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
$$$
Kinasi Lodge
La Lua Cheia Castaway Beach Camp
Ras Mbisi
Shamba Kilole Eco-Lodge
“Your service is excellent, plus the huge amount of information to educate us prior to the trip was greatly appreciated. Help with travel insurance was also very good. Your choices for lodging were fantastic, particularly Kitela Lodge, Pongwe Beach Resort and the Serena Zanzibar Hotel. All of the connections, such as meeting Joachim at the airport, and traveling with him for the remainder of the trip went very smoothly. Domestic air flights went well and our connections with Gallery Tours were very smooth as well. Our guide Joachim was a perfect fit for us and we were more than happy with his skills as a guide and birding expert.”