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

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Mafia Island Lodge

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

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Chole Mjini
Pole Pole Lodge

Ratnesh S. (USA)

February 24, 2026

“We loved our experience. The entire trip exceeded our expectations. From the high touch connection with Wilfred, to the wonderful experience, to the finely tuned perfect itinerary, we could not have asked for anything more. While in Tanzania, we felt we were treated special and the trip was customized in real time to meet our needs- our request to eat local Tanzanian food, our request to see all kinds of wildlife beyond the big five to include birds, insects, reptiles, the babboons and the dung beetle. Everything worked according to plan during the trip and we came back with rave reviews.”