Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

The waters off Africa's eastern coast contain some of the world's very best coral reefs, and most of the coastal lodges and resorts have scuba dive schools, on-site or nearby, to help you learn how to dive or, if qualified, to explore further. Diving in Africa does raise some issues of its own: you have to make sure the equipment is of a good standard and well-maintained, and that the highest levels of training are given to all staff to ensure complete security. These days standards are generally high, but even so we monitor all the operations we recommend to make sure they continue to offer excellent diving opportunities and an uncompromising and rigorous approach to safety and environmental protection.

The good coral starts on the coast of Kenya, where there are several marine parks and reserves. Further south, Tanzania's offshore islands and the waters around Zanzibar offer diving of an even higher standard. For truly world-class diving, the Seychelles is renowned, but Mozambique is nearly as good and far less visited. Diving is more limited in Mauritius, but it is where you'll find the best equipment and skilled instructors - though sometimes they are more comfortable speaking French than English. South Africa has excellent tropical diving off the northeastern coast of KwaZulu-Natal, while for many the cold-water diving off the southern coast is just as exhilarating - with the particular opportunity to dive with great white sharks and whales.

Don't overlook Africa's freshwater dives. Lake Malawi, in particular, has the world's greatest selection of colorful freshwater fish species and comes as a pleasant surprise to even the most experienced divers.

Most of the coastal resorts and hotels we use in Africa are able to supply simple masks and snorkels, and for many travelers these are enough to get a flavor of the underwater world. Serious divers should get in touch with us directly and we can ensure that your African safari will include some of the continent's finest diving.