DIVING CONDITIONS

Mafia Island

From July to March, conditions are generally excellent for divers, with little rainfall and water temperature in the high 68°F. Some of the dives carried out in Pemba are drift drives on the east side, and as such are suited to more experienced divers but there is a range of site available for newer divers wanting to extend their experience on the north and west coast of the island.

Water temperatures range from 85°F from December to March and 75°F from July to November.

Visibility: Visibility ranges from 25 to 30 meters on dive sites around the island, with perhaps the best being on the sheltered sites inside Chole Bay. The marine park is located between the Rufiji River delta to the west and the Indian Ocean to the east. These both combine to create unique landscapes and an incredible biodiversity of marine life.

Rains: The long rains fall in April and May. It is recommended to avoid visiting the island during these months and the lodge is closed annually in May.

Pemba

Visibility: Pemba Island tends to experience good visibility overall in comparison with other islands in the region. Unlike Mafia Island where the river Rufiji flows around 50km away after the rains, there are no river estuaries that flow close to this area. As a general rule, the months offering best underwater visibility are September to November, as the Monsoon winds have settled and it is following a couple of dry, hot months.

Rains: The ‘long rains’ can start in April and last through to June. There is typically a second, shorter wet season in November. However, the duration and timings of the rains are becoming more irregular. The resorts on Pemba close for the main seasonal rains during Spring; please refer to the resort's page for details of each year's closure.

MAFIA ISLAND

AREA: 440 km²

POPULATION: 41,000

LANGUAGE: Swahili, English

CURRENCY: Tanzanian Shilling

TIME: GMT + 3

ELECTRICITY: 240 volts, 50Hz. UK-style 3-pin plugs are used (Type D & G)

PEMBA

AREA: 364,898 sqm.

POPULATION: 37 million

LANGUAGE: Swahili, English, Tribal

CURRENCY: Tanzanian Shilling

TIME: GMT + 3

ELECTRICITY: 240 volts, 50Hz. UK-style 3-pin plugs are used.

TANZANIA PASSPORT, VISA + TRAVEL INFORMATION 

Your passport needs to be valid for at least six (6) months after your journey ends and should have a minimum of two (2) blank visa pages for entry and exit stamps. A tourist visa is required for U.S. and Canadian passport holders for entry into Tanzania. There are currently two options available as outlined below. Ascension Scuba recommends an electronic visa (eVisa). 

Electronic Visa (eVisa): To apply for an eVisa, visit eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa. 

The current fee for a multiple-entry visa, which is valid for one year, is USD $100 (subject to change without notice). 

We recommend that you apply at least 60 days prior to your arrival date. 

Average time to receive an eVisa is approximately 5-10 days. When applying for your eVisa make sure you have your passport details, a copy of your passport photo, and return ticket, as you will need to upload these documents to complete the application process.

Read and follow all instructions carefully to ensure a smooth arrival in Tanzania.

 • Complete the “Travel Information” section of the application as indicated below: 

1. Type of Visa: Multiple Entry 

2. Purpose of Visit: “Leisure and Holiday” 

3. Port Type: Choose either “Airports” or “Roads” 

4. Port of Entry and Port of Departure: These specific ports may be left blank 

5. Date of Arrival: Enter your date of entry for Tanzania 

6. Departure Date: Enter your departure date from Tanzania 

7. Host Details: Select “Company/Organization” 

8. Full name and Physical Address of the Host: Ascension Scuba; 953 Ailuna St., Unit B., Honolulu, HI, 96821

9. Host Telephone Number: +1 808-462-2597

10. Host Email: oceans@ascensionscuba.com

11. Where are you going to stay? Choose hotel from the dropdown menu and then enter the contact information of the first hotel on your itinerary. 

If you experience technical problems with the eVisa website, try again a few hours later or the following day. A visa can also be obtained on arrival in Tanzania, however, the visa on arrival process requires applicants to stand in several different lines with wait times of two hours or longer. 

VisaCentral offers easy, efficient U.S. passport and visa processing. Visit them online or call 844 823 1224. Service fees apply. 

Citizens of other countries should contact the appropriate consular office for entry requirements pertaining to their journey. 

COVID-19 COUNTRY ENTRY REQUIREMENTS & TRAVEL ADVISORIES 

The following are the current COVID-19 screening requirements for entry into Tanzania for U.S. and Canadian residents. Visit the U.S. Department of State at travel.state.gov or the Government of Canada at travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories for up-to-date information and travel advisories. All requirements are subject to change.

➢ Travellers are subject to medical screening on arrival, including a temperature check, questionnaire, and visual assessment. COVID-19 Testing Information Ascension Scuba will arrange any required COVID-19 testing during your time in Tanzania. The current cost for local testing ranges from USD $90-$200 (subject to change) and can be paid by credit card or cash in U.S. dollars.

YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION & MALARIA PREVENTION

A yellow fever vaccination is only required to enter Tanzania if you are arriving from, or have transited through, a yellow fever-endemic area in South America or Africa – including East African countries such as Kenya and Uganda. This means that if your itinerary includes visits to both Kenya and Tanzania, you may be asked to show proof of yellow fever vaccination when entering either country. The CDC and WHO each provide a current list of all affected countries. If vaccination for yellow fever is necessary, you must carry an International Certificate of Vaccination provided by your physician; you may be denied entry without it. If your physician advises against receiving the vaccination because of your personal medical history, he or she can provide you with the necessary documentation for the country/countries you are visiting. You will be travelling to an area of malaria transmission. We strongly advise that you speak with your doctor or travel clinic regarding your itinerary, individual risk assessment and options for mosquito bite prevention and antimalarial drugs. We recommend filling any prescriptions before you depart. LOCAL HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS Wearing masks is not required; physical distancing of at least 6 feet (2 meters) is recommended. Note all protocols are subject to change in accordance with relevant guidelines, local regulations and conditions. CASH & CREDIT CARDS Tanzania has a cash-based economy. Cash transactions can be made in either U.S. dollars or local currency. U.S. dollars should be recently issued bills in smaller denominations. Major credit cards are accepted on a very limited basis, mainly in the largest shops, hotels and lodges. Access to ATM machines is available in large cities such as Arusha and Dar es Salaam, but limited in rural areas. 

OF SPECIAL NOTE: PLASTIC BAGS IN TANZANIA 

The government of Tanzania has implemented a ban on plastic bags. The ban applies to “carrier and flat bags,” primarily targeting bags from shops and grocery stores, but also extending to duty-free bags and bubble wrap. If tourists have those types of bags visible while in the airport, they are likely to be confiscated. Bags designed for multiple uses, such as zippered cosmetic bags, are not included in the ban. 

PACKING LIST & BAGGAGE RESTRICTIONS 

On flights within East Africa, each passenger is limited to a maximum baggage weight of 33 pounds (15 kilograms). This includes the weight of purses and camera equipment in addition to regular luggage. Luggage restrictions are adhered to very strictly and passengers should pack their bags accordingly. Soft-sided luggage or duffels are preferable to hard luggage for storage on safari vehicles and also on aircraft used throughout East Africa. Dimensions should not exceed 23 inches (58 centimeters) long x 13 inches (33 centimeters) high x 10 inches (25 centimeters) wide. As a convenience, Ascension Scuba provides each guest with a complimentary, custom-designed Ascension Scuba Duffel. This bag is specifically crafted to meet airline standards. Flights aboard light aircraft within East Africa may not be direct. 

A change of aircraft may be required. Please use the provided Ascension Scuba luggage tags, even if your bags already have ID tags. This makes it easier for Ascension Scuba staff to track and manage your luggage with you. 

CLOTHING

Choose comfortable and casual clothing in natural, "breathable" fabrics and versatile styles that can be layered, as temperatures may vary considerably in the course of the day. For game viewing, wear neutral colors (though not camouflage, which is illegal in most national parks and reserves). Black, navy or other dark colors tend to attract insects. Smart casual attire is appropriate for evenings. Formal clothing is not necessary. 

• Casual slacks

• Walking shorts 

• Polo shirts, casual short-sleeve shirts or blouses

• Long sleeve shirts or blouses 

• Comfortable walking shoes with traction

• A pair of rubber beach sandals to use as slippers. 

• If you are traveling during Africa's winter months of mid-May through early September, bring warm clothing — heavy sweater, hat, gloves, lined jacket — to protect against chilly early morning and evening temperatures. A lined jacket is needed year-round when visiting the Ngorongoro Crater 

• Brimmed hat for sun protection

• Swimwear/cover-up

• Personal garments

• Sports bra for women for bumpy roads 

• Sleepwear 

• Socks Other Recommended Items 

• Face masks and hand sanitizer 

• Sunglasses / Reef Safe Sunscreen

• Prescriptions and medications (in their original bottles and/or packaging) 

• Insect repellent to protect against mosquitos and tsetse flies*

• Extra eyeglasses/contact lenses □ Global travel adapter 

• Charging cables for electronics 

Optional Items

Small LED flashlight 

Lightweight binoculars

Inflatable pillow or stadium cushion can make bumpy roads more comfortable 

Small daypack or fanny pack 

Low-suds detergent for washing small items of personal laundry *Note: many properties provide insect repellent in rooms/tents. However, you may wish to bring your own preferred brand. 

Laundry Service is available at most hotels, lodges, and camps. Because some laundries in Africa do not accept any underclothing, be prepared to wash your own delicates. Laundry techniques may not be suitable for delicate and/or synthetic fabrics. Check costs and return times before using these services.

 TIPPING GUIDELINES 

While decisions regarding tipping rest entirely with you, it is still customary and we suggest the following gratuities (noted in U.S. dollars) depending on the type of journey.

Local Divemaster/ Scuba Site Guide $20 per person, per day 

Airport Transfer Drivers Included $5 per person, per transfer 

Hotel Porters Included $2 per bag Bush Lodges and Permanent Tented Camps Included $10 per person, per day 

– Gratuities are accepted at each property and shared among the staff. 

Housekeepers Included $2 per person, per night 

Included Meals Included Included Restaurants or Room Service on Own 10-15% unless already added 10-15%