Explore: Tanzania
Facts
- In line with a general opening up of the country to tourism, cruising yachts are now welcome to all parts of the country and even areas which were closed in the past, such as Pemba Island, are now accessible by sea. The underwater scenery and marine life are of comparable beauty to the spectacular interior of the country.
- Unfortunately with this development comes a negative impact on the environment and the freedom to anchor wherever you want. Dynamite fishing has had a drastic impact on the local reefs and ecology, something which fortunately is no longer practised. The reefs will take time to recover but reports are encouraging.
- The main attractions inland are the game parks, such as the Serengeti or Ngorongoro, which can be visited by leaving the yacht in the care of one of the yacht clubs. Tanga Yacht Club is particularly welcoming to visiting yachts.
- Theft (in particular outboard motors) can be a problem where there are large groups of local fishermen. In busy ports, ensure your yacht is properly watched at all times.
- Provisions are sometimes in short supply. Occasionally there are temporary water shortages due to power failures and all water should be treated and possibly filtered as well. Some simple repairs are possible in the bigger ports, but there are not a lot of qualified marine systems workers here and any spares must be flown in from abroad.
Security
When cruising Tanzania, particularly near Dar es Salaam, avoid any islands where more than a few fishermen are living in tents and temporary shelters. As in many parts of the world, theft tends to be focused mainly on outboard engines. Wherever you anchor, hoist your dinghy at night. Keep all engines padlocked to their transoms or deck mounts.
In Dar es, Salaam and other busy ports, make sure you leave someone on board at all times.
It is advisable to get travel advice from a government website such as the UK FCO.
Last updated July 2018.
Weather
The weather patterns are stable and predictable in Tanzania.
From June through August, moderate to strong southerlies sweep the area, and the temperature is very comfortable. In the summer months, the northern winds blow fairly intensely until February or so. Summer is not a good time to be outside, as it is hot and muggy. The rainy season (NW monsoon) is very hot and humid and starts after the northerly winds abate in December and last until April – May. The SE monsoon is from May to October.
For links to free global weather information, forecast services and extreme weather information see the Noonsite Weather Page.
Main Ports
- Ports: Dar es Salaam
- Ports: Kilindoni (Mafia Island)
- Ports: Mtwara
- Ports: Tanga
- Ports: Zanzibar
