Whale Sharks
Swim with gentle whale sharks, the world's largest fish, which visit Mafia's waters in season.
Tanzania Islands
Mafia Island
Quiet, unspoilt and surrounded by a protected marine park, Mafia Island is a paradise for divers, snorkellers and big-game fishermen, famous for whale sharks and nesting turtles.
- Location
- South of Zanzibar
- Known For
- Diving & whale sharks
- Size
- 435 km²
- Best Time
- July – October
Discover Mafia
A haven of reefs and calm.
Mafia Island covers a total area of 435 km² and is a favourite haunt of big-game fishermen and scuba divers. The island receives about 1,705 mm of rain a year, with temperatures between 24 and 29°C, and has distinct wet and dry seasons.
Kingfish, sailfish, huge rock cod, marlin and horse mackerel attract sports fishermen from all corners of the globe. Mafia Island Marine Park, gazetted in 1995 and covering about 400 km², protects some of the world's most complex estuarine mangroves, coral reefs and marine ecosystems.
Why Mafia
The ocean at its most pristine.
Mafia offers incredible marine life and a peaceful atmosphere far from the crowds.
Marine Park
Mafia Island Marine Park protects coral reefs, mangroves and a wealth of marine species.
Turtles & Dugong
Green turtles nest on the islands east of Mafia, and the rare dugong breeds in the Mafia channel.
Diving & Fishing
World-class diving, including night dives, and excellent big-game fishing.
Location
Where is Mafia Island?
Mafia lies in the Indian Ocean about 120 km south of Dar es Salaam, opposite the delta of the Rufiji River. Short flights connect Mafia with Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Nyerere National Park.
The island is surrounded by smaller islets rich in underwater life, including green turtles, the rare dugong and coral gardens.
When to visit
Every season tells a different Mafia story.
The rains fall from March to May, while July to October is the main dry season.
Dry Season
Calm seas and excellent diving and snorkelling conditions.
Whale Shark Season
Whale sharks visit the waters off Kilindoni, especially from October to March.
Hot Season
Warm water and good visibility, with turtles nesting during the northeast monsoon.
Long Rains
The wettest period; many lodges close.
What is the best month to visit Mafia?
Each month offers different marine highlights, from whale sharks to turtle nesting.
Whale sharks and warm, clear water.
Hot and calm, great for diving.
Whale sharks still present; rains approach.
Long rains; most lodges close.
Rains continue; very quiet.
Lodges reopen as the rains end.
Dry season begins; good diving.
Calm seas and excellent visibility.
Superb diving and snorkelling.
Whale shark season begins.
Warm water and whale sharks.
Hot and sunny, with turtles nesting.
Explore the area
Discover the different faces of Mafia.
Reefs, islets, ruins and fishing villages.
SouthMafia Island Marine ParkProtected reefs and lagoons around Chole Bay, ideal for diving and snorkelling.
West coastKilindoniThe main town, near where whale sharks gather in season.
Chole IslandChole RuinsThe atmospheric ruins of a 19th-century trading town on a small island.
NorthRas KisimaniRuins of an ancient settlement, where a 13th-century mosque has been excavated.
Wildlife
An underwater wonderland.
Mafia is surrounded by small islets rich in marine life, including green turtles, the rare dugong and vibrant coral reefs. During the northeast monsoon, turtles lay their eggs on the smaller islands east of Mafia.
The marine park protects one of the richest marine ecosystems in East Africa, with hundreds of species of fish and corals.
6 animals to look for
Whale shark
Chance of seeingCommon
Where to look: Off Kilindoni, October to March
The world's largest fish, a gentle filter feeder.
1 / 6
Green turtle
Chance of seeingCommon
Where to look: Islets east of Mafia
Nests during the northeast monsoon.
2 / 6
Dugong
Chance of seeingRare
Where to look: Mafia channel
A rare sea mammal that breeds in the channel.
3 / 6
Dolphin
Chance of seeingOccasional
Where to look: Coastal waters
Seen on boat trips.
4 / 6
Sailfish
Chance of seeingOccasional
Where to look: Deep water offshore
A prize catch for sport fishermen.
5 / 6
Tropical reef fish
Chance of seeingVery common
Where to look: Marine park reefs
Abundant across Chole Bay.
6 / 6
Swim with Whale Sharks
Meet the gentle giants.
From October to March, whale sharks gather off Kilindoni to feed. Snorkelling alongside these gentle giants, the largest fish in the world, is an unforgettable experience.
Mafia's small-scale, carefully managed encounters make it one of the best places in Africa to see whale sharks responsibly.
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Usually replies within minutesHeritage
The story behind Mafia.
Mafia was an important stop on the ancient Indian Ocean trade routes. On the islands, old trading towns line the walkways to abandoned ports, and ruins at Ras Kisimani include a 13th-century mosque.
Mafia Island Marine Park was gazetted in 1995 to protect the island's exceptional reefs, mangroves and marine life, working alongside the local fishing communities.
How do I get to Mafia Island?
By short flight from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar or Nyerere National Park.
When can I see whale sharks?
Mainly from October to March.
Is Mafia good for diving?
Yes. The marine park offers excellent diving, including night dives.
When is the best time to visit?
July to March; many lodges close during the long rains from March to May.
Can I combine Mafia with a safari?
Yes. Mafia pairs perfectly with Nyerere National Park.
Is there more than diving?
Yes: fishing, kayaking, ruins at Chole and Kisimani, and village visits.
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