Mafia Island, Tanzania
mafia island
From the South Zanzibar and opposite the river mouth of the mighty Rufiji, lies the small island of Mafia. Largely overlooked by the waves of tourism that now feature on Zanzibar, the island has a ramshackle feel to it, which only adds to its charm. Surrounded by a protected marine park, like Pemba, this is a good destination for those that are keen on spending a bit of time in the underwater world.
At around half the size of Pemba to the north, Mafiathe truly is a getaway from it all. Little has changed on the island for the last century or so and, while coconut exportation is no longer the lucrative enterprise it once was, its bi-products are to be seen all over the island from the roofs to the walls and even the local alcohol.
Life, on the whole, is centered on the small village of Kilindoni, and this dusty collection of huts, set amongst tall palms, is the first view that many see of the island. Like many of the bush strips of the interior, the runway moonlights as the village football pitch so it is not uncommon to see the game disperse only seconds before a plane comes in tointo land!
Elsewhere, the main income on the island is now fishing so some small huts and communities havesomehavehave some have some small huts and communities have popped up along the short, 50km coastline, making use of the island’s abundant marine life.
For the average tourist, the reason to head to the island is for the fantastic Mafia Island Marine Park which encompasses around 50% of the coastal waters of the island. On top of this, there are a few remnants of the Mafia’s more important past, as a trading post for the Omanis’ and also as a small colony for the Germans….a good example of their legacy is on Chole Island where it is possible to wander amongst the overgrown buildings and walls.
Best Activities in Mafia Island
Swim with Whale Sharks
When: October – April
One of the biggest things to do on Mafia Island is swimming with Whale Sharks. This experience sits right at the top of every traveler’s memories. These creatures are huge and their gentle manner makes them really fun to swim with.
Snorkel in the Marine Park
Wander Kilindoni market
Take a tour of Chole Island
BBQ lunch on Marimbani Sandbank
A short boat ride from Mafia Island is a pristine sandbank that appears for just a few hours each day, called Marimbani. White sands, crystal clear waters and lots of crabs. This really is a slice of heaven and well worth heading to early or late so that you can have the place to yourselves. It is one of the favorite things one can do while on Mafia Island.
Dive in the protected Marine Park
Mafia is also a great place to go diving. The Marine Protected area has resulted in healthy corals and lots of variety of life.
Stay in a treehouse at Chole Mnjini
Chole Mnjini is a VERY special lodge on the tiny island of Chole (20-minute boat ride from Mafia Island). Guests get a private treehouse built around huge Bao trees. Your room is open so you can look at the view of the trees and ocean from the treetops.
Chole Island had just had a very few number of visitors in 2019 not even reaching 500 so remains very untouched. It’s quite a unique place and combining it with a stay at the unique Chole Mnjini really will be a very amazing experience to tell!
Swim in a hidden lagoon
Tucked out the way in the Marine Park is a beautiful lagoon, this really is Mafia Island’s best-kept secret. Swim in a pool full of upside-down jellyfish and take in the impossibly blue waters. On the boat ride to and from the lagoon, look out for monkeys in the trees!
See humpback whales
When: August – September
Between August – September, humpbacks migrate past Mafia Island. Daily tours leave to go view these huge creatures, often spotting mothers and their calves.
Afro sunset cruise & BBQAfro sunset cruise & BBQ
(reservations made on request)
Time to visit June to Nov & January to Mar
Every week on Saturday, the sunset is spectacular and the BBQ food is delicious. Enjoy this private stretch of beach and the bonfire and have a drink with new friends. Most weeks (on request) they will also arrange a sunset cruise so you can have a few drinks and the best view of Mafia while you wait for your food to cook.
