Mafia Island
A hidden gem with turquoise waters, coral reefs, and whale sharks.
Overview
Mafia Island is a pristine and unspoiled destination off the coast of Tanzania that offers a unique travel experience. With its rich history and diverse plant and animal species, Mafia Island is an African paradise that boasts breathtaking scenery, ancient ruins, and vibrant culture. The island’s tropical climate is perfect for soaking up the sun, and visitors can explore the crystal-clear waters, unspoiled beaches, and coral reefs teeming with marine life. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or nature, Mafia Island has something for everyone, making it an ideal destination for an unforgettable vacation.
Things to Do
Snorkeling and diving: Mafia Island is renowned for its spectacular coral reefs and an abundance of marine life, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and diving.
Sailing: Explore the island’s stunning coastline by traditional dhow boat and soak up the breathtaking scenery.
Fishing: The island is a popular destination for big game fishing, with opportunities to catch marlin, sailfish, and tuna.
Bird Watching: Mafia Island is home to a variety of bird species, including the rare and endangered Pemba Flying Fox.
Beach activities: Relax on the island’s stunning beaches or take part in activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and kite surfing.
What to See
Coral reefs: Mafia Island is home to some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world, teeming with marine life.
Marine life: Visitors can spot a variety of marine life, including dolphins, whales, turtles, and a range of fish species.
Historic sites: Mafia Island has a rich cultural and historical heritage, with ruins and artifacts dating back to the 12th century.
Wildlife: The island is home to a variety of animal species, including monkeys, lizards, and a range of bird species.
Traditional villages: Visitors can explore the island’s traditional fishing villages and learn about local culture and customs.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Mafia Island is from June to October when the weather is dry and sunny, and the sea is calm.
Getting there
By Air: Fly from Dar es Salaam International Airport to Mafia Island Airport. Enjoy a short flight with amazing views.
By Sea: Take a ferry from Dar es Salaam to Mafia. It’s a relaxed journey with sea views, bringing you to this island haven.
Where to Stay
Mid-Range Accommodation:
Pole Pole Bungalows
Located in a secluded area on the southern coast of Mafia Island, this eco-lodge offers spacious bungalows with private verandas and ocean views.
Mafia Island Lodge
Situated on a sandy beach, this lodge offers a range of accommodation options including bungalows and villas, as well as a swimming pool and on-site restaurant.
Kinasi Lodge
Nestled in a lush garden on the southwestern coast of Mafia Island, this lodge offers a variety of bungalow-style rooms with private verandas and ocean views.
Luxury Accommodation:
Chole Mjini Lodge
Set on a small island just off the coast of Mafia Island, this eco-lodge offers open-air treehouses and bungalows with stunning ocean views.
Butiama Beach
Located on the northern coast of Mafia Island, this luxurious resort offers spacious villas, an infinity pool, and a private beach.
Mafia Island Resort
This upscale resort features spacious villas with private plunge pools and ocean views, as well as a spa and on-site restaurant.
Other Attractions in Tanzania
Changu Island
Pemba Island
Mount Kilimanjaro
Katavi National Park
Mikumi National Park
Tarangire National Park
Arusha National Park
Serengeti National Park
Ngorongoro Conservation
Lake Manyara National Park
Saadani National Park
Zanzibar
General Knowledge Base
General information about Mafia Island, Tanzania.
Mafia Island is located off the coast of Tanzania, in the Indian Ocean.
Mafia Island has a rich history dating back to the 8th century, when it was a trading center for Persian and Arab merchants. Later, it was ruled by the Omanis and the Germans, and it played a role in the slave trade. During World War I, it was occupied by the British.
The island is home to a variety of plant species, including coconut palms, mango trees, baobabs, and cashew trees.
The main language spoken on the island is Swahili, although English is also widely spoken.
The island’s cuisine is influenced by Swahili and African dishes, with an emphasis on fresh seafood.
As of 2012, the population of Mafia Island was approximately 46,000 people.
Dhows, traditional wooden sailing boats, are commonly used for transportation between Mafia Island and nearby coastal areas.
Yes, Mafia Island has traditional villages where visitors can experience the local Swahili culture, interact with communities, and enjoy traditional dances
