternoon head back to the lodge.

Kayaks and stand-up paddle boards are available free of charge at the lodge to explore the coast and nearby mangrove estuary o/n Emiyani Beach Lodge FB

Breakfast and back out the Sand Island for more exploration and snorkelling (there are several islands and several reefs so plenty to explore) before returning to the lodge for lunch.

Afternoon drive half an hour into Pangani town – this ancient backwater port on the Tanzanian coast has been used for thousands of years by Arab traders from the gulf and more recently by the German and British Colonial powers and now chiefly for trade with Zanzibar and Pemba. It’s a quaint mix of old world and modern post-independence architecture and a real living port with huge sailing dhows being loaded at the port with timber and cement bound for Zanzibar. A cultural walking tour unearths all these treasures and more.

Hop on a boat in Pangani for a sunset cruise up the Pangani River as it winds its way initially between mangrove forests and then coconut and palm plantations – enjoy snacks and drinks on board before heading back to the lodge for dinner.

o/n Emiyani Beach Lodge FB

An early start at 6am for the Speed boat transfer to Zanzibar (1-2 hours depending on conditions) – the crossing is this early to take advantage of the calmer seas first thing in the morning.

Land in north Zanzibar and transfer half the length of the island through villages and spice plantations to the capital and its warren of streets in ‘Stone Town’ – the old port section of this bustling city.

Check into the Emmerson Hotel, one of the oldest in stone town. The property is located in the heart of stone town and just oozes history and character. The rooms are all different and are eclectically decorated with traditional Zanzibari beds.

The afternoon at leisure to explore the twisting turning streets – there are plenty of options for lunch and we can provide some recommendations or simply wander and find somewhere yourself.

Dinner is reserved at the wonderful rooftop restaurant on top of the hotel. Stunning views across the patchwork roofs towards the harbour. Dinner is served Zanzibari style – sitting on plump cushions on the floor as a succession of local dishes are served.

Prebooked Rooftop Dinner at the hotel
o/n Emmerson Hotel

Morning at leisure for a final exploration of this world heritage city – or perhaps a last few souvenirs to haggle over in the market.

Separate transfers can be arranged for the 20-minute drive to the international airport for the flight home.  
OR

Fly back to Arusha for your climb or Safari (supplement for the internal flight)

OR

Fly to Dar es Salaam to connect with your international flight there (supplement for the internal flight)

PADI Open Water Certification – see the following page for more details

Register with PADI online and get the course package – you should have completed the online learning BEFORE arriving at the lodge

Two and a half days of Training, dives and certifications at the lodge                      

** the excludes the fee to PADI to enrol on the course

TRY SCUBA!!!!

Fully equipped dive centre right in the hotel with PADI certified instructors

** Optional upgrade (min 2pax) to scuba diving – there are plenty of different levels to choose from here

For inexperienced kids 8+ years old             

PADI bubble maker

A fantastic introduction to diving in the warm, shallow sheltered water of the Indian Ocean

For inexperienced Adults                              

PADI Discover Scuba Diving

Curious about diving but not sure if you’re going to love it! – the perfect safe way to ‘give it a go’ under expert supervision.

For certified adult divers PADI etc                

Recreational Dives

There are already over 20 fantastic dive sites on Maziwe Reserve and new ones or being explored all the time – with fantastic coral and a kaleidoscope of multicoloured reef fish …and warm water – it’s an incredible experience.

For certified adult divers PADI etc                

Night Dives

The ultimate diving experience – if you have dived but never night dived you are in for a treat! …the world shrinks to the cone of light from your torch as you are surrounded by inky blackness – but the colours are SO vivid and so many more creatures and fish come out to play at night – an experience never to be forgotten.