Mafia Island
A quiet island south of Zanzibar, inside one of the Indian Ocean’s richest marine parks. From about October to March, you may be able to snorkel with whale sharks.
At a glance
- Getting there
- A short flight from Dar es Salaam
- Best for
- Snorkelling and diving, whale sharks, a slow pace
- Best time
- October to March for whale sharks; June to October for diving
Why go
Mafia is not part of Zanzibar; it belongs to Tanzania’s Pwani region. Life here moves slowly, around fishing and farming, and there are only a handful of places to stay. Mafia Island Marine Park protects coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves, with hundreds of fish species and turtles. Nearby Chole Island has ruins from the island’s days as a trading town.
Highlights
- Snorkelling with whale sharks, about October to March
- Diving in Mafia Island Marine Park
- Chole Island and its ruins
- Turtle nesting beaches
- A peaceful, uncrowded island
The conservation story
Mafia Island Marine Park, created in 1995, was one of Tanzania’s first marine parks, and people still live and fish inside it. Its rules aim to protect the reefs while keeping local livelihoods. Whale shark trips follow a code of conduct on distance and numbers, and community turtle-monitoring protects nesting beaches. The marine park fee in your trip price supports this work.
How your visit helps. The park and conservation fees in your trip price go to the authority that protects this place, paying for rangers, anti-poaching patrols and park upkeep. We hire local guides and staff and use locally owned suppliers wherever we can.
A trip built around Mafia
We do not have a set itinerary here yet, so we plan each visit around you: how long you have, how you like to travel, and what you most want to see. Mafia combines well with Nyerere National Park, or as a beach stay after any safari.
When to go
Whale sharks are usually around from about October to March. June to October brings the clearest water for diving. Many lodges close during the long rains, roughly April and May.
Where to stay
We choose your lodges and camps to suit your budget and travel style, from simple tented camps to luxury lodges, and name them in your personal itinerary and quote.
Ready to plan your visit to Mafia?
Tell us your dates and how you like to travel, and we will send you a personal itinerary and quote. No obligation to book.
Adventure That Gives Back
Private safaris, treks and beach holidays across Tanzania, planned by a Tanzanian team.
Forest Hill, Kihimbwa St, Morogoro, Tanzania
Talk to us
WhatsApp +255 622 191 154
ecolegacy@ecolegacy-africa.com
★ 5.0 on Google, from 2 reviews
Tourism licence No. 035908
Insured with Sanlam Allianz