Kichafi
Protected Area
Maziwe Island
Why dive here
With 312+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, blue-spotted stingrays, dolphins, eagle rays and hammerhead sharks - Kichafi offers some of Zanzibar & Pemba's richest reef diving. Water ranges 26-30°C, warmest February, March, April.
Kichafi is one of those sites we always come back to when we’re in Zanzibar. It's not about big pelagics, though you might get lucky with a green turtle gliding past. For us, Kichafi shines for its incredible macro life and the sheer health of its corals. Dropping down, the first thing you notice is the massive, rolling plates of coral. They stretch out, creating these perfect little hideaways. We love poking around the nooks and crannies here; the current description mentions scorpionfish and stonefish, and we’d add leaf fish to that list. They’re masters of disguise, and spotting one is a real thrill. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too, like the eroded cowries and prickly spotted drupes clinging to the reef. The visibility averages around 14 meters, which is plenty for close-up viewing. The middle section of Kichafi transitions into dense, healthy patches of soft corals. It's a different vibe, more swaying and colourful. It’s a shallower dive, maxing out at 17 meters, so it's a relaxed profile. We often find ourselves spending ages just hovering, watching the small schools of yellow snapper dart in and out of the coral heads. It’s a site that rewards patience and a keen eye. Kichafi is ideal for divers who appreciate the intricate details of a reef. If you love hunting for camouflaged creatures or just want a chill dive amongst vibrant, healthy corals, this one’s for you. It’s a gentle introduction to Zanzibar diving or a lovely afternoon dive for experienced photographers.
Nearest Dive Centres to Kichafi
Dive shops near Kichafi
SSI Freediving
Spanish Dancer Divers
EGYPTIAN ZANZI LIMITID
ScubaCaribe Zanzibar
Awesome Ocean Diving Center
Zanzibar Watersports @ Kendwa Rocks
Reviews for Kichafi
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Kichafi
Kichafi Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Kichafi, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-5.98, 39.4) (10km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
27°C
81°F · Range: 25.9–28.4°C
Air Temperature
26°C
79°F
Wind Speed
4.72 m/s
9.2 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1013.8 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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