Since everyone loves the underdog then we would like to introduce to you Mafia Island. Located approximately 100km in southeastern Tanzania’s biggest city Dar Es Salaam just opposite the Rufiji estuaries lies a beautiful Island called the Mafia (A name of Arabic roots” MORFIYEH” which means a group or archipelago). With an area of about 435 km² and a population of about 40,000 people, this island has plenty of marine life with more than 460 species of fish and over 50 genera of corals. Mafia Island will give you world-class diving and snorkeling experience. Rarely visited, and much quieter even than Pemba, Mafia, and its surrounding islands are a diver’s paradise. The beautiful white sandy beaches, which are almost unspoiled and empty, and barely can see other tourists are all by themselves.
Huge groupers, rays, turtles, and whale sharks all frequent its warm, clear waters and Chole Bay is perhaps the best coral garden in East Africa.
Get to and From Mafia Island
Mafia island is accessible through air transport which is just a 30-minute flight from Dar es salaam and a 4-hour ferry ride from NYAMISATI, RUFIJI to Mafia Island which is about 57 km.
For those coming from Safari, Mafia Island is accessible by air transport, from Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, or fly straight from the National park’s airstrips or by boarding on a bus to Dar es Salaam, hence all these means are determined by your budget limit.
Whale shark safaris 60$
Have you ever imagined safaris worth a lifetime memory, then this is one of those worthy to be on your bucket list.
Swimming with these ocean gentle giants is one of the best experiences Mafia Island has to offer. Whale Sharks are one of the largest fish in the ocean, the largest recorded to ever visit the island was coming in at 12.8. The best seasons for whale shark sightings are between the months of October to February with November and December being the peak periods.
Since every Morning in Africa, there are endless experiences that await to be explored, therefore all tours are expected to start in the mornings, on each day before embarking on a boat cruise, there will be a short tour brief by our marine expert for a few minutes, and at 7 am the boat will be sailing off and will take between 3 to 5 hours for the whole experience. Whale sharks are wild animals so there is no guarantee that we will find them. 80-90% of our tours find whale sharks. In the case that we do not see them you can join us on another tour for $50 the next day.
Included in the price; are pick up and drop off from your lodge, snorkeling gear, breakfast or snacks, water, community fees, and an experienced captain and guide.
Sunset cruise – $30
For complete relaxation, join us on a boat ride to explore and experience the beauty of the Mafia Island sunset. We will cruise slowly towards the kua channel known for its little bays and beaches and a feature is the Blue Lagoon,
Drinks can be brought in advance from the bar and kept in the cooler for the journey. This tour takes 3 hours. Included in the price; are pick up and drop off from your lodge, water, and an experienced captain and guide.
*Note that our tours need a minimum of 2 people to go ahead.
Other activities that can be done during the day are
- Kayaking
- Cycling
Activities in the marine park
All activities within the marine reserved areas will require visitors to pay 23.6 $ per person directly to the authorities at the entrance.
Half Day: Snorkeling with a Sandbank lunch – $40
Experience Mafia’s rich coral with a snorkeling excursion. We might spot octopuses, moray eels, turtles, and seahorses. We will then go to a secluded sandbank (which only appears for a few hours each day) for a local BBQ lunch and some time to relax!
Included in the price; are pick up and drop off from your lodge, snorkeling gear, BBQ lunch, shade on the sandbank, water, and an experienced captain and guide.
Half Day: visiting Chole Island with a Sandbank lunch – $40
Experience village life on Chole Island where you will get to see how the locals live on a short tour through the village. We will visit the island ruins, the traditional dhow-making area, and also the resident flying fox bats (the world’s largest bats!). We will then go to a secluded sandbank for a local BBQ lunch and some time to relax!
Included in the price; are pick up and drop off from your lodge, Chole tour, Chole community fees, BBQ lunch, shade on the sandbank, water, and an experienced captain and guide.
Snorkeling in the Marine Park – $30
Experience Island’s rich coral with a snorkeling excursion in the marine park. We might spot octopuses, moray eels, turtles, and seahorses. This tour takes about 3 hours.
Included in the price; are pick up and drop off from your lodge, fruit, water, and an experienced captain and guide.
Full Day: Snorkeling, Sandbank Lunch, Chole Island – $55
Experience the island’s rich coral with a snorkeling excursion. We might spot octopuses, moray eels, turtles, and seahorses. We will then go to a secluded sandbank for a local BBQ lunch and some time to relax! In the afternoon you will visit Chole Island where you will do a gentle walking tour. You will go to the ruins, see how the locals live, see how the traditional dhows are made and the resident Flying Fox bats (the world’s largest bats!)
Included in the price; are pick up and drop off from your lodge, snorkeling gear, BBQ lunch, shade on the sandbank, water, Chole tour, Chole community fees, and an experienced captain and guide.
Birdwatching
Approximately 200 species of birds are found at Mafia Island, making it a great place for bird watching, and many of the bird species here are rarely found in other parts of Tanzania. These include the Yellow-fronted canary, house sparrow, zebra waxbill, and purple-banded sunbird.
Get Help
Quick Link
- Family Safari
- Private Safari
- Bird Watching
- Mountain Trekking
- Beaches
Contact Us
Phone: +255 679 977 111 +255 754 297 669 +255 767 975 421
Email: info@amoaexperience.co.tz
P.O.Box 11429 Arusha, Tanzania
