Bongoyo Island

Bongoyo is the nearest of the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserves islands, about half an hour by boat from the Slipway jetty at Msasani, and it is uninhabited: coral rag scrub, baobabs, a couple of sand beaches and a fringing reef. Boats run several times a day and the island functions as the city's escape, with a grill selling fish caught that morning and shade under makuti roofs. A short trail crosses to a second beach on the far side.

What you actually see

• The main beach - white sand and shallow water on the sheltered side.
• The fringing reef - snorkelling over coral close to the shore.
• The crossing trail - a short walk through scrub to a second, quieter beach.
• The fish grill - the day's catch cooked on the beach.

When to go

June to October is driest and calmest for the crossing. Boats run through the day and the last return is in the afternoon. The long rains from March to May bring rough water.

Honest expectations

There is no fresh water on the island and everything must be carried or bought at the grill. The reef has been damaged and is not what it was. Weekends bring crowds from the city.

Nearby

Dar es Salaam is on the mainland, and Bagamoyo is north.