The DYVUM Take
Reserved — editorial block, added separately
Photo: Mandarin Resort, Kizimkazi, Zanzibar
EXPEDITIONS/ZANZIBAR & TANZANIA — EAST AFRICA
Azure Depths & Amber Plains
World-class diving off Zanzibar's coral walls, then the Great Migration underfoot in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Three ways to experience one extraordinary circuit — choose your plan below.
Duration
9D8N – 14D13N
Dives (Plan A)
Up to 12
Departs
26 Nov 2026
Group Size
4–24 pax
Zanzibar and Tanzania safari photography (credit: Grant) supplied by Pagan, plus lodge/camp photography from the trip's ground operator.
Overview
Azure Depths & Amber Plains is DYVUM's most ambitious expedition to date — a single circuit joining two of East Africa's most storied landscapes. It begins in the water: the southern and northern reefs of Zanzibar, where warm currents, dolphin-rich channels and the crystal gardens of Mnemba Atoll open the trip with up to twelve dives across five days, including three night dives.
From the island, the expedition turns inland. A short flight to Arusha marks the transition from azure to amber — the gateway to the northern safari circuit. Over the days that follow, the group tracks the Big Five across the Seronera plains of the Serengeti, drives off-track through Ndutu during the great calving season, descends 600 metres into the Ngorongoro Crater — the world's largest inactive caldera and home to the rare Black Rhino — and closes in Tarangire, among the largest concentration of baobabs in Tanzania.
Three plans let you choose how much of the circuit is right for you: the full Dive & Safari expedition, an Island & Safari version for non-diving travel companions, or a Safari Only track for those joining the group directly in Arusha. All three converge on the same great safari circuit, ground operations throughout by HM Safaris.
Choose Your Plan
Three Ways to Experience This Expedition
All plans are land-package pricing, per person, on a double-occupancy basis. Select a plan below to filter the itinerary, dive schedule and flight details further down this page to match.
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Plan A
Dive & Safari
USD 6,895/ pax
+ USD 650 single supplement
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Plan B
Island & Safari
USD 6,325/ pax
+ USD 650 single supplement
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Plan C
Safari Only
USD 5,145/ pax
+ USD 500 single supplement
Currently viewing: Plan C — Safari Only. The Itinerary, Dive Schedule and Flights sections below will update to match.
Itinerary
Trip Itinerary
Nov 26
Thu 26 Nov — Arrival & The First DescentPlan A
Touch down and transfer directly to the southern sanctuary of Kizimkazi. Depending on flight arrival, either an afternoon check-dive + night dive, or a single night dive to open the expedition.
Stay: Mandarin Resort, Kizimkazi (HB) — boutique retreat with direct access to the dolphin-rich waters of Menai Bay.
Nov 26–29
Thu 26 – Sun 29 Nov — Kizimkazi, Free & EasyPlan B
Arrival and 3 nights at Mandarin Resort, Kizimkazi (HB) — settle into the resort and enjoy the coastal air, ocean-front bungalows and authentic fishing-village charm.
Optional add-ons (billed separately): Big Game Fishing (Marlin/Tuna), Stone Town history tours, Spice Farm visits, reef snorkelling.
Nov 27–28
Fri 27 – Sat 28 Nov — The Kizimkazi IntensityPlan A
Two days of "Triple-Dip" diving — each day includes 2 morning dives plus a night dive, focused on resident dolphins and dramatic southern drop-offs.
Stay: Mandarin Resort, Kizimkazi (HB), both nights.
Nov 29
Sun 29 Nov — The Matemwe DashPlan A
Early checkout for the drive north. Divers reach Matemwe in time for a morning double-tank session at the vibrant Mnemba Atoll.
Stay: Sunshine Marine Lodge, Matemwe (HB) — eco-conscious sanctuary overlooking Mnemba Atoll, with direct boat access and three pools.
Nov 29–Dec 1
Sun 29 Nov – Tue 1 Dec — Matemwe, Free & EasyPlan B
Leisurely transfer north, with options to stop for photography at The Rock or a sunset cruise. 2 nights at Sunshine Marine Lodge, Matemwe (HB) — beach relaxation, fishing, or optional reef snorkelling.
Nov 30
Mon 30 Nov — The Atoll's FarewellPlan A
A final day of double-tank diving among the crystal gardens of Mnemba.
Stay: Sunshine Marine Lodge, Matemwe (HB).
Dec 1
Tue 1 Dec — The Great Gathering in Arusha
Fly from Zanzibar to Arusha, transitioning from the islands to the highlands. The entire group reunites at Serena Arusha for a formal welcome dinner.
Stay: Serena Arusha (B&B) — peaceful shores of Lake Duluti, the gateway to the Serengeti.
Dec 1
Tue 1 Dec — Arrival in ArushaPlan C
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transfer to Serena Arusha, where the entire group reunites for a formal welcome dinner.
Stay: Serena Arusha (B&B).
Dec 2–3
Wed 2 – Thu 3 Dec — The Endless Serengeti
A bush plane brings the group to the Seronera plains for two days tracking the Big Five — known for exceptional resident leopard and lion activity.
Stay: Serena Serengeti (FB), 2 nights — stone-clad bungalows inspired by traditional Maasai manyattas, overlooking the endless plains.
Dec 4–5
Fri 4 – Sat 5 Dec — The Soul of Ndutu
Drive into the heart of migration territory. Ndutu Porini Camp offers an authentic under-canvas experience, with exclusive off-track driving rights for unrivalled proximity to wildlife — premier territory for big cat sightings during calving season.
Stay: Ndutu Porini Camp (FB), 2 nights.
Dec 6
Sun 6 Dec — The Eighth Wonder
A morning descent into the Ngorongoro Crater — the world's largest inactive caldera, home to the rare Black Rhino and the highest density of lions in Africa. The group retires to the lush highlands of Karatu.
Stay: Ngorongoro Farmhouse or Serena Manyara (FB).
Dec 7
Mon 7 Dec — The Giants of Tarangire
Journey into Tarangire, home to the largest concentration of baobabs in Tanzania and the Tarangire River — the primary water source for thousands of animals. The group heads toward the Silale Swamps for concentrated wildlife action.
Stay: Sopa Lodge (classic luxury, marble-topped hills) or Kati Kati Camp (intimate bush camp near Silale Swamps) (FB).
Dec 8
Tue 8 Dec — Final Drive & Return to Arusha
A morning game drive through the baobabs, followed by lunch in Tarangire and the return to Serena Arusha for a farewell dinner.
Stay: Serena Arusha (B&B).
Dec 9
Wed 9 Dec — Homeward
Final shopping and a relaxed breakfast before the departure transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
Days shown update based on the plan selected above. Daily timings are set by HM Safaris and may vary with weather, wildlife movement or flight schedules.
Dive Schedule
Plan A — 12 Dives Across 5 Days
| Location | Nights | Dives |
|---|---|---|
| Kizimkazi (South) | 3 | Day 1: 1 dive + 1 night dive · Days 2–3: 2 dives + 1 night dive each |
| Matemwe / Mnemba Atoll (North) | 2 | 2 day dives each day |
Total: 9 day dives + 3 night dives = 12 dives. *Number of dives on Day 1 may change subject to flight arrival time. Marine Park fee (USD 10/person/day, mandatory from Sept 2025) is paid on-site and included in package pricing.
South Zanzibar (Kizimkazi & Matemwe) — the southern and southeastern regions are renowned for both dolphin encounters and a front-row seat to passing migratory species. Key dive sites: Kizimkazi Channel and the southern outer reefs. The south is highly regarded for consistent bottlenose and humpback dolphin sightings — late November is also peak migratory season for whale sharks, making it an excellent time to dive or snorkel with these gentle giants.
North Zanzibar (Nungwi & Kendwa) — the northern tip of the island is famous for its calm seas, as the Kaskazi (northeast monsoon winds) typically have not yet set in. Key dive sites: Mnemba Atoll, Tumbatu Island, and Leven Bank. Mnemba Atoll boasts vibrant coral reefs, green turtles, and pods of bottlenose dolphins. For pelagic life, Leven Bank is a deep, thrilling site with strong currents that attract tuna, barracuda, and jacks.
Diving is exclusive to Plan A — Dive & Safari. Plan B enjoys free & easy island time in Zanzibar with optional snorkelling; Plan C skips the Zanzibar chapter entirely and joins the group directly in Arusha for the safari circuit.
Accommodation
The Circuit's Stays
Kizimkazi, Zanzibar · 3 nights
Mandarin Resort
Boutique retreat with direct access to the dolphin-rich waters of Menai Bay. Ocean-front bungalows in authentic fishing-village charm.
Half Board
Matemwe, Zanzibar · 2 nights
Sunshine Marine Lodge
Eco-conscious sanctuary overlooking Mnemba Atoll, with direct boat access and three pools. Off-grid luxury with sweeping Indian Ocean views.
Half Board
Arusha · 1 night (x2, start & end)
Serena Arusha
Peaceful shores of Lake Duluti, the gateway to the Serengeti. Welcome dinner on arrival, farewell dinner before departure.
Bed & Breakfast
Central Serengeti (Seronera) · 2 nights
Serena Serengeti
Stone-clad bungalows inspired by traditional Maasai manyattas, overlooking the endless plains. Exceptional resident leopard and lion activity.
Full Board
Ndutu Plains · 2 nights
Ndutu Porini Camp
Authentic under-canvas mobile camp with exclusive off-track driving rights — premier territory for big cat sightings during calving season.
Full Board
Karatu / Ngorongoro · 1 night
Ngorongoro Farmhouse or Serena Manyara
Lush highland retreat above the Ngorongoro Crater rim, positioned for an early-morning descent into the "Eighth Wonder."
Full Board
Tarangire National Park · 1 night
Sopa Lodge or Kati Kati Camp
Sopa Lodge: classic luxury among marble-topped hills. Kati Kati Camp: intimate bush camp near the predator-rich Silale Swamps.
Full Board
Lodge/camp allocation (e.g. Ngorongoro Farmhouse vs Serena Manyara, Sopa Lodge vs Kati Kati Camp) is confirmed by HM Safaris closer to departure based on availability.
What's Included
Includes & Excludes — All Plans
Included
- Internal flights: Zanzibar to Arusha & Arusha to Seronera
- Accommodation: Full Board on Safari, Half Board Zanzibar (Bed & Breakfast at Arusha)
- Transport: Private 4x4 jeep, pop-up roof on safari
- All Marine & Land Park and Crater fees
- All airport & inter-lodge transfers
- AMREF Flying Doctors emergency evacuation cover
Not Included
- International flights
- Visas (Malaysian & Singaporean passport holders exempt; other nationalities require a USD 50 e-visa via immigration.go.tz)
- Zanzibar's mandatory travel insurance (USD 40–50/pax, payable on arrival in cash)
- Personal travel & dive insurance (strongly recommended)
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Additional food & beverages beyond the meal plan
- Big Game Fishing and other non-diving Zanzibar activities
- Balloon Safari, Maasai Boma visits and other unlisted excursions
Optional
Add-Ons & Activities
The following can be arranged at separate cost — enquire with Pagan for current rates. Pricing was not fixed in the trip's source materials, so figures are quoted on request rather than listed here.
Zanzibar (Plan B & free days)
Big Game Fishing (Marlin/Tuna)On request
Stone Town History TourOn request
Spice Farm VisitOn request
Reef SnorkellingOn request
Safari Circuit
Balloon SafariOn request
Maasai Boma VisitOn request
Private Bush Picnic Lunch (Ndutu)On request
Full board upgrade in ZanzibarUSD 40 / day / pax
Know Before You Go
Culture, Health & Immigration
The Zanzibar Humility Code (Mandatory)
- Swimwear is strictly for the pool and beach — walking through hotel lobbies, restaurants or public areas in swimwear or a towel is not permitted; most hotels will deny entry if not properly covered.
- In villages or Stone Town, both men and women must cover shoulders and knees.
- Females: loose-fitting clothing covering shoulders, chest and knees — a sarong (kanga) makes a useful cover-up.
- Males: knee-length shorts and shirts (no tank tops or shirtless walking in public).
Health & Prep
- Neutral-coloured clothing strongly recommended for safari; ample sun protection for boat and bush.
- Malaria prophylaxis recommended for Zanzibar and Tanzania — consult your GP 4–6 weeks before departure (Malarone or Doxycycline standard).
- Divers: avoid Lariam (Mefloquine) — its side effects (dizziness, anxiety, spatial disorientation) mimic decompression sickness and can make a dive emergency dangerous to diagnose.
- Pack dive gear in a separate bag so it can be left at Kilimanjaro while you do the safari portion.
Vaccinations
- Yellow Fever certificate not required routing via Doha (Qatar is not an endemic country) — check with your doctor if you've recently visited an endemic region.
- Hepatitis A & B recommended for food/water safety and medical emergencies.
- Typhoid recommended due to contaminated food/water risk in rural areas or local eateries.
- Tetanus booster recommended for divers — rusty boat equipment, coral cuts or beach debris can cause infections.
Immigration
Malaysian and Singaporean citizens do not require a visa for mainland Tanzania or Zanzibar — visa-free entry for up to 90 days. Other nationalities need a USD 50 e-visa via immigration.go.tz.
Zanzibar's mandatory travel insurance (USD 40–50/pax) is payable on arrival at immigration, in cash — separate from your own personal travel insurance. Tanzania immigration requires a confirmed return or onward ticket on arrival.
Dive Equipment Rental Rates
Kizimkazi
Full Equipment RentalUSD 15 / day / pax
15L TankNot available — only 11/12L
NitroxNot available
DIN / YokeBoth available
Tanks, weights, fruits, snacks & waterIncluded
Matemwe
Full Equipment RentalIncluded
15L TankUSD 3 / dive / pax
NitroxUSD 3 / dive / pax
DIN / YokeBoth available
Tanks, weights, fruits, snacks & waterIncluded
If you require a DIN valve, 15L tank or sidemount, inform your trip leader in advance — availability isn't guaranteed at every site.
Getting There
Reference Flights — Qatar Airways via Doha
For Plan A & B travellers — full 14D13N circuit. Departs Kuala Lumpur 25 Nov, returns 10 Dec.
01
QR4990 · KUL – DOH
25 Nov, 21:15 – 23:40 · operated by Malaysia Airlines
02
QR1487 · DOH – ZNZ
26 Nov, 01:40 – 07:30 · arrival day, Day 1 of itinerary
03
QR1499 · JRO – DOH
9 Dec, 09:05 – 17:15 · includes stop in Dar es Salaam (1h30m)
04
QR844 · DOH – KUL
9 Dec, 19:55 – 10 Dec, 08:15 · arrival in KL the following morning
Approx. RM 6,000+ / traveller
1 carry-on + 2 pcs of 23kg checked luggage. All international flight costs shown are indicative and subject to change — flights are excluded from package pricing and each traveller books independently.
For Plan C (Safari Only) travellers — joins via Kilimanjaro (JRO). Departs Kuala Lumpur 30 Nov, returns 10 Dec.
01
QR4990 · KUL – DOH
30 Nov, 21:15 – 23:40 · operated by Malaysia Airlines
02
QR1499 · DOH – JRO
1 Dec, 01:55 – 07:25 · arrival day, joins safari circuit at Arusha
03
QR1499 · JRO – DOH
9 Dec, 09:05 – 17:15 · includes stop in Dar es Salaam (1h30m)
04
QR844 · DOH – KUL
9 Dec, 19:55 – 10 Dec, 08:15 · arrival in KL the following morning
Approx. RM 5,800+ / traveller
1 carry-on + 2 pcs of 23kg checked luggage. Note on duration: Plan C travellers are on the ground in Tanzania for 9 nights (1–9 Dec), with an overnight return flight (9–10 Dec) — a total of 10 days / 9 nights door-to-door including international travel. All international flight costs shown are indicative and subject to change — flights are excluded from package pricing and each traveller books independently.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
What dive certification is required for this trip?
Advanced Open Water certification is recommended. Guests who require additional training can contact us directly.
What is the average underwater visibility in late November?
Excellent — typically 20 to 30+ metres. November sits between the long dry season and the onset of the northeast monsoon, so the water is exceptionally clear, ideal for wide-angle underwater photography.
How deep are the dive sites in North Zanzibar?
Typically 5m to 35m. We insist that you dive within your certification level.
What certification is required for Zanzibar diving?
Minimum recommended is PADI Advanced Open Water, with PADI Deep Dive Specialty recommended for premium sites like Leven Bank or the deep southern walls where the pelagic fish hang out.
Does the "short rains" season affect diving safety or visibility?
Generally no. The short rains (Vuli) bring brief, passing afternoon tropical showers rather than days of grey skies. These quick downpours rarely impact underwater visibility or sea conditions, and dive boats operate normally.
What are the water temperatures, and what wetsuit should I pack?
26°C to 29°C. A 3mm shorty or a light 3mm full wetsuit is ideal. If you run cold or plan on three dives a day, a full 3mm suit protects against thermal fatigue and occasional stinging plankton.
Are surface conditions and currents rough during this time?
North Zanzibar (Nungwi) remains calm, but South Zanzibar (Kizimkazi) can experience moderate swells. Currents vary by site — Mnemba Atoll has mild, beginner-friendly currents, while deep banks like Leven Bank have strong, unpredictable currents requiring drift-diving experience.
What specific dive gear is recommended for late November?
Bring an SMB and a reel, as drift diving is common. A dive computer is mandatory for tracking your profiles on deeper multi-dive days. Request a 15L tank or use sidemount if you're concerned about air consumption. Night dives are included, so bring torches and action cameras. As you may need to walk to the dive boat from shore, wear 3mm–5mm neoprene booties with open-heel fins.
Is Enriched Air (Nitrox) available, and should I get certified?
Highly recommended — northern dive centres offer Nitrox. Because many of the best sites require deeper profiles (20–30m), Nitrox significantly extends your bottom time and reduces fatigue over a multi-day trip. Speak to Pagan/your dive leader if you're looking to get certified.
Do I need to bring my own dive gear?
No — full equipment rental is available at both Kizimkazi (USD 15/day/pax) and Matemwe (included). Nitrox and 15L tanks are only available at Matemwe. See Dive Equipment Rental Rates above.
Is a reef hook necessary for the currents in Zanzibar?
No — local marine parks strictly prohibit reef hooks to protect the delicate coral structures. You'll practise active drift diving instead of hooking into the reef.
How do tides affect daily dive schedules?
Zanzibar has a massive macro-tidal range (up to 4 metres). In the south and east, low tide can completely beach dive boats, so departure times shift daily based on tide charts to ensure boats can clear the shallow reef flats.
Are DIN or Yoke valves more common on Zanzibar tanks?
Most tanks use standard Yoke (INT) valves. Many modern tanks have removable inserts for DIN regulators, but it's highly recommended to pack a DIN-to-Yoke adapter just in case. If you require a DIN tank specifically, speak to Pagan/your dive leader.
Is there a hyperbaric recompression chamber in Zanzibar?
Yes — located in Matemwe, North-East Zanzibar, operated under the guidance of the Divers Alert Network (DAN) Southern Africa, roughly 30–45 minutes from Nungwi and Kendwa. If diving in the South (Kizimkazi), an emergency road transfer takes approximately 1.5–2 hours. Local dive medical officers and senior instructors from the supporting dive centres are certified DAN hyperbaric chamber operators and attendants.
Do I need a visa?
Malaysian and Singaporean citizens enjoy visa-free entry to mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar for up to 90 days. Other nationalities must arrange a USD 50 e-visa via immigration.go.tz.
What's connectivity like on the trip?
Maxis roaming generally works; Celcom/Digi/U-Mobile are less reliable. WiFi is available at most lodgings but slow — not suited for high data usage. DYVUM can arrange a physical local SIM at USD 2 (4.5GB) each — passport required for mandatory biometric registration on arrival. Vodacom offers the widest 4G/5G coverage nationally; Airtel is generally better and slightly cheaper for time spent in Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
What currency and money tips should I know?
Carry approximately USD 500–700 in cash for tips, souvenirs and extra drinks. Some Zanzibar stays are half-board or breakfast only — optional to pay an extra USD 40/day/pax for all meals, local beer and wine; safari is full board throughout. Currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), a closed currency — exchange only on arrival at official bureaus or ATMs. USD is widely accepted; banknotes must be dated 2017 or newer, or they'll likely be rejected. Use TZS for markets, street food and taxis; USD for hotels, tours and large purchases. Credit cards attract a 3–5% surcharge at most large hotels/restaurants. Package prices themselves are payable in USD cash only (see Booking & Payment below).
Booking & Payment
- A 30% deposit secures your place on this expedition. This deposit is non-refundable, non-transferable, and payable in USD cash.
- The remaining balance is due 60 days before arrival, also in USD cash.
- No refund within 45 days of arrival.
- Payable in USD cash only — this trip's ground operator does not currently accept card payments; additional payment options will be made available at a later date.
- Minimum group size to operate: 4 pax. Maximum: 24 pax. Should the minimum not be met, all deposits will be refunded in full. Once the minimum is confirmed, standard cancellation terms apply.
- A signed booking confirmation will be issued upon receipt of your deposit, stating amount paid, booking date, plan, and traveller name — please retain this as proof of payment.
- Full terms are outlined in our Booking & Cancellation Policy.
Questions? Email explore@dyvum.com or WhatsApp us.
DYVUM is built for divers who want more than just another dive — more skill, more confidence, more stories, a deeper connection with the ocean, and a community to keep exploring with.