Zanzibar & Pemba, Tanzania
    Maziwe Island

    Kichafi

    Best months: Jul–Oct

    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.

    Best timeJul–Oct
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeBarracuda, Blue-Spotted Stingrays, Dolphins, Eagle Rays and Hammerhead Sharks · 312+ species recorded
    Water26-30°C · warmest February, March, April
    CharacterReef dive
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    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.

    Today06:0418:1612h 12m daylightGolden hour 17:49

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    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)

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    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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