WELCOME

TO 
MAFIA ISLAND

Mafia Island is a true remnant of the old Swahili coast, a place unspoiled, unaffected by commercialism and timeless.

Short History

Mafia is the largest of a small archipelago of islands with a population of about 40,000. It is approximately 20 miles off the Tanzanian coast, about 35 minutes by air from Dar es Salaam. Across from island lies the Great Rufiji River delta and the world famous Selous Game Reserve. The name Mafia is probably derived from the Arabic “morfiyeh”, meaning “group” or “archipelago”, or from the Swahili “mahali pa afya” meaning “a healthy dwelling place”. Its history goes back to the 8th century where it played a key role in the East African trading routes between Kilwa and Zanzibar.

Mafia Tourism

Mafia has mostly escaped the invasion of mass tourism, with only a handful of lodges on the island, The lodges are like “bush resorts” in that everything is quiet, thus offering the perfect alternative safari experience. Major tourist activities are scuba diving, snorkeling, beach and offshore island excursions.

The places to visit are:

Chole Bay, Kinasi Pass Islets, Mange reef, Kitutia, and Jibondo Pass. Diving safaris around Chole Bay, within Mafia Island’s Marine Park are outstanding. This is one of the highest bio-diversity marine sites in East Africa!

There are over 400 species of fish, 48 genera of soft and hard coral, the endangered marine turtle, dolphins and the rare dugong

Attractions  for Mafia Island

We’ve selected a range of attractions & accomodations options for when you visit Pemba Island. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences

Destinations near Mafia Island

• Chumbe Private Island 117 miles away

• StoneTown 124 miles away

• Zanzibar beaches 145 miles away

• Pemba island 189 miles away

• Mnemba Private Island 114 miles away

• Zanzibar island 119 miles away