Maziwe Island is located in the Tanga region of Tanzania, southeast of Pangani town. It used to be a habitat for green sea turtles, but due to habitat loss, the island has seen significant changes. The island’s size has decreased, and it continues to suffer erosion, leading to the loss of all vegetation on Maziwe Island.
The island was inhabited by people before they migrated to the Tanga region around 1854. Until the early 1990s, the island was still covered in forests, but the last tree on the island was seen in 1983. Rising water levels and deforestation by fishermen are believed to be the causes of this deforestation and the island’s diminishing size. Conservation efforts are underway to save Maziwe Island, with a portion of the income generated going to local fishermen as compensation for their fishing and other activities.
Nevertheless, Maziwe Island boasts a rich diversity of marine life, including 35 species of corals, 200 species of fish, numerous sea grasses, and more. Maziwe Island was declared a nature reserve in 1975 to protect the island and its marine life. In 1994, Maziwe Island was designated as a conservation “no-use zone” under the Pangani/Ushongo community conservation program, with support from the Dorobo Fund and other friends of Maziwe.
Maziwe Island is an ideal destination for day trips from Pangani, offering visitors a less crowded alternative to the beaches in Zanzibar. The best time to visit Maziwe Island is from June to October during low tide in the drier months.
Activities on Maziwe Island
- Birding: Maziwe Island is home to several water birds.
- Fishing: With over 200 species of fish recorded at Maziwe Island, it is a prime destination for fishing in Pangani. Tourists can bring their fishing gear or hire equipment in Pangani for sport fishing. In most cases, you are allowed to have your catch for lunch or dinner. Fishing can be done from the shore or by boat, and some of the fish species found here include Napoleon fish, Crocodile fish, spotted Ray’s, and leaf fish, among others.
- Snorkeling: Maziwe Island offers excellent snorkeling opportunities with its rich coral reefs. You can encounter a variety of marine life while snorkeling, and it’s recommended to bring a waterproof camera to capture these unforgettable memories. Tourists can bring their snorkeling gear or rent it at an affordable price in Pangani town.
- Scuba Diving: Maziwe Island provides some of the best scuba diving spots in Tanzania. There are designated places for scuba diving around the island, with warm water temperatures ranging from 26-29 degrees Celsius.
- Swimming and Sunbathing: Maziwe Island’s crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming. The water is bilharzia-free, making it a safe and enjoyable experience. Sunbathing on the island’s beaches is a great way to relax after engaging in various activities.
- Corals: There are approximately 35 genera of coral reefs stretching from Saadani to Tanga. These coral gardens are among the most beautiful in Tanzania. While the coral gardens used to be breeding grounds for olive Ridley turtles and green turtles, their habitats have been destroyed, but you may still encounter a few.
- Kayaking: Kayaking is a fantastic activity to enjoy on Pangani’s beaches. Paddle in the sea and dive in at any spot you find appealing.
Explore Pangani
Pangani is a historical town in Tanzania, located in the Tanga region. This town holds archaeological remains dating back to the 25th century, although it gained prominence in the 19th century. Pangani used to serve as a major terminus for caravan routes into the interior. During the 1860s, Pangani became an agricultural town with large plantations, where slaves worked on sugar and coconut farms. The town also became a significant slave market. As Pangani grew, it attracted people of mixed races, in addition to the locals, and this influence still resonates in Pangani today. You can visit some of the historical buildings during your visit to learn more about the town’s ancient history.
Toten Island
Toten Island is another beautiful island worth exploring while in Pangani. The island contains two medieval historical Swahili mosques and tombs with a rich history. The mosque was last inhabited in 1954, and since then, its inhabitants resettled to Tanga town, with no return. Toten Island offers various tourist activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and more.
Kite and Windsurfing
Enjoy kite and windsurfing at the beach as one of the best ways to spend your time in Pangani.
