What to do in Mafia Island?

Are you looking for a small, peaceful island paradise away from the crowds of tourists who usually flock to Zanzibar after a safari?

You are in the right place because today I take you to Mafia Island !

Where is Mafia Island located?

 

Never heard of Mafia Island? Do not worry, it's normal ! Few people know this little one island of 400 km 2 with its 48 000 people. 

But where is Mafia Island?

This is a small tanzanian island located off the coast of Tanzania, about 130 km south of Dar es Salaam. 

This island is therefore located in East Africa in Indian Ocean between Kenya and Mozambique.

Mafia Island is still today difficult to access. Indeed, you can reach it either by small plane or by small boat. 

 

When is the best time to visit Mafia Island?

Mafia Island is experiencing a pleasant equatorial climate throughout the year. 

We meet there two rainy seasons:

• March to May
• October to December

We therefore consider that best times to visit the island are:

• January and February
• July to September

However, weather conditions may vary.

For my part, I visited Mafia Island during the Last 10 days of May. 

The month of May being the month of Ramadan and therefore the low season, you will not encounter not a lot of tourists.

Indeed, when I was on the island with a friend, we were the only tourists. This has advantages because you will be able to benefit from preferential rates for excursions etc ... But this also has drawbacks because some establishments are closed during the month of May. 

If you want to dive, I may advise you to avoid this period or to make sure before the dive centers are open at this time. 

Personally, I managed to do a scuba diving trip but it was not easy to organize. The advantage of course is that we were the only diving boat on the whole island.

 

Top 6 things to do in Mafia Island 

 

Although being a small island, many activities are offered on Mafia Island. 

Believe me, you won't be bored!

 

1. Dive / snorkel around Mafia Island

 

If you are a seasoned diver you will agree with me that Mafia Island is world famous for its magnificent diving spots.

Indeed, to come to Mafia and not take the opportunity to discover its spectacular seabed would be a mistake.

All dives around Mafia Island take place in the national reserve located in the south of the island and extending over 821 km2. Thanks to this reserve, you will be able to admire a extremely rich and preserved fauna. 

We can see there very beautiful colorful corals as well as turtles, dolphins, and very many species of fish.

When I dived there I had the impression of finding myself in a giant aquarium so much I took in my eyes. 

All departures for diving or snorkeling are from Utende which is located inside the reserve.

 

2. Take a trip to swim with whale sharks

 

The flagship excursion on the island of Mafia is most certainly this one. Indeed, every year many tourists board small fishing boats to go in search of whale sharks. 

These are very present all around the island during the period from November to March. 

The excursion lasts about 4 to 5 hours. 

Once spotted, you will have the opportunity to dive with the whale sharks as many times as you want. 

The price of an excursion to swim with whale sharks is about US $ 100 depending on the company you book with. The departure is usually from Kilindoni. 

 

3. Take a trip to Chole Island and the Blue Lagoon

 

Departing from Utende, you will embark aboard a small fishing boat to discover:

• chole island : small island (entrance fee of $ 4) where a few inhabitants live. There is also a hotel. The island of Chole is a historic site where you will discover XNUMXth century ruins during a guided tour. Also, you will find a sanctuary tree where fruit bats nest.
• Blue Lagoon: you will then enjoy a short swim in Mafia's Blue Lagoon

This excursion lasts about 3- 4 hours and the price varies depending on the season and the company you are passing through. Depending on this, the prices vary between US $ 25 and US $ 80.

At this price, it is necessary add entry to the Mafia reserve which costs US $ 23 per day.

 

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4. Bask on one of the beautiful beaches of Mafia Island

 

Mafia Island is full of beautiful beaches that are worth seeing. Fine sandy beaches with turquoise waters. What more?

Well in addition you will have the right to a real calm and absolute tranquility on the beaches.

The sands are all more beautiful than the others. In addition you will be entitled to magnificent sunsets on the east coast of the island.

Among beaches that I can advise you, we find:

• Kilindoni Beach: starting south of the port of Kilindoni and stretching as far as the eye can see to the south.
• The beach above Mafia airport which also extends as far as the eye can see towards the north 
• Kanga-beach : further north and more difficult to access but heavenly
• Bweni beach : further north also and once again magnificent

Mafia Island is surrounded by magnificent sandy beaches that stretch for miles, you will find what you are looking for I have no doubt about it.

However, pay close attention to the tides! Don't be surprised!

 

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5. Explore the island of Mafia

 

The small island of Mafia is worth exploring.

Mafia still remains a very authentic island and you will be able to see it for yourself as you venture out. This is the best way to see the Mafia environment.

To do this, you can rent a boda-boda (a motorbike) in order to benefit from the greatest possible freedom to explore this magnificent island.

It is also possible to renting bikes to explore the island or you can take a "taxi" or a "dala-dala" (the bus).

The island is not very big, so you will have the option of following the "road" that crosses Mafia from North to South.

At thenorth end of the island, you will find the mafia lighthouse in which it is possible to climb to have a overview on the island.

 

6. Meet the inhabitants of Mafia Island

 

Few people take the time to meet the locals on trips to the other side of the world.

Obviously, not everyone has the same number of days for a trip.

However, if you have the possibility and the inclination, I strongly advise you to spend some time trying to understand the culture of the locals and the way of life because this is extremely enriching.

La primary difficulty is that few locals speak English apart from those working in "tourism". But it is always possible to make oneself understood and to communicate when everyone makes an effort. Meet the locals to find discover their culture and traditions as well as their culinary specialties, You will not be disappointed !

 

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I had the chance to pass 10 days on Mafia Island and I can only recommend this destination to you. It was mon heart stroke during my 3 month trip to Tanzania.