VISITOR ATTRACTIONS
Ushongo Bay is protected from the ocean by a series of reefs lying between 2 and 5 kms off-shore. The reefs are excellent for scuba diving and snorkeling. Along the outer reef are Maziwe Island, which is a Marine National Park, and the smaller Fungu Island. Maziwe Reef abounds with colorful fish and is ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling. Fungu Island is also very good for snorkeling. Skoodoos and other non-essential motorized boats are not available.
Ushongo Beach is peaceful; it has no beach
hawkers and is quiet and friendly. The ocean is excellent for
swimming; there are pleasant temperatures througout the year and soft sandy
beaches. There are no sea urchins, no rip tides, no strong currents, no sharks, and the water does not recede very far at most low tides. The temperature of the water is 25+ Centigrade. Swimming in the ocean is possible at all times except at spring low tides when the small tidal pools are visible.
Ushongo Beach is also excellent for sunbathing, relaxing and reading. There is a small library available with a good collection of novels as well as more serious reading. The white sands and palm fringed shores are picturesque and inviting. A swimming pool is available at a nearby lodge for those who would prefer to swim in a pool. If you wish to eat out occasionally, there are some very pleasant little restaurants at the small lodges just a few minutes walk along the beach.
SAILING: A Westerly 7-metre day sailer is available for hire. It has a bilge keel with a draught of 60 cms. The Westerly is ideal for the shallow waters around the reefs which makes it suitable for a half day or full day cruise around the islands; it will take four persons comfortably. Nungwe at the northern tip of Zanzibar is 4 to 5 hours away, and Stone Town 10 hours. There are four bunks and a 15 h.p. Yamaha outboard engine.
Sailing (excluding fuel): Half Day $100. Full Day $150. A sample itinerary for cruising is below.
Day 1. Sail to Kenrock/Nungwe at the northern tip of Zanzibar
(4-5 hours). Overnight at lodge or guest house.
Day 2. Continue to Stone Town
(4-5 hours). Overnight at lodge or guest house.
Day Day 3. Cruise to Prison Island - formerly a quarantine island and not actually a prison. The lodge on the island has a giant tortoise sanctuary. There is good snorkeling off the beach.
Day 4. Day in Stone Town and Spice Tour. Boat will return to Ushongo. Depart for Dar es Salaam for international flight departures.
Cost: $1280 for two persons. Includes boat and two crew members who are also watchmen during the night when the boat is at anchor. Not included: meals on Zanzibar. Overnights can be spent on board but not recommended. The Westerley has a small cabin and does not have a fixed toilet. If the boat is at anchor overnight there must be a nightwatchman on board. If the boat is required for day sailing, it is best to stay overnight at a lodge.
SNORKELING: $45 per person. 3-4 hours. This includes boat, Maziwe National Marine Park Fee of $12 per person, and snorkeling equipment.
Maziwe Island Marine National Park and Fungu Island are 8 to 10 kms off-shore. Both are excellent for snorkeling. They are submerged at high tide. The islands take 40 to 50 minutes to get to in a local boat. Normally the boat leaves at 8 a.m. to avoid the mid-day sun. Lunches can be arranged to take out to the island. Sea Urchins exist on both islands but fortunately in only a few areas. Fungu Island has not yet been declared a Marine Reserve but is still good for snorkeling.
SCUBA DIVING: Evidence of a PADI certificate is required. If you have not scuba dived within the last 12 months you are required to take a refresher course. Cost is $105. Bubble dives are available for young children. Maziwe Marine Reserve Fee $12 per person. More details are available from Kasa Divers. Further information is available at their web site www.kasadivers.com .
Rates per person for diving are -
Single dive $80; double dive $105. For less than three divers there is a Boat Fee of $80.
PADI COURSES:
Introductory Course 1 day $105 There is a $60 fee for the PADI International Certificate
(PIC) and the PADI book. The certificate is internationally recognized and you
will be able to dive anywhere in the world. Instruction is by qualified PADI instructors. The first course
takes four days with instruction on how to adapt to a new environment underwater
and permits dives to 30 metres. The course may be extended by a day or two to
allow for those who may have difficulty. The instructors are very patient. Allow
four hours per day for instruction. Rates: Unguided - Boat Fee $75 per half day trip; Guided
- Boat Fee $70 per half day trip plus $30 per person. WINDSURFING AND CANOEING
$10 per person per hour. The best time for canoeing is
generally before 10 a.m. when the bay is calm.
DEEP SEA FISHING $100 per person. Minimum 2 persons.
Fishing boats are available for both light fishing and
small game fishing. Even if you don't catch anything, it's fun being out on the
open water. Small fish can be brought back for personal consumption. Large game
fish should be released, preferably undamaged.
BIKING: $20 per person. If cycling one way and driving back $50 (minimum
two persons). Best done two hours either side of low
tide when the tide has retreated sufficiently enough for a clear passage along
the beach. It is possible to cycle 60 or more kms along the beach toward the
south, fording the shallow rivers en route and stopping to have a look at some
rock pools and fishing villages. Choices are to go out and return the same
day - bearing in mind the tide - or to cycle one way and drive back.
Copyright © 2009 Ushongo Beach Cottages Ltd. All rights
reserved.
PADI Scuba Diver 2
dives + Theory 2 days $360
PADI Scuba Diver 4 dives + Theory 4 days
$500
PADI Open Water Dive + Theory 2-3 days $430. This qualifies you for
Open Water Certification and the PIC.
EFR 1 day Certification Course
$210
PADI Rescue Diver 4 dives + theory $440