Things to do in Mafia Island
Mafia Island, a coastal Paradise, is located in the Pwani region of the Republic of Tanzania. Also, it is among the largest islands of this country. Mafia Island’s beauty is not only extraordinary but also jaw-dropping, with tropical oases and reefs that line spotless coastlines. Additionally, Mafia Island has various things to do, including seeing marine animals like dolphins, whale sharks, sea turtles, and many more.
Worst and Best time to visit Mafia Island
The months from July to October are regarded as the best time to visit Mafia Island. This time is sunnier, so comfortable enough for visitors to carry out activities in Mafia Island, such as snorkeling and swimming with the marine life. Also, because of proper visibility, it’s easier to spot these marine animals in the waters of this Island. In the dry season from July to October, animals are usually very active compared to other months. See marine life, including the sea turtles hatching on the shorelines of different pristine beaches, such as the Juani beach.
On the other hand, the worst months to visit the mafia island in Tanzania are from March to May. This is because these are rainy season months with their heavy downpours. So, the sea becoming very rough and less calm, makes boat safari activities in Mafia Island, such as the dhow safaris, very hard and risky during this time. Also, the heavy rains make it hard for divers to spot the marine animals. Lastly, some animals disappear in these months especially March like the whale shark.
How to get to Mafia Island in Tanzania
You can get to Mafia Island in Tanzania using either air, water, or road transport.
Getting to Mafia Island by air. Board a domestic flight from Dar es Salaam (Julius Nyerere International Airport) to Kilindoni airstrip in Mafia Island. The flight duration is approximately 45 minutes, and this is the fastest way for one to get to Mafia Island. Also, enjoy the breathtaking aerial view of the different sand beaches of Mafia Island.
Getting there by road. Dar-el-Salaam should be your starting point. Then, go through towns like Kibiti, Ikwiriri, Bungu to Nyamisati port, the journey takes 8 hours at most and over 20 kilometers. Lastly, use water transport from Nyamisati port to Mafia Island, whereby the time taken would be from 4-7 hours, according to the mode one had used.
Is it worth going to Mafia Island?
Alternatively, people also ask us, “What is Mafia Island famous for?”. First, Mafia Island is worth visiting when you’re on your trip to Tanzania. On visiting this destination, there are exclusive Mafia Island activities to do, like swimming with whale sharks. Also, spotting the vibrant, unique fish species and the sea turtles is a way one can connect with the wild and get to appreciate nature.
Also, get an immersive cultural experience by interacting with the different people on Mafia Island. Additionally, participate in their daily lives and also learn the historical background of this Island.
6 Top Things to Do in Mafia Island Tanzania
1. Swimming experience with whale sharks
This activity in Mafia Island is normally done at Kilindoni Bay, and the dhow boat ride can take up to 1 and a half hours. Then, dive into the water and swim, and you’ll see the large whale sharks that are usually followed by a group of small fish. Additionally, these marine animals in Tanzania make their way gracefully through the waters of the Indian Ocean.
This unique experience on Mafia Island gives you an incredible feeling of chills running down your spine, since you are being overjoyed and overwhelmed.
2. Cultural immersion experience at the Mafia Island
Tanzania cultural tour experiences on this Island are normally done at the Chloe Bay. So, this is where interactions with the local people, most especially the fishermen and the vendors, take place on this island. So, this is among the fun things to do in Mafia Island with family, adults, and couples on a budget.
Similarly, get to know the different cultures, traditions, and historical backgrounds, especially the Swahili culture on Mafia Island. On this cultural expedition, encounter different historical ancient ruins like the Old Omani house. Also, the famous historical slave holding buildings in this destination. Lastly, see a lot of different interesting things, such as how the local people build their dhows step by step.
3. Beach relaxation in Mafia Island and beach safari activities in Tanzania.
Enjoy the sundowners by simply relaxing at the banks of Utende beach. The latter is one of the beaches in proximity of about 20 kilometers to the Mafia Island. You can also experience Mafia Island things to do like kayaking, fishing, and picnicking safaris at the shores of this Utendebeach. Hence, meditate upon oneself in a calm tranquility. These beach holidays can be combined with Zanzibar and Tanzania safari tours for an ultimate African trip.
4.The Scuba diving experience - Unique things to do in Mafia Island
Scuba diving experience at Mafia Island is among the unique things to do in Tanzania. Also, it normally takes place at the Chloe Bay, approximately 40 minutes away from Mafia Island, and is one of the primary sites for this experience. As you dive into the water from the boat, you will begin to see large schools of fish like the baitfish, parrot fish, clown fish, usually found in the reef areas, and reef sharks.
The maximum time for one to usually stay beneath the deep blue seas is 5 minutes. Then, after this time, one has to go back to the surface. Note that this activity near Mafia Island takes up to an hour.
5. Visit the Juani Island and witness the hatching and nesting of turtles
Juani Island is a 40-minute boat ride away from Mafia Island. This hatching and nesting of turtles experience is exceptional because it is usually done at night. Additionally, it is because these turtles nest and hatch after dark. The beauty of observing this awesome experience in Juania Island is unmatched.
So, see the mother turtles lay their eggs and observe how they protect the young ones from predators by covering them. However, it is still not safe as the heavy ripples travel to the shores and sweep the eggs away. So, it is hard for the turtles to survive.
6. Dolphin watching at the Mafia channel
Enjoy a boat ride experience from the Kilindoni, one of the top places to visit in Mafia Island. So, the boat trip takes about 30 to 45 minutes for one to reach the Mafia channel. From there, you get to see the dorsal fins of the dolphins as they jump majestically and playfully through the waters. When you enter the water, you might witness the communication sounds of clicks and whistles that are made by the dolphins. So, visit Mafia Island and don’t miss out on such a fun activity at this place.
