Humpback Whale Migration in Zanzibar
Explore Zanzibar and enjoy the epic Humpback whale migration! Zanzibar is a coastal land area that is part of the Republic of Tanzania, situated in the Indian Ocean in the East African region. This island boasts many interesting features and tourist attractions that travelers can encounter on their safaris.
The humpback whale migration is one of the activities tourists love in Zanzibar. A humpback whale is a species that belongs to the baleen whale family. Its scientific name is Megaptera novaeangliae. This species typically weighs 25,000 to 30,000 kilograms. Additionally, it has a gestation period of 11 months. They also have a life expectancy of 80 to 90 years. The Humpback whale population in the world has continued to increase over the years.
The humpback whale migration occurs annually for many reasons. They migrate from the cold waters of Antarctica to the warm breeding grounds along the East African coast. The primary reason for the humpback whale migration is to give birth and breed in the warm waters of East Africa. Humpback whales migrate up to 16000 kilometers round-trip. This makes it one of the longest migrations in the world. The waters of Zanzibar are calm and relatively safe from predators. This makes Zanzibar safe for the whales to give birth and nurture their young. One must visit Unguja Island and Pemba Island if he or she is interested in witnessing the humpback whale migration. During the migration period, mothers with calves are often encountered in these areas.
When does whale migration occur in Zanzibar?
The humpback whale migration in Zanzibar takes place between July and October annually. The arrival time of these whales is usually in early or late July. To view a large number of these whales, the best times are August and September. This is the best time to encounter many whales with their young. They typically depart in October, returning to Antarctica.
What other activities can you do on a safari to witness the humpback whale migration in Zanzibar?
While in Zanzibar for the humpback whale migration, there are several other activities to enjoy on your safaris, including:
Stone Town tours
Stone Town is one of the oldest towns in Zanzibar, dating back to the Arab period around the 18th century. In this town, you will encounter Arabic architecture, including ancient mosques, markets, and shopping malls built from stone. Here, you will also see several slave markets where slave trade was conducted during colonial times. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds a wealth of history and culture about the Swahili people.
Spice farms
Zanzibar is also known as the Spice Island, being a major source of spices in the East African community. It produces various spices enjoyed throughout the region. The spice farms provide a close encounter to see a variety of spices, including cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and many others.
Explore Jozani Forest Reserve
Jozani Forest Reserve is another interesting destination to explore alongside a humpback whale migration tour in Zanzibar. In this forest, you can engage in nature walks to see various wildlife, with the walks taking about two hours. Wildlife in this forest reserve includes Kirk’s red monkeys, skye monkeys, bush babies, red colobus monkeys, and many others.
Visit Prison Island
This is another destination to visit while on safaris to see the humpback whale migration in Zanzibar. Located northeast of Stone Town, it was originally used as a quarantine station. While on visits to this island, you will encounter giant tortoises that can live up to 150 years.
Snorkeling
On safaris in Zanzibar, snorkeling is a popular activity near Matemwe on the northeast coast. During this activity, you will encounter various marine wildlife, including clownfish, lionfish, turtles, dolphins, and more.
Boat cruise
Another activity to enjoy while in Zanzibar is a boat cruise, which takes you through stunning ocean landscapes. This activity is offered at various times of the day, including morning, afternoon, and sunset sessions.
Accommodation options on Zanzibar Island
Zanzibar Island has several accommodation options ranging from budget to luxury. Some of these include Residence Zanzibar, Unguja Lodge, Karamba Lodge, Zuri Zanzibar, Kendwa Rocks, Essque Zalu Zanzibar, Kasha Boutique Hotel, Park Hyatt, and many others.
