Here
is an example that shows what a 10 days sailing and diving cruise in
the most beautiful district of East Africa can be like:
1. Day:
Welcoming
on board, discussion about the cruise, settlement on board and resting
on the nice white beach in Nungwi, north coast of Zanzibar, 1 and 1/2
hour drive from the airport.
2.
Day:
We
sail towards Pemba, Zanzibar's second island, about 20 miles from Nungwi.
We cross the Pemba Channel, famous in East Africa for game fishing,
and there we go! We have the fishing line out during the crossing and
catch a nice yellow fin tuna, that is ready to eat as sashimi half an
hour later! We also admire some big shoals of spinner dolphins playing
around the yacht, there are always in big shoals and love to play in
front of the bow. After a wonderful day of sailing, we anchor in Njao
Bay, in the north of Pemba and we allow ourselves a jump in the water
and a nice meal.
3. Day:
In Pemba, we start the diving in the beautiful Njao Gap (one or two
dives), while the non-divers go ashore for an excursion to the village
Mkia Ya Ngombe ("tail of the cow"), a typical Pemban village,
where people live from agriculture and fishing, in the same way as 500
years ago. The children are very happy to welcome us! Back on board
we enjoy a sun downer and the magnificent impression that this paradise
bay offers us.
4.
Day:
Today, we visit the Ngezi Forest and then sail along the coral reefs
towards Fundu Gap, where the divers jump in the water again. On the
menu tonight, some cheese and mushroom filled calamaris, fresh from
the fishermen. And of course, a nice little south-african white wine...
5.
Day:
Today, we sail direction Misali Island, a marine park, surrounded by
beautiful reefs. You can do a try dive from the beach and already enjoy
the colourful fish on your first dive! Otherwise, it is just relaxing,
sun-bathing, swimming, walking on the island... And in the evening,
the experinced divers can do a night dive, which is quite spectacular,
with beautiful corals and an amazing variety of crustaceans.
6.
Day:
Today, we feel lazy and just hang around Misali. We might see some turtles
hatching on the beach if we are lucky, or go diving again. We also go
out fishing, and catch a giant trevally, which we later cook on a wood
fire on the lonesome beach under the stars.
7. Day:
Today we sail back to Zanzibar, towards Mnemba Atoll. The wind is pushing
us gently and we drop the anchor in the turquoise water. We are lucky
and are able to enjoy sunset in the west, whilst the moon rises in the
east, awesome...
8. Day:
Today we dedicate ourselves to diving and snorkelling along the rich
reefs of Mnemba, reknown for its many turtles, and hope for a whale
shark! At midday, bottlenose dolphins decide to come and play with us,
we all jump in the water with mask and fins and enjoy...In the afternoon,
we navigate towards Nungwi that we reach in the night. The bright starry
sky reveals the Scorpio and Southern Cross, the only sounds are the
splashing of the water on the bow and the wind in the sails.
9.
Day:
We are going to take part to the famous Spice Tour and learn about how
cardamom or pepper grow and are prepared for consumption. In the evening,
we enjoy a typical meal in the old part of city and Forodhani Park.
Many small delicacies are prepared and offered here under the open sky.
10. Day:
Divers can enjoy their last underwater impressions, while the others
make a trip to Jozani forest and discover the red Colobus monkeys.
