Mafia island in Tanzania : Mafia which is also known as kisiwa cha Mafia is an island and district of Pwani Region, Tanzania. It is the third largest island in Tanzania which is administrative governed with Zanzibar. Mafia Island is a paradise offering superb diving and ocean experiences. It has pristine waters, White sand beaches and coral reefs.
The name mafia has nothing to do with the Italian gangster groups, the name comes from swahili phrase Mahali pa Afya which means a place of good health.
This is one of the more appealing sites to visit in Tanzania with its marine life ranging from the sea turtles, coral reefs to the gentle gigantic whale sharks. Mafia Island Marine Park was the first place to be designated as a marine park in all of Tanzania and it has since led in the efforts of preserving and conserving this incredible marine area.
There are also other small islands that form the Mafia Archipelago which are: Jibondo, Juani and Chole. Despite these islands being small islands are beautiful unique and are worth visiting.
It is one of the little known nearly untouched paradise in Tanzania ,with Zanzibar being the most visited tourist destination. It is an island that is not in the radar of many tour agents which means the island is secluded with abundant wildlife and marine life and because of that it is more expensive to visit than Zanzibar. It is less visited island in the Indian Ocean the locals residents of the island are mainly fishermen and farmers who grow rice and some tropical fruits
Things to do on Mafia Island
The island has plenty marine life and beach activities to keep visitors engaged. These activities include :
Wildlife spotting
Mafia has plenty of wildlife to view and enjoy while on the island such as Hippos who are seen on the marsh at the centre of the Island, vervet monkeys and Genet cats can be spotted easily in the island roaming freely.
Chole island one of the small islands of Mafia is famous for their giant fruit bats. These are harmless tropical bats that eat only fruits.
Deep sea fishing
This is the major activity to do while on the island and it is also popular among the locals. Fishing is the chance to sample out the variety of fish species ,the Indian Ocean has to offer in the island such as Kingfish, Barracudas, enormous tuna, Giant trivially which can weigh up to 50 kgs and Dorado.
The largest ever fish caught in the island of Mafia weighed 57kgs ,equivalent to 125lbs.
The author of Sherlock Holmes stories ,Sir Arthur Conan Doyle who visited the island in 1950 and caught the massive 34kgs dorado that broke African wide records for this type of fish. The fishing season is done in the 8 months of the year that run from August to March.
Diving
The Mafia island together with its other small islands offer incredible diving experiences. The island is known for its natural reefs and amazing variety of tropical fish species. The island has been documented by major international bodies such as World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
The island of Mafia was founded in 1995 to protect its important reefs and marine life and other international organisations for wildlife. It is the first among the Tanzania Marine parks and the Great approach in protecting and conserving the Marine area of Indian Ocean in the Tanzania’s coast.
Diving in the Mafia island offers visitors the chance of seeing motored than 50 types of unique coral and close to more than 500 species of fish. In the clear ,warm waters of Indian Ocean at the shores of Mafia islands, there are vibrant orange and neon yellow fish, seahorses and natural corals with shape and sizes that look like sculptures and art submerged within the water. There is incredible marine life in the coral reefs region around the Mafia island such as the Humpback whales, Sperm whales and dolphins.
There is a diving attraction called The Pinnacle near Kinasi Lodge . It is a 12 meter high spire of coral which attracts fish and active marine life from all over making it a prime location to see some of the elusive under water life with some visitors even record to have seen moray eels in this area.
There are other diving areas close such as Forbes Bay and Dindini North Wall. The best time to visit Mafia island for diving is within the month of December to March although diving opportunities are available year round.
Bird watching
There are approximately more than 120 species of tropical birds. The forest area, North of Mafia is one of the best birding area in the island. It is one of the best few places in Mafia island with excellent bird watching tour from the waters of the Indian ocean while seated in the traditional Tanzania Dhow.
Diving with Whale sharks
Adventure seeker may prefer this extreme swimming experience of swimming with Great white sharks which are similar to the ones offered in places like South Africa.
Whale sharks are beautiful shy creatures that pose no harm to humans. Just like their name, they are similar to whales not only by their big sizes but also diet of eating plankton. This diving with the Whale sharks in the tropical waters of Indian Ocean, allows visitors to interact with nature in a profound and unique way.
These water giants can reach up to 8 meters and will leave divers in awe. Divers are advised to move slowly and gently in water, because Whale sharks despite their huge sizes ,are easily frightened and they might swim away if they feel uncomfortable.
The best time to swim with Whale sharks is from the Months of October to February, this is because of the monsoon winds from the north bringing down water from river Rufiji which is rich with plankton the Whale sharks preferred food.
A visit to kilindoni Town
It is a town on the Mafia island that offer basic amenities such as a bank and a post office. It also has a market with fresh produce such as fish and other seafood items.
At the south western shores of the island is the Kisimani which is a short 30 minutes drive ,which was once a thriving beautiful centre with a Palace. The centre today just has remains of what used to be a thriving city with some artefacts found here dating back to 600B.C . It is said that the ruler of the city cut off the hands of masons and builders of the Palace so that no one else can recreate a similar Palace elsewhere. His actions is what is believed to have caused the downfall of Kisimani
Accommodation facilities on Mafia Island.
Kinasi Lodge
Kinasi Lodge is a top class facility on Mafia Island offering incredible hospitality and delicious cuisine. The lodge is fully equipped to assist the guest in some of the activities to do at the Mafia island such as deep- sea fishing adventures, diving Expeditions and many more. It is is also one of the best birding locations because of being near to the tropical forests and mangroves. Guests who want something different from water ca enjoy bike rides or cultural tour arranged by the lodge.
Pole pole Bungalow
This is a luxury facility that encourages eco-friendly approach in everything they offer guests. Their Bungalows are spacious and set on the sand with everything one may need for a one of a kind tropical vacation. The lodge has a swimming pool and Wi-Fi available.
Mafia island lodge
Located right on the beach that is not influenced by tides. The lodge is known for providing hospitality and other fun excursions for their guests. A visit in the Mafia island lodge enables the guest who visit to soak themselves in paradise while experiencing the amazing Marine life of the Indian Ocean.
