Prepare to be enthralled by the hidden wonders of Bongoyo Island, where clear waters, a rich German history, the vibrant Slipway, and a mysterious Shark Lagoon await your discovery.
Nestled just off the Dar Es Salaam coast, Bongoyo Island is a pristine haven, boasting turquoise waters, powdery beaches, and lush vegetation. This a special place close to my heart and the every trip here was special with friends, colleagues and then my girl friend, now my better half. A special bond was formed with this place as it is very peaceful away from the noise and bustle of city yet it is close. What was more alluring for me was the clear waters where you could see the bottom of ocean, hiking trails and powdered sands.
The Slipway: Gateway to Island Adventures:
The Slipway, a bustling beachfront precinct, is the starting point of the Bongoyo escapade. It acts as a gateway to the island, providing boat charters and equipment rentals for water sports enthusiasts. Moreover, the vibrant atmosphere of the Slipway is complemented by its array of restaurants and shops. Before you embark on your island adventure, indulge in local delicacies or shop for souvenirs to commemorate your journey.
There are boat services from Slipway reaching the island about 30 mins. Prepare to get on to another small boat near the beach or may be a small swim or small walk through water. We used to get the earliest boat to the island and take the second last boat or the last one to return to mainland.
The sun set view from slipway is amazing and not to miss
Crystal Clear Waters and Powder White Beaches
Bongoyo Island’s clear waters offer excellent visibility, revealing reefs, vibrant fish, and other marine creatures. The snorkeling experience is not comparable to Zanzibar or Mbudya. But the clear water and powered white beach offer great relaxing time.
Unraveling the German Connection:
Bongoyo Island’s history is intertwined with the colonial era when German explorers utilized the island as a strategic base for their expeditions along the East African coastline. While strolling through the island, you may stumble upon remnants of this era, such as old structures and artifacts, providing fascinating insights into its past.
The Enigmatic Shark Lagoon
The Shark Lagoon, situated on the eastern side of the island, is a captivating destination. Despite its name, it is home to docile nurse sharks, making it safe for visitors to observe these magnificent creatures up close. The lagoon’s allure doesn’t end with sharks; you might also encounter rays, octopuses, and various tropical fish, making it an ideal spot for marine enthusiasts and photographers.
Hike to the lagoon offers good view of mangroves and some remains of old structures and myterious holes
Facilities and Food
At the northwestern tip of the island, all visitors flock to the beach, where boats dock and huts offer canned drinks say soda, beer etc and delicious basic food such as grilled fish, fries etc. Beyond the sandy shores, the island is enveloped in lush, dense forest, offering a handful of scenic walking trails to explore. It’s best to carry your stuff and rent a hut at the island for small amount. It’s first come first serve.
Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or a peek into the island’s history, Bongoyo has something extraordinary to offer to every explorer. If you are visiting Dar Es Salaam and a day to spare and relax, this can be considered.
More on Marine parks of Tanzania
