Mafia Island

Mafia Island - the hidden gem and divers paradise

Mafia Island, along with Unguja, Pemba, is part of the Tanzanian Zanzibar Archipelago. The waterway between the Rufiji River deltas and the island is called the Mafia Channel.

The island is located in the Pwani region of Tanzania and covers an area of 394 square kilometers. It is the third largest island in the Tanzanian ocean territory and it forms the majority part of the Mafia district. Approx 40.000 people live their peaceful life at the island.

Mafia Island is a popular place for visitors to unwind after a Tanzania safari, and the island’s relaxed and secluded beaches provide privacy and comfort. The island’s vegetation is characterised by large coconut and cashew nut plantations. Life here is very peaceful.

The history of the island of Mafia dates back to the eighth century. Mafia played an important role in the ancient trade routes between East Asia and East Africa and was a stopover for traders from Arabia.

The islet of Chole Mjini, which lies off the coast of Chole Bay, was therefore once home to a settlement that controlled the trade that came from the silver mines of eastern Zimbabwe and reached the town via the old harbours of Kilwa and Michangani.

Such as Chole Island (two square kilometres), where around 800 people live. Chole Bay, which serves Mafia as a deep-water anchorage and harbour, is dotted with islets, sandbanks and beaches.

The recent designation of Mafia Island Marine Park as the largest protected area in the Indian Ocean; which includes surrounding villages in its conservation efforts, ensures that the millions of fish and coral species continue to thrive in the warm waters of Mafia’s beaches.

Green and Hawksbill Turtles have breeding sites along the east coast of the island and on the nearby islands of Juani and Jibondo. To protect these and other local ecosystems, the south-eastern part of the island, together with offshore islands and waters, has been set aside as a national marine park. Whale sharks (potwe in Swahili) visit Mafia between around November and February and are best seen off the coast near Kilindoni. In addition, humpback whales usually pass Mafia in July/August.

An ideal combination with a boat safari through the Marine Reserve is an exploration of the Blue Lagoon on Juani Island, where you can swim or snorkel in the crystal-clear water among tiny freshwater jellyfish. The journey alone through the shallow, mangrove-covered channel is a special experience. Black and white grey kingfishers sit by the dozens on branches above the water and lie in wait for prey, and with a bit of luck you might even see an osprey hunting.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

Mafia Island and its reefs are well-known as world-class diving destinations. Scientists have confirmed that Mafia has some of the world’s richest reefs, with an unrivaled variety of hard and soft corals and tropical fish. The Mafia Marine Park offers excellent snorkeling and scuba diving throughout the year, especially during the dry season from July to October.

Swim along with the Whale sharks

Swimming alongside one of these large creatures is an unforgettable experience while on a safari to Mafia Island. The whale sharks are present all year in the waters surrounding Mafia Island but only appear seasonally in the shallow waters off the island’s west coast when conditions are favorable. The season lasts approximately six months, from October to March. However, they are easily found near Kilindoni.

Whale sharks are fascinating creatures that can live for more than 100 years, grow to be 20 meters long, and weigh 15 tons, but they are completely harmless and feed on massive amounts of plankton that they suck up while swimming. Swimming with whale sharks requires no prior experience. Swimming or diving is simple with snorkels.

Nature Lovers paradise

We provide guided walks and nature trails to enjoy the native trees, animals, and birdlife, as well as take cultural visits to villages to understand the native way of life on the island. While there, get to watch skilled craftsmen at work, sailing in traditional dhows and ngalawas, among others.

Mafia island also offers fantastic day picnic trips to outer islands, sand banks, and beaches.

Bird watching
Mafia island is a hub for a variety of tropical birds and bird enthusiasts can expect to see over 120 different types of tropical birds in this area. Because everything is ‘extra’ in Tanzania and its islands, Mafia Island is one of the few places you can take a fantastic bird-watching excursion from the seas of the Indian Ocean, seated in a traditional Tanzania dhow. Bird species on Mafia Island include Emerald-spotted Wood Dove, common Ostrich, African pygmy goose, Helmeted Guinea fowl, White-backed Duck, Laughing Dove,

African Green Pigeon.

Wildlife viewing
Mafia Island is also home to lots of interesting African fauna to see while on a safari to the island. May view antelopes, wild pigs, and even wild hippos enjoying the marsh in the island’s center, as well as other primates such as charming bush babies at night and vervet monkeys.

Chole Island in Mafia is noted for its enormous fruit bats, which are peaceful tropical bats that only eat fruit.

Chole Island and historical ruins
Directly in front of Mafia Island is an even smaller island called Chole, which is home to just 1000 inhabitants. Time seems to have stood still on this car-free island. As you walk through the labyrinth of paths carved into the palm trees, you will come across the mud huts where the people live and the various trades and professions with which they earn their living. The island is also home to a huge protected nesting site for the world’s largest bat, the flying fox.
You can explore the ancient ruins of Kua and Kaniwa. These ruins date back to the 15th century and offer an insight into the island’s rich Swahili history.

Picnics on sandbanks and sunsets
Mafia Island is dotted with unspoilt sandbanks that emerge at low tide, creating secluded spots for idyllic picnics and relaxation. We offer sandbank trips where you can enjoy a delicious seafood lunch and enjoy the tranquillity of your private island trip.
Also, don’t miss the breathtaking sunsets over the Indian Ocean that bathe the sky in shades of orange, pink and gold.

Traditional dhow sailing
Experience the local culture and go on a traditional dhow sailing trip. These graceful wooden boats offer a unique way to explore the island’s coastline, visit secluded beaches and learn about the traditional fishing techniques of the local community.
It is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the island’s maritime heritage and enjoy the gentle sea breeze.

Visit Kilindoni Town
Kilindoni Town on Mafia Island is an interesting town to explore while visiting Mafia Island. The town features several facilities including a bank, post office, and a local market where you can buy fresh fruit, fish, and seafood. On the south-western coast of the island is Kisimani which is only a 30-minute drive from Kilondoni.
Kisimani was formerly a prosperous center with a stunning palace; but according to the legend, the emperor severed the hands of the masons and builders so that no one would ever rebuild his castle in another site. However, his acts may have contributed to the demise of Kisimani. What is now left are just ruins to witness to the once-established location. Moreover, certain items discovered in the vicinity have been dated back to 600 B.C.

Visit the lighthouse
There is a preserved lighthouse at the northern tip of the island. You can take a taxi or tuk-tuk or hire a motorbike (piki piki) for the day. There are also unspoilt beaches where you can stop and go for a swim.

Fun Fact:
Try coconut beer
Watch how the locals fetch the beer from the palm tops and make bottles for the fermented juice. Coconut beer is strong and has a cheesy flavour. The locals like it, maybe you will too.

Best time to visit Mafia Island
The best time to visit Mafia Island is during the dry season.
This is from June to October, when the weather is sunny and the sea is calm. The island’s warm climate and year-round activities make it a great destination at any time.

Travelling to Mafia Island

By flight
Mafia Island can be reached by flight from Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar to Mafia. The flights take 30 minutes and offer breathtaking aerial views of the island and the surrounding Indian Ocean.

By boat
Mafia Island can be reached by boat from the mainland. The ferry is available daily. The small town of Nyambati can be reached from Dar es Salaam via Bungu. The ferry journey usually takes around four to five hours, depending on sea conditions.

♦ Combine a fantastic beach holiday on Mafia with a safari in Tanzania’s most beautiful national parks. The breathtaking landscapes of Ruaha National Park or the impressive Nyerere National Park, which is crossed by the Rufiji River, offer unique experiences.

Photos from Mafia Island

INQUIRE Mafia Island - the hidden gem and divers paradise

Start planning your Mafia Island – the hidden gem and divers paradiseby filling the form below