About Mafia Island
An overview of Mafia Island
What you need to know
Mafia Island is the largest of a small archipelago of islands and atolls and is truly paradise. It is the Southernmost of three islands (Pemba & Zanzibar) located off the coast of Tanzania. 25kms from the mainland and 130kms from Dar es Salaam, it is reachable by light aircraft in 35 minutes or 45 minutes from Zanzibar and the Selous Game Reserve.
The resident population of 46,000 are mainly fishermen or smallholder farmers that grow coconut, paw-paw, rice and cassava. The islanders are friendly and welcoming and the atmosphere relaxed and laid-back. The dominant religion is moderate Islam and both Christians and Muslims live in peace and harmony.
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Mafia Island
365
Days of warm sea
Escape
Off the beaten track
Year Round
Amazing aquatic life
20
Years of dive experience
The Marine Park
The Marine Park is located between the Rufiji River delta to the West and the open Indian Ocean to the east. The dual influences of the river and the sea have combined to create a rich and exceptional biodiversity with unique landscapes under the sea and on dry land. It is a unique and perfect destination as part of a safari package or simply a place to unwind and get away from the modern, busy world. Dive Mafia founder, Jason Savidge decided on Mafia Island as opposed to the better known and more easily accessible Zanzibar, as his destination for guests for a number of reasons:
- The largest marine Park in the Indian Ocean is the perfect unspoilt diving & snorkelling location with the jewel in the crown being Chole Island & Chole Bay.
- The runway on Mafia is not long enough to land planes bigger than with 14 passengers. In Zanzibar the runway was lengthened to accommodate the Jumbos and airbuses… so mass tourism will not reach Mafia in the foreseeable future and hopefully never!
- In Tanzania the Whale Sharks are only found in Mafia Islands waters.
- The atmosphere, ambiance & feeling of getting away from it all in a stunning paradise setting at our partner Hotels & Lodges provides the perfect location for Beach holidays, Dive holidays & honeymoons.
Amazing Snorkeling
In A stunning paradise
White Sands
Dreamy days on the beach
Whale Sharks
From Sept - Feb
Jason has dived all over the world, but the day he snorkelled with Whale Sharks in the morning and dived with Sea Horses in the afternoon he knew Mafia was the spot to bring guests to.
Having grown up in Ruaha National Park on the mainland and later in Kenya. He now lives in The Swiss Alps. Having owned and managed two successful ski & snowboard Lodges he is looking forward to go back to his roots and introducing Mafia Island to his European guests.