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Mafia Islands

Rate : $0 to $0 Best time : June to October High season : no crowds year out

The mafia archipelago is part of Tanzania, strewn along the coast southeast of Dar es Salaam, it is governed by the mainland, not by the semi-autonomous region of Zanzibar. historically this island was on a cross path for traders along the eastern African coast, at present the island is popular for its protected reefs with large parts of the island's coast protected by the marine park. for this reason, it's arguably the best place in East Africa’s coast for scuba diving & snorkeling especially when you are keen to explore whale sharks.

Mafia Island
Tourist Swimming with a Turtle

Note: mafia island experience the longest whale shark season globally.

 

Why Mafia

The top reason why you should visit mafia is down to explore sea life, and whale sharks, especially those who are inhabitants of its protected coral reefs

Other reasons why you should visit Mafia 

  • It is less crowded; it is like Zanzibar but 10 years earlier when it had fewer tourist numbers 

Tip: beaches in Zanzibar are considered more glorious than those in the main island mafia which tend to be mangrovey and tidal, but for the sea, exploration mafia is indeed the best in the region.

Why Mafia Island
Mafia Island Turtle

Weather & Climate

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Top things to do in Mafia Islands

Scuba diving & Snorkeling, with its protected coral reefs, and ocean dwellers including the whale shark are present making scuba diving and snorkeling quite popular & thrilling activities to do.

scuba diving in mafia Island
Scuba diving with a whale shark at Mafia Island

 

Fishing, the waters around Mafia are famed for their fishing potential, with world records for big game fish caught here. Join local fishermen and head out fishing.

Beach time, relaxing on the beach is always refreshing 

Sunset cruise, boarding a dhow & heading out for a cruise as the sunsets is amazing and refreshing.

Wildlife viewing, the islands are inhabited by a great diversity of wildlife, with hippos residing in a pool at the center of the island and sykes and vervet monkeys, galagos bushbabies, blue duiker, genet cats, and wild pigs in the forests and bush. There are also plenty of Pteropus Giant Fruit Bats, a colony of which can be seen roosting on Chole Island.

 

Best time to visit Mafia Islands

It is during the dry season that it’s the best to visit, spanning from mid-June to late October. However, a visit is good all year round.

Tip: Travelers keen on exploring whale sharks should line a visit from late September to early March as it's when many whale sharks are in the region, November & December being quite precise times to encounter them.

Best Time to Visit Mafia Island
Best Time to Visit Mafia Island

Getting to Mafia Islands

The best way to get to Mafia is to fly to Mafia, you can get direct flights from dar es salaam to the mafia (30 minutes away), with many flights from elsewhere connecting from dar es salaam. Alternatively, you can take a ferry to Mafia, you will have to head to a coastal town south of dar es salaam called Nyamisati and get a ferry to Mafia.

Getting To Mafia Island
Mafia Island

Note: unlike the ferry to Zanzibar these are a little bit older however there haven’t been any safety issues. 

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