Mafia Island – The Hidden Gem

Mafia Island, part of Tanzania’s Zanzibar archipelago, is one of East Africa’s best-kept secrets. Tucked just off the Rufiji Delta, about a 30‑minute flight from Dar es Salaam, the island feels like Zanzibar decades ago – no paved roads and only a handful of visitors. Half of its coastline lies inside the Mafia Island Marine Park, the Indian Ocean’s largest protected area, which shelters mangroves, lagoons, and more than 50 coral species and 460 species of fish. This tranquil world invites divers, snorkelers, and honeymooners to explore dazzling reefs, swim alongside whale sharks, and enjoy a relaxed slice of Swahili culture.

Quick Facts

• 🗺️ Location: Approximately 25 km off Tanzania’s coast and 120 km south of Dar es Salaam; reached in about 30–45 minutes by air.
• 🌤️ Best Season: July–October (dry & cool); November–March for whale shark season; December–February for hot, sunny weather.
• ✈️ Access: Daily flights from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar; ferries and charters also connect to Kilindoni Harbour.
• ⭐ Top Highlights: Mafia Island Marine Park, whale shark snorkelling, Ngezi Forest & Kua Ruins, Chole Island, sandbank picnics, sunset dhow cruises.

When to Visit & Climate

• 🐠 Whale Shark Season: November–March – the prime months to snorkel with these gentle giants.
• ☀️ Dry Season: June–October – sunny, breezy days ideal for beach time and diving; excellent visibility on the reefs.
• 🌧️ Rainy Months: April–May (long rains) and November (short rains) – dramatic tropical showers keep the island green; divers still enjoy good underwater conditions.
• 🌊 Quiet Period: January–February – hot, humid weather with calm seas and fewer visitors; perfect for a peaceful getaway.

How to Get There

• ✈️ By Air: Scheduled flights from Dar es Salaam (approx. 30 min) and Zanzibar (approx. 40 min) land at Kilindoni airstrip.
• 🚐 Transfers: Private transfers arranged by your lodge or Saila Holidays connect the airstrip to the beaches and village lodges.
• 🚢 By Sea: Ferries and local dhows cross from Nyamisati on the mainland to Kilindoni; charter boats also available for island hopping.

Highlights & Experiences

• 🦈 Whale Sharks: Swim alongside the world’s largest fish during the November–March season – one of the island’s biggest draws.
• 🌊 Marine Park Diving: Explore reefs teeming with more than 400 fish species and 50 coral varieties within Tanzania’s first marine park.
• 🏝️ Chole Island & Kua Ruins: Visit neighbouring Chole Island to wander through 15th‑century ruins and traditional Swahili villages.
• 🚣 Sandbank & Dhow Cruises: Sail on a traditional dhow to secluded sandbars for picnics, snorkelling and spectacular sunsets.
• 🌳 Ngezi Forest & Birdlife: Walk through mangrove forests and coastal woodlands, home to endemic birds, coconut crabs and fruit bats.
• 🍹 Cultural Encounters: Tour local markets, learn dhow building, and enjoy Swahili cuisine prepared by friendly islanders.

Where to Stay

• 🏡 Eco‑Luxury: Pole Pole Bungalows, Kinasi Lodge, Chole Mjini – barefoot luxury with private villas and superb service.
• 🌿 Boutique: Mafia Kivulini Lodge, Shamba Kilole, Emerald Bay – intimate lodges surrounded by tropical gardens.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family‑Friendly: Beachfront bungalows near Kilindoni or Ras Mbisi; rustic camps offering snorkeling and nature walks.

Choose from our most loved experiences, designed for every traveller — from diving enthusiasts to culture seekers.

Travel Tips

• 💳 Carry Tanzanian shillings for local markets; most lodges accept credit cards, but small vendors do not.
• 🎟️ Bring USD$20–$25 per person for the Marine Park entry fee (paid on arrival).
• 🧴 Pack reef‑safe sunscreen, hats, insect repellent, and quick‑dry swimwear; respect marine life by not touching coral or wildlife.
• 🕌 Dress modestly when visiting villages and markets; polite Swahili greetings like “Jambo” (hello) and “Asante” (thank you) go a long way.
• 🐳 Book whale‑shark tours in advance during peak season (Nov–Feb) as spaces fill quickly.