Latest news with #RianneLaan
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Yahoo
From coral reefs to ancient ruins—5 ways to explore Tanzania's islands
With almost 900 miles of tropical Indian Ocean shoreline, Tanzania is as much a coastal destination as it is a safari hotspot. The warm islands sitting off the coast of this East African nation are steeped in heritage, lined with sandy beaches and fringed by coral reefs. Often known as the Swahili Coast, the region is a fascinating swirl of Bantu traditions and Islamic influences. The marine life here — which includes whale sharks, a legally protected species in Tanzania — is a huge draw for travellers and a natural wonder that locals are working hard to protect. From relaxing on Pemba Island's untouched beaches to wandering the historic streets of Zanzibar, here are five experiences to savour across Tanzania's eastern islands. For first timers to Tanzania, Jumeirah Thanda Island provides a luxurious introduction — sugar-soft sands, turquoise shallows, tropical greenery and a five-suite villa with two traditional bandas. Its position between Tanzania and Mafia Island makes it a strategic base for exploring the area. It's also situated within the Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve, where the region's underwater biodiversity is on full display. Visitors to Jumeirah Thanda Island can join members of the conservation team on snorkelling excursions along the reef or take low tide walks in search of starfish and octopus. 'The reserve is a safe haven for fish to reproduce and for juvenile fish to grow to adult size,' says the island's marine biologist, Rianne Laan. 'There's a thriving population of juvenile blacktip reef sharks here; green turtles are coming back to the island to nest; and species like the giant grouper, eagle rays and fish eagles are returning, too. And from late October to early March, the waters between Shungimbili Island and Mafia Island are home to whale sharks.' There are also opportunities to get involved in hands-on conservation — for example, visitors can fill their own rope for the nursery with coral fragments or fill a coral frame which will then be put back onto the reef. 'This up-close and personal experience with the corals often leads to a much deeper understanding and appreciation of this delicate ecosystem." Similar conservation projects are in progress around Tanzania's coastline. Mafia Island Marine Park offers educational programmes for both locals and visitors, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of marine conservation, while the Blue Alliance is working to protect more than 40 threatened species in the Pemba Channel Conservation Area, as well as the Blue Corridor — a channel that acts like a superhighway for whales. Don't be put off by the shady name (which likely comes from morfieyeh, the Arabic word for archipelago) — this island is somewhere to enjoy at your leisure. Often seen as a low-key alternative to Zanzibar, Mafia Island is complete with soft sands, traditional fishing villages and a surrounding marine park. It is also possible for visitors to spot whale sharks on the western side of Mafia Island, close to the island's main town, Kilindoni. Most commonly seen between October and March, these gentle giants are the world's largest fish — and they're every bit as awe-inspiring as they sound. Tiny, green and surrounded by mangroves, Chole Island sits on a bed of fossilised coral — although its uniqueness springs from more recent history. The island was once a trading post on the Swahili Coast. The ruins of an old German prison and custom house can still be explored, as well as the remnants of an abandoned mosque. In addition, the island is a sanctuary for flying foxes, also called fruit bats, which can be spotted roosting in the daytime. Blessed with gentle hills and great dive sites, verdant Pemba Island is a slow-living destination. You'll find just a handful of lodges, which in turn means the long, powdery beaches tend to be near-deserted. Traditional dhows (wooden sailing boats with a long thin body and one or two masts) and wooden mtumbwi (long canoes made from single tree trunks) can still be spotted sailing across the clear waters offshore. The island is also famous for its aromatic cloves, which are hand-picked by local farmers. Few places in East Africa are so synonymous with tales of the past as Zanzibar. Technically named Unguja, this island, along with slightly smaller Pemba Island and Mafia Island, make up the Zanzibar archipelago. Zanzibar is best known for its rich history and its UNESCO-listed capital, Stone Town. Beyond the dominant Swahili culture, you'll find Arab, Persian and European influences — all intermingling in the town's mazy streets, where coral and limestone buildings evoke a storied past. This paid content article was created for Jumeirah. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
National Geographic
08-04-2025
- National Geographic
From coral reefs to ancient ruins—5 ways to explore Tanzania's islands
With almost 900 miles of tropical Indian Ocean shoreline, Tanzania is as much a coastal destination as it is a safari hotspot. The warm islands sitting off the coast of this East African nation are steeped in heritage, lined with sandy beaches and fringed by coral reefs. Often known as the Swahili Coast, the region is a fascinating swirl of Bantu traditions and Islamic influences. The marine life here — which includes whale sharks, a legally protected species in Tanzania — is a huge draw for travellers and a natural wonder that locals are working hard to protect. From relaxing on Pemba Island's untouched beaches to wandering the historic streets of Zanzibar, here are five experiences to savour across Tanzania's eastern islands. 1. Take part in coral reef restoration on Jumeirah Thanda Island For first timers to Tanzania, Jumeirah Thanda Island provides a luxurious introduction — sugar-soft sands, turquoise shallows, tropical greenery and a five-suite villa with two traditional bandas. Its position between Tanzania and Mafia Island makes it a strategic base for exploring the area. It's also situated within the Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve, where the region's underwater biodiversity is on full display. Visitors to Jumeirah Thanda Island can join members of the conservation team on snorkelling excursions along the reef or take low tide walks in search of starfish and octopus. 'The reserve is a safe haven for fish to reproduce and for juvenile fish to grow to adult size,' says the island's marine biologist, Rianne Laan. 'There's a thriving population of juvenile blacktip reef sharks here; green turtles are coming back to the island to nest; and species like the giant grouper, eagle rays and fish eagles are returning, too. And from late October to early March, the waters between Shungimbili Island and Mafia Island are home to whale sharks.' There are also opportunities to get involved in hands-on conservation — for example, visitors can fill their own rope for the nursery with coral fragments or fill a coral frame which will then be put back onto the reef. 'This up-close and personal experience with the corals often leads to a much deeper understanding and appreciation of this delicate ecosystem." Similar conservation projects are in progress around Tanzania's coastline. Mafia Island Marine Park offers educational programmes for both locals and visitors, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of marine conservation, while the Blue Alliance is working to protect more than 40 threatened species in the Pemba Channel Conservation Area, as well as the Blue Corridor — a channel that acts like a superhighway for whales. Rianne Laan has been working as Jumeirah Thanda Island's resident marine biologist since 2017. Jumeirah Thanda Island is surrounded by five hectares of soft golden sands. 2. Spot marine life off the coast of Mafia Island Don't be put off by the shady name (which likely comes from morfieyeh, the Arabic word for archipelago) — this island is somewhere to enjoy at your leisure. Often seen as a low-key alternative to Zanzibar, Mafia Island is complete with soft sands, traditional fishing villages and a surrounding marine park. It is also possible for visitors to spot whale sharks on the western side of Mafia Island, close to the island's main town, Kilindoni. Most commonly seen between October and March, these gentle giants are the world's largest fish — and they're every bit as awe-inspiring as they sound. 3. Explore historic ruins on Chole Island Tiny, green and surrounded by mangroves, Chole Island sits on a bed of fossilised coral — although its uniqueness springs from more recent history. The island was once a trading post on the Swahili Coast. The ruins of an old German prison and custom house can still be explored, as well as the remnants of an abandoned mosque. In addition, the island is a sanctuary for flying foxes, also called fruit bats, which can be spotted roosting in the daytime. These traditional wooden sailing boats, known as dhows, were historically used for fishing and trade. 4. Relax on Pemba Island's pristine beaches Blessed with gentle hills and great dive sites, verdant Pemba Island is a slow-living destination. You'll find just a handful of lodges, which in turn means the long, powdery beaches tend to be near-deserted. Traditional dhows (wooden sailing boats with a long thin body and one or two masts) and wooden mtumbwi (long canoes made from single tree trunks) can still be spotted sailing across the clear waters offshore. The island is also famous for its aromatic cloves, which are hand-picked by local farmers. 5. Discover the fascinating history of Zanzibar Few places in East Africa are so synonymous with tales of the past as Zanzibar. Technically named Unguja, this island, along with slightly smaller Pemba Island and Mafia Island, make up the Zanzibar archipelago. Zanzibar is best known for its rich history and its UNESCO-listed capital, Stone Town. Beyond the dominant Swahili culture, you'll find Arab, Persian and European influences — all intermingling in the town's mazy streets, where coral and limestone buildings evoke a storied past. Stone Town is the historic centre of Zanzibar and an excellent example of a Swahili trading town. Photograph by Moiz Husein Storyteller, Getty Images There are one-stop flights available to the Tanzanian capital of Dar es Salaam from London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Glasgow. From here, travellers can reach Jumeirah Thanda Island via the island's private twin-engine helicopter, or by flying to Mafia Island and then making a short transfer by private boat. All of the islands featured can be explored from Jumeirah Thanda Island, an exclusive retreat for up to 18 guests, complete with a luxury five-suite villa and two traditional bandas. For more details, visit This paid content article was created for Jumeirah. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
Khaleej Times
07-03-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
International Women's Day: How women are leading the charge in marine conservation
A sense of purpose is a powerful motivator, particularly when it comes to forging your career path. When you pursue meaningful work, motivated by the desire to make a real difference in the world, the impact is immeasurable. This is particularly true when it comes to a career in the marine conservation space, something I have experienced first-hand as Director of Aquarium at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab and through the establishment of the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Programme (DTRP) in 2004. Back then, there were far fewer women working in the marine conservation field and we still have some way to go to achieve true gender equality. Globally, women make up only 37 per cent of the ocean science workforce and 39 per cent of oceanographic researchers. This year's International Women's Day theme of Accelerate Action is an urgent reminder of the need to address gender disparity across sectors, including sustainability and conservation. For young people, there has never been a better time to build a career in marine conservation, with more opportunities and a greater need than ever for the next generation to drive change. Between 8 and 10 million metric tonnes of plastic ends up in the ocean each year, and plastic waste accounts for about 80 per cent of all marine pollution. Sea surface temperatures are at record highs due to climate change, and ecosystem decline and biodiversity loss are rife, with just five years left to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 14 — the target to 'conserve and sustainably use the oceans'. There is also real hunger among young people for purpose-driven careers, with a recent study reporting that 37 per cent of Gen Zers say that meaningful work is the most important factor when choosing a career, and 26 per cent stating that failing to find a job that excites them is one of their biggest fears. I would encourage all young people, particularly women, to consider a career in marine conservation. Every day brings new challenges but also a renewed sense of satisfaction, purpose and pride in seeing the impact of our work — in my case, when it comes to the rescue and release of rehabilitated sea turtles back into the wild. Since the establishment of the DTRP in 2004, we have found, nursed, and released 2,196 turtles back into the ocean, with 89 monitored by satellite tracking. We also recently rescued a baby loggerhead turtle in Dubai, not previously known to nest in the Gulf, marking a breakthrough for sea turtle conservation. Across Jumeirah's properties, we're now seeing more women blazing a trail and carving out careers that channel a lifelong love of the ocean, driven by the desire to make a positive impact and build a brighter, more sustainable future for all. For example, one of our newest properties, Jumeirah Thanda Island, which is set within a protected marine reserve in Tanzania, has its own on-site marine biologist. Rianne Laan began working for the marine reserve in 2017, providing guidance for the conservation of the reefs surrounding the island. Today, she pours her passion for the ocean into her role, exploring and monitoring the reef and its inhabitants, finding the best snorkel spots and cultivating a coral garden to replenish the marine environment. Rianne also leads the resort's partnership with Sea Sense – a non-governmental organisation dedicated to marine conservation in Tanzania – to protect the Green and Hawksbill turtles. Supported by a network of 60 conservation officers, the programme has made meaningful progress in monitoring and protecting these endangered species, with four Green Turtle nests successfully laid and hatched on the island in 2023 with 105 hatchlings. At the same property, the boathouse manager Captain Maya de Villiers leads marine excursions, using her vast knowledge and love for the ocean to educate guests and raise awareness of marine conservation. Further afield, another trailblazer is Andreia Tami Akaki, the on-site marine biologist and dive instructor at Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island. She also takes a hands-on approach to teaching guests about the local ocean ecosystems, from leading coral planting workshops and snorkelling tours to spearheading restoration projects. Each one of these women inspires me with their passion for the ocean and their determination to make a difference. Not only do they work daily to make a real impact in marine conservation and raise awareness of urgent issues; they also represent what is possible for other women who want to pursue rewarding careers in marine conservation. They are no doubt inspiring the next generation to step up, dive in and make waves.
