Maziwe island is a very small unvegetated island surrounded by coral reefs located about 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) south east of the town of Pangani off the northern coast of Tanzania.
It assumes that in 1912 the island was covered by a dense forest which was so lush. From the 1970 the trees were cut down and the island reverted to a sandbank .Around 1983 the last tree was seen on Maziwe and what is left today is a sun-kissed sand island exposed during low tide.
The Maziwe Island was established in 1975 and given a status of a Reserve to protect this most important breeding place for sea turtles of the East Africa Coast as well as to take care of the important reef system around.
Maziwe is also a diversity of nearly 400 species of fish, 35 general of hard and soft corals, sponges and algae as well as shoreline birds have been identified. The long reef slopes and beautiful coral gardens around the island are still visited by sea turtles looking for breeding places with records of about 200 nests of green and olive ridley turtles in a season when maziwe was still a forested island.
Attractions at Maziwe Island
Species of fish: In Maziwe Marine reserve you will find over 200 species of fish and 35 kinds of coral riffs which are found in the particular area.
Birds: Many types of birds of different species are also found in and around the Island Reserve.
Vegetation cover: The main island vegetation species that were found by then were huge trees like Casuarina cunninghamiana (Mivinje Bahari), Cocos nucifera (coconut plantations) fruit trees and other shrubs.
Under water adventures : The area is also ideal for underwater adventures and is among the best diving destinations along the Eastern African Coast with a wide variety of underwater marine life.
Activities at Maziwe Islanda:
Swimming and Snorkeling – Maziwe Island remains an ideal place for swimming, snorkeling and diving in the deep sea.
Sunbathing – Sunbathing and watching dazzling tropical fish is more impressive at this marine park.
Canoeing and boating
Fishing – Maziwe Island serves as a fishing camp to a number of fishermen from different areas.
Maziwe can only be visited at low tide; there’s no food or drink, but a picnic lunch is usually included in the excursions.
Let Enclose Africa Safaris take you on a boat trip to the island for snorkeling around the diverse and beautiful coral reefs that surround the island. It is the perfect start for the beginners in the group, with a gentle walk into the ocean and the reefs only a short swim away. When you’ve had enough, relax under the shade we’ve set up and enjoy a picnic lunch or refreshment. Swim, snorkel, or just lay-back and listen to the waves. There is something for everyone.