Visiting the Tanzania Marine Parks and Reserves

Visiting the Tanzania Marine Parks and Reserves. Tanzania is home to various Marine Parks and Reserves. These are all grouped and managed under the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve System (DMRS) controlled by Tanzania Marine Parks and Reserves Unit. The reserve system consists of nine uninhabited islands four north of Dar es Salaam (Bongoyo, Mbudya, Pangavini and Fungu Yasini) and five south of the city (Inner and Outer Makatumbe, Inner and Outer Sinda and Kendwa Island). It provides protection for several important tropical ecosystems; coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds making them worth visiting on safari in Tanzania for those interested in see marine wildlife and coral reefs. Here below are the best marine parks and reserve to visit in Tanzania.

Mafia Island Marine Park

This consists of eight small reserves located along the Tanzania coast. The island is home to outstanding mosaic of tropical marine habitats including coral reefs, mangroves, grass beds and inter-tidal flats. The park is also home to two species of sea turtle used as mafia’s beaches as nesting grounds and the area has been recognized internationally as a critical site for biodiversity. Safari at this park will give you an opportunity to cover the several historical sites some dating back to the 13^th century. The marine park area has a national importance as one of the few remaining reef complexes within Tanzania’s coastal waters in relatively intact condition.

Mikindani Bay Marine Reserve

Mikindani Bay Marine Reserve is a fascinating old town with winding streets and an exciting blend of African, Arabic and European architecture. Some of the interesting attractions to see at Mikindani Bay Marine reserve include old house, Hendricks Family, The Hendricks families are the most famous of the Makonde carvers who still lives in Mtwara area. You can visit their carving workshop in Ziwani village just outside of Mtwara town. Other notable attractions include;

• A number of historical buildings
• Visit the Mikindani town the oldest settlements in Tanzania.
• Visit Dr. Livingstone house where lived when he landed in Mikindani during his final trip into Africa. This house still has a small sign on it.
• There are big ancient mosque, Old Boma, and an old German colonial building. This building is currently transformed into a top-end hotel, but still worth to have a look inside.

Mnazi Bay-Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park

This is located in southern Tanzania it is home to important populations of whales, dolphins, four species of turtle and numerous birds. For those interested in seeing whales at the coast of Tanzania this is the best marine park.

Chumbe Island Marine Sanctuary

Chumbe Island Marine Sanctuary is one of the best place in the world to see coral reefs, this offers some of the most pristine and colourful coral reefs in the world, with over 200 species of coral providing a sanctuary for more than 400 species of colourful fish. Exploring coral reefs at this marine park donot need you to dive given it is not permitted the marine is shallow enough to see everything very clearly with a mask, snorkel and fins.

Tanzania Visa and work permit Advice

You will need to purchase the tourist visa. Many tourists prefer obtaining their visas before they come to Tanzania but visas can be obtained easily upon arrival at any entry point in Tanzania upon paying USD100.00 for Tourist Visa you will be able to get it immediately. Proof of yellow fever vaccination and a COVID-19 free certificate may be asked if arriving from affected countries. Visa, work permit and other entry and exit conditions such as customs and quarantine regulations can change regularly. We advise you contact your local Tanzanian embassy or here for the latest travel information to Tanzania.

Tanzania Vehicle Hire Services

Eco Adventure Safaris will help you organize transport in Tanzania depending on interest, budget and the nature of roads in such selected locations to see in the park. We recommend Customized 4×4 Land Cruisers which costs from USD200-250 per vehicle per day with Driver/Fixer or 4×4 Safari Vans from USD200 per Van per day with driver. For us to estimate how much it will cost in terms of fuel, we will need to look at your schedule to establish mileage and distance to be travelled.

What is the best time for Visiting the Tanzania Marine Parks and Reserves?

Visiting the Tanzania Marine Parks and Reserves is done throughout the year and the best time is during the months of December to February and then June to October which is relatively drier than March to May and November.

Why book with Eco Adventure Safaris to visit the Tanzania Marine Parks and Reserves?

Eco Adventure Safaris is experienced in organizing amazing safari experiences to Tanzania. We are also highly rated and reviewed on trip Advisor. We combine Tanzania safaris with eco-friendly and unforgettable high-end adventure and wildlife safaris that help preserve biodiversity, conserve wildlife and uplift local communities, these include gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris and game viewing, Mountain Hiking, Boat cruises excursions and Cultural encounters to give you a memorable and best African Safari experience including popular and great African safari destinations Kenya, Botswana and Namibia. Feel free to contact us about Visiting the Tanzania Marine Parks and Reserves.