The Best Diving In Tanzania

Once you have been handed your luggage off the plane, you will pass through the terminal (it's a shack really so not too arduous) where you will be met by your driver and privately transferred to paradise. En route you will pay the marine park fee for the duration of your stay ($24 per day).

With only seven thatched bungalows nestled among swaying coconut palms, Pole Pole is an intimate, peaceful eco-retreat in a serene beach-side setting. Spend the afternoon relaxing, whether soothing any residual aches in the spa or taking a leisurely stroll along the beach. You will be spending the next six nights here.

One of the most southerly islands on the Tanzanian coast, Mafia Island is a sleepy, tropical island boasting white sand beaches flanked by lush vegetation (think: coconut palms, mango, papaya and cashew trees) and calm aquamarine waters. Spend the day getting familiar with your surroundings, whether taking a traditional dhow boat to a remote, deserted sandbank or sunbathing back at the resort.

In the afternoon, head to the north of the island to visit the Ras Mkumbi lighthouse; the journey there takes you through small villages and past ancient baobab trees - look out for some of the 120-odd different species of tropical birds that call this island home. The Lighthouse itself offers spectacular views across a beach that stretches in both directions towards the calm ocean.

Arrive back at the hotel in time for a shower and sundowners before tucking into a delicious supper overlooking the bay.

The marine park is home to a staggering amount of marine life with over 460 species of fish identified (so far) and 50 genera of coral, from giant table corals to sea fans and blue-tipped staghorn corals. All of which can be found at depths less than 30 metres, providing a haven for divers and snorkellers alike. Visit between October and February and you'll also have the chance to snorkel with the gentle giant whale shark.

Spend your surface interval snacking on fresh fruit on a deserted sandbank before heading back below the waves. In the afternoon, relax back at your villa before setting sail on a traditional dhow boat to watch the sunset over the horizon.

A visit to Juani Island is definitely worth the trip to see the eerie ruins of the ancient Swahili city of Kua and its resident wild pigs, small antelopes and chattering monkeys. Head to the south of the island after to cool off in the crystal-clear waters of the blue lagoon.

You will be privately transferred to the airstrip in plenty of time for your flight back to Dar es Salaam. From here you will change planes and fly on to Pemba, with a quick touchdown in Zanzibar en route. The whole journey takes around three hours.

Once you have collected your luggage, you will be met by your hotel representative and transferred to your hotel. Depending on which accommodation you pick, this will either involve a car transfer or car and boat transfer. The journey should be no longer than one and a half hours. Once you have checked into your room, relaxation is the order of the day. In the late afternoon, head down to the beach for sundowners before dining under the stars.

The Pemba Channel is home to some of Africa's most pristine and varied corals (of which there are over 320 species). Add to that an incredibly diverse amount of marine life and no one else around for miles and you can see why we keep singing its praises.

In the afternoon, either opt to head back underwater or take a canoe trip to explore the wildlife hidden among the mangroves. In the evening, set out on a sunset dhow cruise and toast as you watch the sun duck behind the island.

To the south there are some superb dive sites but also the picturesque Emerald Lagoon, more often than not dotted with photogenic dhows. Be sure not to miss diving Mapanduzi, where you can drift along a wall and see barracuda coming in on the strong currents.

Surface intervals can be spent luxuriously marooned on deserted sandbanks, deep sea fishing, visiting local villages and exploring ancient fortresses - there is no danger of twiddling your thumbs here.

Located smack bang in the Pemba Channel Conservation Area, Misali is a great for snorkelling, while to land you can stroll down picturesque white sandbanks or wander inland to spot wildlife in the forestry.

In the evening take a final sunset dhow cruise or find a hidden corner of beach to sip on cocktails before indulging in a private dinner along the beach shore.

Once you have arrived in Zanzibar, collect your bags and check-in for your flight to London Heathrow. Your flight will stop in either East Africa or the Middle East en route, taking around 14 and a half hours.