Mafia Island

Description: Secluded and seductive Mafia – a green wedge of land surrounded by turquoise waters, pristine islets and glinting white sandbanks – remained off the beaten track for years, undiscovered by all except deep-sea fishing aficionados and a trickle of visitors. That’s changing fast – the island’s tourist accommodation has grown from one hotel to over half a dozen in just a few years. For now, though, Mafia remains free of the mass tourism that threatens to overwhelm Zanzibar.

Among Mafia’s attractions are its tranquil pace, stuning underwater life, upmarket lodges, a strong traditional culture and a long and fascinating history. Whale sharks visit mafia between November and February.

Accommodations

$$
Mafia Island Lodge

$$$
Kinasi Lodge
La Lua Cheia Castaway Beach Camp
Ras Mbisi
Shamba Kilole Eco-Lodge

$$$$
Chole Mjini
Pole Pole Lodge

Brenda B. (USA)

June 27, 2025

“Access 2 Tanzania was fabulous, accommodating, and kind. Casey planned our trip but he also served as a therapist to us in some ways! My husband was nervous to travel to Africa, especially with our two kids but Casey spent a great amount of time walking us through everything and assuring us that we would be safe and that anything we needed would be taken care of. Casey was also always available for every crazy and detailed question we had. He was extremely patient with us and we thoroughly enjoyed all of the detailed information he provided us. It made us feel so much more relaxed about the trip.”