When you hear the word “safari” you immediately think of the Masai Mara, the Serengeti, or the Kruger National Park. However, the official dictionary definition of the word “safari” is “an expedition to observe animals in their natural habitat.” So why not explore the offshore wonders of the Indian Ocean from White Pearl, Mozambique, where a somewhat different, but equally magical, adventure awaits?
Explore the offshore wonders of the Indian Ocean, swim with dolphins and whales in the big blue and discover the colourful marine life beneath the waves. Here are 10 fun facts about the Indian Ocean and what makes it special:
This small, secluded and beautiful ocean is known as the “Zone of Peace”.
The Indian Ocean is named after India, taken from the word “Ratnaka” meaning “the mine of gems” in Ancient Sanskrit Literature.
Speaking of gems, Indian Ocean sands are renowned for their mineral-rich sands – this ocean has hidden some of the world’s rarest minerals, such as the moissanite found in sand bodies, ilmenite and chromite. Being on the ocean might make you the rare gem itself!
Not only is the Indian Ocean a breeding ground for beautiful and well-defined beaches, dunes and estuaries but it also offers a beautiful chance for sight-seeing with its majestic Humpback Whales.
The Indian Ocean is categorized as a closed ocean, this is because it is land-locked to its north by the continent of Asia.
Want to know of the depth of the ocean? Well, the highest level is the sea level itself, with a maximum depth of 8047 metres!
The “Zone of Peace” easily lives up to its name. This ocean is the warmest of all three oceans, this means golden tans and more fun in the sun!
The Indian Ocean holds the world’s most important ports that all belong to different continents, the most infamous in South Africa being Richards Bay and Durban.
This ocean also holds vital sea lanes that contribute largely to Asia’s economies.
The Indian Ocean is the largest body of water in the world, despite the fact that it is the smallest ocean.