Mafia Island is a great place to get away from the busy life we all live. So there aren’t any paved roads on this island, and there aren’t many guests either. It’s like Zanzibar was many years ago. The people on the island are very friendly and the mood is calm.

Some of the best coral reefs in the world are all around the island of Mafia, which is part of the Zanzibar Archipelago. The Mafia Island Marine Park covers almost half of Mafia’s coastline. The park has lagoons, coral reefs, and mangrove woods. The Indian Ocean’s biggest protected area is here. People who dive and swim love the barrier reef. More than 460 kinds of fish live there, and 50 kinds of coral. A lot of people don’t know about Mafia’s amazing and clean dive spots.

Because most of the island is covered in mangrove woods, the empty beaches aren’t as wide as those in Zanzibar, but they are still beautiful. The most interesting thing about the island is its sea life. You can see humpback whales, turtles, and the whale shark, which is the world’s biggest fish. This means that Mafia Island is a one-of-a-kind spot for tourists and newlyweds to relax after their Tanzania Safari.

This is how you stay!

There are a number of places to stay on Mafia Island, just like in Zanzibar and Pemba. For your convenience, we’ve listed our three types of lodges and the ones we think are the best. This is the Mafia Kivulini Lodge for Silver. The lodge is beautiful and rustic, and it’s not too expensive. It has everything you could want for a perfect beach trip. The rooms at the lodge are clean and tastefully decorated. They have verandas that look out over a lovely yard with palm and coconut trees.

Gold and Platinum should stay at Pole Pole Bungalows, which is a special and one-of-a-kind eco-lodge. It treats waste water with a cutting-edge purification device to keep the environment clean. The bungalows and rooms also have their own special features that you can choose from based on your level of luxury. Each room and suite has its own private bathroom, old furniture, and veranda with a view of the beautiful scenery. If you go for Platinum, you can swim in your own plunge pool that is built into your balcony and looks out over your own beach.

Get in touch with us to get personalized help on how to include Mafia Island in your safari plans. It is also possible to stay on Mafia Island and then go on a dream trip on the mainland or on Zanzibar Island or Pemba Island.

Trips and things to do on Mafia Island

Going scuba fishing (all year)
All year long, snorkeling
Whales and whale sharks are being looked for on a snorkeling and dive tour.
Sunset cruise
Walk on a cultural island
Island trips to see the Kua Ruins

Advice from our pros on how to get around Mafia Island

That island called Mafia is really sweet and beautiful. It has peace and nice people. When you book your honeymoon through us, we’ll give you a bottle of bubbly, a massage, and a private dinner for free. Get in touch with us so we can tell you more about all of your choices.

What We Say

How long are you staying?

5 days

Which hotel?

Pole Pole Bungalows because the food is great, the bungalows are nice, and the setting is unique—it’s on a quiet beach.

When do the whales and whale sharks come to Mafia Island?
These huge creatures can be seen just a few hundred meters out to sea, close to Kilindoni Harbour. When you’ll most likely see them:

Blue whales: from late August to early October
November through March: whale sharks