Mafia Island is one of Tanzania’s best-kept secrets. The island and its surrounding waters are part of a protected marine park. This means a limited number of visitors are allowed. This is Mafia Island’s way of preserving its beauty. Because it’s quieter than Zanzibar , it’s also a popular destination for honeymooners. Moreover, the pearly white sandy beaches are fringed with palm trees, and the sea is crystal clear. Perfect for a romantic honeymoon!
The island boasts several unique advantages. For example, the surrounding waters are home to whales and whale sharks, which can be found just a few hundred meters from shore. Moreover, the marine park provides a rich breeding ground for these plankton-feeding creatures. The whale shark can grow up to 15 meters long, making it the largest fish on the planet. Combined with the stunning coral reef, this makes Mafia Island one of the world’s most beautiful dive sites.
An extension on this island is the perfect end to your Tanzania holiday or safari !
Excursions and activities on Mafia Island
- To dive!
- Snorkeling
- Looking for whales or whale sharks (in combination with snorkeling or diving)
- Sunset Cruise
- Cultural island walk
- Visiting the ruins of Kua
- Various other island excursions
Travel tips from our experts about Mafia Island
Mafia is a beautiful and romantic island where you can enjoy tranquility, natural beauty, and friendly people. Tanzania Specialist recommends staying at least five days to fully unwind. If you also want to experience the island’s nature and culture, it’s best to stay eight days.
*Please note! Mafia Island is located in a protected nature reserve (marine park). Therefore, a park fee of €20 per person per day applies during your stay. Park fees must be paid on-site.
Our advice:
How long should you stay at Mafia? 5 days (4 nights)
Which hotel? Pole Pole Bungalows for the fantastic food, the unique location, the beautiful, quiet beach, and the lovely bungalows.
When to go whale and whale shark watching?
These enormous fish pass Mafia Island during their annual migration to warmer waters. Below you can see which species can be seen when:
- Humpback whale: from August to early October
- Whale shark: from November to late March (peak in February)
Travel time to Mafia Island
Flights depart from the following airports to Mafia:
- Arusha: approximately 3 hours flight, estimated price €420.
- Zanzibar: 20-minute flight, estimated price €175
- Selous: less than a 2-hour flight, estimated price €329
- Dar es Salaam: 30-minute flight, estimated price €125
Information and facts
The protected nature reserve where Mafia Island is located is truly stunning. It’s one of the most beautiful diving spots in the world. It’s also very popular with honeymooners, thanks to the peace and romance you can experience together.
Mafia Island features
- Beautiful underwater life (more than 400 different fish species)
- The largest coral reefs in the world (50 different coral species!)
- Whales and whale sharks
- Mafia is a favorite spot for turtles
- Mangrove forests
- Rich in tropical seabirds
- Baobab trees, cashew nuts, papaya and mango grow here
- Quiet pearly white sandy beaches
- Palm trees
- Azure blue sea
- Nice climate
- Nice people
- Good service
- Delicious food
- Beautiful nature
Mafia Island facts
- The total size of the protected nature reserve is 1,500 square kilometers
- Size of Mafia Island: 70 kilometers long and 15 kilometers wide
- 822 square kilometers of protected coral reefs
- The largest protected marine park in the Indian Ocean
- Mafia Island is rich in history and culture
- One of the most beautiful diving locations in the world
