Whale sharks filter plankton and gather seasonally in a few places off Africa.
Best places to see it
MozambiqueTofo
A laid-back beach town famous for diving with manta rays and whale sharks.
Apr to Nov 4 to 6 nights
Where to see it
- Tofo, Mozambique
- Gulf of Tadjoura, Djibouti
- Nosy Be, Madagascar
Our destination guides: Tofo
Best time
Varies; about November to February in Djibouti.
Tips
- Do not touch, and stay a few metres away.
Did you know?
- Each whale shark’s spot pattern is unique and used to identify individuals.
Conservation status: Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Check iucnredlist.org for the latest assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to see the whale shark in Africa?
Tofo, Mozambique; Gulf of Tadjoura, Djibouti; Nosy Be, Madagascar.
Is the whale shark endangered?
It is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
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