Reasons to Visit Mafia Island : Mafia Island is the perfect safari destination for your upcoming romantic trip in Africa. Mafia Island, a stunning archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, will astound you the instant you see its glistening waters from the window of your specially designed aircraft. In contrast to its bustling neighbor, Zanzibar, Mafia is a hidden gem. Mafia is the ideal spot to relax on your next trip because of its remote position, year-round average temperature of 25 to 30 degrees Celsius, and low number of tourists.
Why you must visit Mafia Island.
Mafia is an excellent destination to dive and snorkel, but it’s much more than that; due of its isolation and relative untouchedness, it exudes a feeling of adventure and rustic appeal. Mafia is also home to some of the world’s most opulent eco-lodges, where you can treat yourself to fine dining and exploration in the afternoon and evening after a full morning of adventure.
How is Mafia Island accessible?
Mafia is far more difficult to reach than Zanzibar and can only be reached by air. This is advantageous since fewer flights translate into fewer visitors, letting you fully enjoy your romantic retreat.
There are small commercial or chartered flights available from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Zanzibar, mainly in 9-seater Cessnas. Don’t worry about the logistics, though; our team of African professionals will handle all of your flights and transfers. Allowing you more time for relaxation and reconnection.
Where to stay on Mafia Island?
Mafia offers several opulent eco-lodges. Our top two picks are: One of the most upscale eco-lodges in the world, Pole Pole Bungalows is the ideal location to unwind on your upcoming romantic African vacation. It is well-known for its delectable food, casual, laid-back vibe, and discreet yet friendly service. There aren’t many bungalows available to guarantee
The rustic, exclusive Chole Mjini Treehouses are ideal for letting you really experience nature. Chole Mjini is an ideal destination for your next romantic trip. It is nestled high above the ground and offers spectacular 360-degree views, candlelit meals amid ancient ruins, scalding hot, eco-friendly outdoor baths, and huge, cosy mattresses.
Need budget accommodation on Mafia Island? Consider Kitu Kiblu. Tucked away amidst ancient cashew and coconut trees, these beachside, safari-style tents offer a cost-effective choice without compromising on essentials. The bar is among the best in the world, and the food is simple yet superb.
What to do on Mafia Island?
Swimming with whale sharks is an absolute must-do activity when visiting Mafia Island. Mafia Island’s whale shark swimming season runs from October through March. It is highly recommended that you take a tour with Kitu Kiblu.
Experienced in offering ethical tourism, Kitu Kiblu will make sure your trip is safe, enjoyable, and doesn’t harm whale sharks in any way. This is quite significant because, to be honest, neither I nor the whale sharks would want 50 tourists jumping from boats in their vicinity! Before your trip, Kitu Kiblu gives you a thorough safety training, has knowledgeable staff in the water with you at all times, and makes an effort to keep the number of people in the water at a minimum. They also do an excellent job of educating you on the biology of whale sharks as well as current conservation concerns and initiatives.
Aside from humpback whales, ancient ruins, and turtle hatchlings, Mafia offers a plethora of other adventures. A complete list of events is available here.
But the real allure of Mafia is its quiet and seclusion. Taking a private boat to a remote island with pristine sand beaches and enjoying a romantic lunch there is one of our favorite Mafia experiences. Imagine yourself with a great bottle of wine, some recently caught fish cooking on the barbecue, and a whole private island to yourself to explore and unwind on.
What is Mafia Island’s history?
In the past, Mafia Island was important to trade between East Asia and East Africa. It was originally dominated by the Portuguese and the Omani people, was a frequent stop for Arab boats, and has several historic ruins.
It is believed that the original name came from the Arabic word “morfiyeh,” which means “group of islands.” The exact duration of Mafia Island’s occupation is unknown, however the island is documented as early as the eighth century, and Kua, located on Juani Island, and was thought to be the capital until Sakalava cannibals from Madagascar arrived there in the 1820s.
In 1890, Germany took control of Mafia Island and set up their headquarters on the tiny island of Chole Mjini. British forces took over the Mafia during World War I and held that position until Tanzania achieved its independence in the 1960s.
In 1995, the WWF provided financial support to establish the first Marine Park in Tanzania to protect this valuable ecosystem.
Today, Mafia is home an abundance of wildlife, an intriguing history, beautiful white sandy beaches and romantic luxury eco-lodges.
Without a question, Mafia Island is among Africa’s most romantic, off-the-beaten-path locations. It just needs you now.
