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
“Extraordinary! Staff planned this safari down to the minute details, keeping us regularly informed of everything we needed to bring and know. Superior attention to detail. Not enough good can be said about the incredible guides: Nasibu, Noel, Wilfred and Fulgence. They were patient, courteous, kind and attentive to all our needs. They were extremely knowledgeable about every living thing in the parks. They could spot the flicker of a lion’s ear half a mile away. They drove to every corner of the park where they knew we would see remarkable animals and events like mating, kills, and migrations. It was stunning.”