Tanzania – Know Before you Go
There are a number of designated Marine Parks and Conservation Areas in Tanzania.
It is important that you familiarise yourself with where these are, as as there are many restrictions and associated fees. Fees vary depending on whether you are in a park or a reserve, however, the zones for marine parks and reserves are NOT clear. Also, the processes and legislation for cruising vessels is NOT clear or available.
Since our visit, I have done much research to find maps for parks and reserves and confirm pricing – see below.
The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar Marine Conservation Authority
It is important to note that Zanzibar and Pemba are governed under the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar and therefore have different fees and regulations.
A. Tanga and Pemba Channel
Tanga Yacht Club appears to be just outside of the Marine Park border and no one we know of has been asked for Park fees. However, we were asked for fees in Pemba (as were many other visiting yachts). We were hit by a boat while underway, causing damage to our hulls, claiming to be Marine Conservation in Pemba. They were asking for $200 US dollars cash, and we therefore left Pemba altogether.
I contacted Tanzania Marine Parks who advised that Zanzibar and Pemba are governed under the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar and therefore have different fees and regulations. Please refer to the following detailed map and fees, as disclosed by MCA Zanzibar Makame.
*Zanzibar/Pemba
MCA Zanzibar Makame advised the following via WhatsApp message (July 2024):
- Entry fee is $3 USD for Marine Parks (MBCA, TUMCA, CHABAMCA and MIMCA)
- Entry fee is $5 USD in Unguja/Zanzibar Island and PECCA in Pemba Island
- *Note: Entry fees for special area within Mnemba is $25 USD.
- *Anchoring within a Marine Park is $20 USD/ per day.
- MCA Zanzibar Makame WhatsApp Contact: +255 773 437 143
B. Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve System
The Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve System consists of seven islands; Fungu Yasini; Pangavini; Bundya; Bongoyo; Inner and Outer Makatombe; Kwenda and Inner and Outer Sinda Islands.
C. Mafia Island
The marine park boundary is clearly indicated on this map.
Related Information:
For more information, please refer to the Marine Parks and Reserves Guide here:
The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar Marine Conservation Authority Document Rules and Regulations:
Download SV Excelsior’s Marine Parks and Reserves guide here:
Tanzania Marine Parks WhatsApp Contact: +255 655 620 998
Sarah Ovens
SV Sailing Excelsior
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Other Noonsite reports from SV Sailing Excelsior:
- Tanzania: Thinks to Know Before You Go
- Tanzania: Busy Ports and Stunning Anchorages
- Cruising Sri Lanka: What we Wish We’d Known Beforehand
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About the Authors:
The Ovens Crew are an Australian Live-aboard family who began cruising on their sailing catamaran, Excelsior, in 2020. Starting out on the east coast of Australia, they have since travelled extensively throughout Indonesia (for 12 months) and then onward to Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Maldives and more recently they have crossed the Indian Ocean to explore the African Continent and its cruising grounds. Find out more about the Ovens family via their:
- You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@sailingexcelsior
- Instagram: instagram.com/theovenscrew
- Facebook: facebook.com/Sailing-Excelsior-108521981424036
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The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the view of Noonsite.com or World Cruising.
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