MAFIA ISLAND
The resident population of 46,000 are mainly fishermen or smallholder farmers that grow coconut, paw-paw, rice and cassava. The friendly and welcoming islanders create a relaxed atmosphere. The dominant religion is moderate Islam and both christians and muslims live in peace and harmony. The air and sea temperatures remain warm all year round with the main rainy season between April and June.
The island was the most important trading post of Shirazi influence between the 12th and 15th centuries AD. It has occupied a key position in the East African trading routes between Kilwa and Zanzibar for centuries and ruins from these times can be visited on Chole and Juani islands. In more modern times, Mafia was the base used by British forces in World War I, when in 1915, they assembled their aerial forces to scout for the German battleship, Königsberg, which was wrecking havoc with British shipping, and was hiding under thick foliage in the nearby Rufiji Delta. Read a potted history of Mafia Island here.
Today Mafia is known as a beautiful Indian Ocean island that is famous for deep sea fishing and scuba diving. Aquatic life is abundant and the coral gardens are in good health due to the protection of the Mafia Island Marine Park. The park is located between the Rufiji River delta to the west and the open Indian Ocean to the east. The dual influences of the river and the sea have combined to create a rich and exceptional biodiversity with unique landscapes under the sea and on dry land.
The island was the most important trading post of Shirazi influence between the 12th and 15th centuries AD. It has occupied a key position in the East African trading routes between Kilwa and Zanzibar for centuries and ruins from these times can be visited on Chole and Juani islands. In more modern times, Mafia was the base used by British forces in World War I, when in 1915, they assembled their aerial forces to scout for the German battleship, Königsberg, which was wrecking havoc with British shipping, and was hiding under thick foliage in the nearby Rufiji Delta. Read a potted history of Mafia Island here.
Today Mafia is known as a beautiful Indian Ocean island that is famous for deep sea fishing and scuba diving. Aquatic life is abundant and the coral gardens are in good health due to the protection of the Mafia Island Marine Park. The park is located between the Rufiji River delta to the west and the open Indian Ocean to the east. The dual influences of the river and the sea have combined to create a rich and exceptional biodiversity with unique landscapes under the sea and on dry land.
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Activities
The island has many attractions: snorkelling with the seasonal whale sharks off the east coast of Kilidoni from September to March, and diving on the outer reefs of the west coast, the passes on the edge of Chole Bay, and inside the bay itself. As luck would have it, when the whale sharks aren't visible, this is the best time of year to see turtle hatchings, from April to September, on the beaches of Juani Island, 30 minutes by boat from Chole Bay. You can find in depth diving & snorkelling information on our diving & snorkelling page. The island is also rich in historical sites, ruins, and postcard-perfect sandbanks. More about activities here. How to get there Mafia island lies 30 minutes by plane, 130 kilometres south-west of Dar es Salaam. Flights cost USD 150 each way from Dar es Salaam, USD 190 from Zanzibar and USD 300 from Selous. |
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WHERE TO STAY
Mafia has a number of lodges and small resorts catering to most budgets. Below are our favourites.
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POLE POLE LODGE
Pole Pole is a small, quiet and personal beach lodge that manages an excellent balance between staying in keeping with its surroundings, while creating a feeling of comfort and a relaxed, barefoot style. Five bungalow suites are subtly blended into the surrounding tropical landscape, and private verandas overlook Chole Bay’s infinite palette of blues, with great views of surrounding islands.Twin and double bungalows are furnished with carved and antique pieces. Each unit is self-contained with a spacious and comfortable bathroom.Two family bungalows, with two rooms separated by the bathroom and a small corridor for privacy are also available.
Pole Pole also provides massages from its spa overlooking the beach. The food is very good; combining an Italian touch of class with local flavours and ingredients. Fresh fish and seafood daily, homemade pasta and ice cream, Swahili dinners and tropical fruits and vegetables are enjoyed by guests in the intimate atmosphere of the restaurant. Rates start at US$ 260 per person per night, including all meals, transfers, and one snorkelling or boat activity each day to one of the attractions of the island (Whale shark snorkelling is not included). CHOLE MJINI
Located on Chole island, a short sail across Chole Bay. As you approach for its mangrove-lined shores, and as the first treehouses come into view, the last vestiges of the 21st century recede: no roads, no cars, no electricity... Just a star-spangled sky, flickering candles, superb food, great company, and the timeless luxuries of space, immersion in nature, privacy, and utter peace.
The lodge lies just outside the ruins of old Chole town and blends in beautifully with the bush, ruins and mangroves. The accommodation is simple but fabulous. Six treehouses are built on platforms high off the ground encircling the trunks of enormous baobab trees. They are made using local techniques and are set high off the ground, giving beautiful views of the Indian Ocean. Chole Mjini is a very special lodge in a beautiful location. It is fairly rustic – its long drop toilets certainly wouldn't appeal to everyone, – however for those who love the outdoors and are looking for something completely different, this lodge is hard to beat. Creators and owners Anne and Jean brought their family up here, and although the kids flow left the nest, Anne and Jean are still here full-time, sharing their love and passion for Chole with their guests. It's a wonderful place to stay. With only seven treehouses, carefully placed and designed, privacy is assured. Open to the elements, with the king-size bed the throne-like centerpiece, each thatched platform is reached via sandy paths that lead through the natural vegetation. All have views of the sea; some are close enough to be lulled to sleep by the sound of the tide trickling back through the mangrove roots. Most treehouses have a second level to accommodate children. All are simply but elegantly furnished with four-poster beds. A compost toilet and open air shower are below at the bottom of the tree. In addition to the treehouses, there is one larger room with flush toilets that has been built on the ground and is suitable for families with young children. MAFIA ISLAND LODGE
For divers with a smaller budget, Mafia Island Lodge fits the bill. Mafia Island Lodge stands amidst tall palms on a sandy beach in Chole Bay, in the heart of the marine park near Utende village on South coast of Mafia. Rates start at $130 per person per night full board in a standard room, $150 in a superior room, but they have some good value for money diving packages:
5-night, 4-dive package with 5 nights half board in a standard room, return airstrip transfers, 4 dives and 1 excursion for $691 per person based on two sharing. Marine Park fees of $20 pppn not included. 7-night, 8-dive package, half board in a superior room, return airstrip transfers, 1 excursion for $1061 per person based on two sharing. Marine Park fees of $20 pppn not included. It accommodates more guests than Kinasi Lodge, with 14 Superior rooms, 18 Standard rooms and 2 Family rooms are set among the coconut palms with their own veranda overlooking the bay. They are all self-contained with air-conditioning, but are next to each other. Twin and double beds are available. Among the 34 rooms there are 2 family Suites, which are made out of 2 comfortable connecting rooms with one sharing bathroom, each one with its own veranda overlooking garden and sea. They may comfortably accommodate a maximum of 5 guests. All the rooms have garden and sea view. Hot and cold water is available 24 hours a day. |
