Pwani Region, Indian Ocean · Tanzania
A quiet Indian Ocean island with whale sharks, coral reefs and Swahili ruins.
Photo: Barlky · CC BY-SA 4.0
Mafia Island is a laid-back island south of Zanzibar, ringed by coral reefs inside the Mafia Island Marine Park. It has few big resorts, with the focus on small lodges, diving, snorkelling and watching life in the fishing villages.
The island is best known for whale shark encounters, which are possible from about October to February when the sharks gather to feed in the plankton-rich waters. Snorkellers can swim alongside them, which many call a highlight of their trip. Turtles nest on the beaches, and the reefs are rich with fish and coral.
Chole Island, a short boat ride away, has crumbling Swahili ruins, mangroves and a small village, and is a nice contrast to the beaches. There is no nightlife here, which is part of the appeal. Getting there is by small plane from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar.
Why visit
Mafia offers a quiet alternative to Zanzibar.
One of the best places to snorkel with them.
Healthy reefs and diving.
Few tourists.
Chole Island history.
Nesting beaches.
Main attractions
Mafia is about the sea.
Boat and snorkel from October to February.
Tip Book with a reputable operator.
Reefs, coral and fish.
Tip Pay the marine park fee.
Ruins, mangroves and a village.
Tip Visit by dhow.
The main town and port.
Tip Short stop.
A quiet strip with lodges.
Tip Good for swimming at high tide.
Ruins and mangroves.
Tip Boat trip.
Things to do
Water-based activities dominate.
From October to February.
Tip Follow guidelines.
Walls and coral gardens.
Tip Check dive centre safety.
To Chole.
Tip Take a picnic.
Seasonal.
Tip Ask your lodge.
Quiet exploring.
Tip Go at high tide.
Traditional fishing.
Tip Ask your lodge.
Local food
Seafood and Swahili dishes.
Fresh catch.
Where to try it Lodge dinners.
Coconut-based.
Where to try it Village eateries.
Staple.
Where to try it Lunch.
Fried dough.
Where to try it Breakfast.
Mango and passion fruit.
Where to try it Markets.
Accommodation
Stay on the beach or at a village lodge.
Transport
Mafia is reached by air or sea.
Roads are rough, and distances short.
When to go
Whale sharks appear from October to February, with warm weather.
Whale sharks and calm seas.
Dry and cool.
Long rains.
Short rains.
Worth planning around: April and May, when most lodges close.
Itinerary
Sea and ruins.
Flight
Snorkel
History
Free
Travel tips
These tips will help.
FAQ
October to February.
By small plane.
No.
Yes.
Yes.
Three to five days.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Mafia Island, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Unguja island, Zanzibar, Tanzania
The north and east coast beaches of Zanzibar: Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Jambiani, Matemwe and Michamvi, plus snorkelling, kite-surfing and red colobus monkeys.
Don't miss Watching the tide drift out and a dhow sail past at sunset on a quiet beach.
Explore Destination — Zanzibar BeachesZanzibar City, Unguja island, Tanzania
A UNESCO-listed Swahili trading port with Omani, Indian, Arab and European influences, famous for carved doors, markets, palaces and seafood.
Don't miss Getting lost in the lanes, then watching the sun set over the harbour from a rooftop.
Explore Destination — Stone Town, ZanzibarMorogoro and Lindi regions, southern Tanzania, Tanzania
A huge southern park with the Rufiji River, boat and walking safaris, African wild dogs and fewer visitors than the northern circuit.
Don't miss Drifting down the Rufiji River past hippos and crocodiles at dusk.
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