The spectacularly beautiful and geographically diverse, Mafia Island archipelago is located south of Zanzibar, just 80 miles southeast of Dar es Salaam. Known for its gorgeous white sandy beaches and world-class diving along coral reefs, Mafia Island's lush flora and exotic fauna, sea life, and year-round vacation opportunities are worth a place on your bucket list.

Without major roads traversing the island, visitors will find themselves getting around anywhere they want to go on bicycles or in small rickshaws, marveling at the unspoiled beauty unfolding before their eyes.

So let's take a closer look at why we think Mafia Island deserves a spot on your bucket list.

About Mafia Island

In the 8th century, Mafia Island's history as a trading port was set in motion by the Kilwa Sultanate (a tiny island to the southwest) and its trading partners. The merchants from Mozambique and Madagascar called the island "Morfiyeh," and Mafia Island was a regular stop along the major trade routes of the region between all of eastern Africa, Arabia, and eastern Asia.

With its proximity to the "Swahili Coast" of modern-day Tanzania and the former trade mecca of Zanzibar, Mafia Island has been invaded and settled many times over. From a devastating incursion of cannibals from Madagascar in the early 1800s and the German domination of its coveted East African trading ports in the latter part of that century, to British control in the early 1900s and Tanzanian independence in the 1960s, Mafia Island is rich in history and protective of it natural beauty.

Encompassing an area of less than 170 square miles, Mafia Island is a relatively small vacation destination. Towns dot the island, with Kilindoni, on the southwest coast, as its capital. Another town to the east, Utende, on the southeastern point of Chole Bay, is popular among divers, with a variety of underwater "favorites" and luxury resorts.

And it's not just diving! The island is also known for its variety of tropical plant life, and its abundant animal and sea life. Visitors can observe nesting turtles and migrating whale sharks, and enjoy the lush greenery along the coast, leading down to white-sand beaches. And thanks to the creation of The Mafia Island Marine Park in 1995, covering the southern coastal areas, including the coastal waters, the coral reefs and its sea life are rebounding.

Some consider Mafia Island "one of the best-kept secrets of Tanzania." Coined from the Swahili words "mahali pa afya," meaning "a healthy dwelling place," pubs and parties are scarce, offering a quieter, more organic setting than the busier beaches of Zanzibar.

Related Reads: Top 5 Things to Do in Zanzibar

What to Do On Mafia Island

Scuba Diving and Marine Life

With vast coral reefs surrounding the island, scuba diving is one of the island's primary attractions. Divers find the experience exhilarating, an explosion of color as the yellowfin and rainbow runner, clown fish, and whale sharks swirl around the reefs. Because of government protection over the last few decades, sea life, fish populations, and reef areas have seen growth and improvement, the beautiful reefs teeming with multitudes of fish and swaying, protective plant life.

Mafia Island is particularly known as an excellent spot to swim alongside whale sharks, as these enormous animals move through the water, hoovering up plankton. Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are a protected species under the IUCN (International Union of Conservation of Nature) red list of endangered species. These underwater giants are not whales but sharks. Because of their socially calm behavior, whale sharks are popular in marine tourism and are often referred to as “gentle giants”. They are the largest living non-mammalian vertebrate and can live more than 100 years. In general, an adult whale shark can grow up to 12 meters long and weigh up to 15 tons. The best season for viewing whale sharks is from October to February. If you’re lucky enough, you can even spot a whale shark near the seashore during peak season.

Island Wildlife Watching

The interior of Mafia Island is also home to many wild animals, including flying foxes and different species of monkeys, lizards, turtles, and a large variety of birds. You can explore the wilderness on foot, where you can appreciate first-hand the variety and abundance of plant and animal life. Between June and September, the sea turtle eggs are hatching, and baby turtles can be found making their way across the sand to the ocean. There is so much to see and learn around the island that we recommend signing up for a few local tours.

Water sports

Apart from scuba diving, there are many other water sports to enjoy while visiting Mafia Island. If you love sports fishing, you'll already know you've come to the right spot. Sign up for a deep sea fishing trip and take the opportunity to reel in a big fish like a sailfish, marlin, or giant tuna. And if you want to stay closer to shore, the shallow reefs are a favorite for snorkelers. Or take a day trip and explore the island on kayaks, weaving through the mangrove trees as you make your way along the coast.

Tour Through the Ruins

Since the island is an ancient trading post, visitors can tour the many old, crumbling ruins of Swahili residences, mosques, and even a palace. Evidence of former occupiers, including architectural influences of the Arabic and more recent Germans, is interesting to explore. Get a feel for the thriving trading hub this island once was, and tour the boat-building communities of today.

Check Out Mafia Island

Best Time to Visit

Though a diving destination, the seasonal rains on the island can restrict diving activities from March to May, and you can have a hard time finding a lodge to stay in. Many lodges close ahead of the rainy season.

August to October will offer lots of sunshine for the perfect holiday. The whale sharks arrive in October and stay through February. If your plans can be flexible, plan your travel time around what you would most enjoy on the island.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Mafia Island part of Zanzibar?

Mafia Island is another Tanzanian archipelago located south of Zanzibar in the district of the Pwani region and is the third largest island in the Tanzania ocean territory. However, the island is not included administratively within the Zanzibar region, which has more administrative independence than most other Tanzanian districts.

Why is Mafia Island a top tourist attraction?

The geographical location of Mafia Island, i.e., between the Rufiji Delta to the west and the Indian Ocean to the east, has contributed to amazing underwater reefs, making Mafia island a prime spot for scuba divers. The Mafia Island Marine Park, which covers swathes of the southern inland coastal areas and waters, offers uniquely beautiful reefs for snorkeling and diving. Most people, however, visit the island to swim with the gigantic whale sharks between October and February.

Wrapping Up

Mafia Island has white-sand beaches, lots of history and culture, stunning coral reefs and a marine park to explore, and beautiful accommodations. Everything you might hope for in an island paradise. And the cherry on top just might be its serene, quieter pace and the chance to experience nature away from the crowds. And if you have a passion for diving, this is one destination that you won't want to miss!

So if you're planning a trip to Tanzania, we at Sababu Safaris can help you curate a personalized itinerary to make the most of this very special bucket-list selection!

Why Mafia Island Should Be On Your Bucket List

About Mafia Island