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

Loreta V. (USA)

October 23, 2025

“A great company to work with to plan a trip of a lifetime to Tanzania on Safari and Zanzibar. From the very first meeting with Casey until we were dropped at the airport in Zanzibar for our flight home, everything went smoother than we would have ever imagined. The company was so easy to work with, and really understood what we imagined this adventure to be.”