GUIDE ON MAFIA ISLAND IN TANZANIA

With the Rufiji River Delta on the western mainland of Tanzania and the expansive Indian Ocean on the east, Mafia Island has the distinction of hosting an incredible diversity of aquatic life, both flora, and fauna. The tepid, sheltered waters of the horseshoe-shaped bay are a superb habitat for an unbroken line of coral reef that houses an astonishing 460 species of fish.

This reef runs from Kifinge (Forbes Bay) on the north to Tutia in the south. On shore, the coast is rich with forests of fruit trees, mangroves, baobabs and palms that in turn host bushbabies, wild pigs, small antelopes, monkeys and interestingly, small numbers of hippos, and also varied tropical birds.



When vacationing on Mafia Island with AfricanMecca, you could explore the first marine park of Tanzania, the Mafia Island Marine Park, that is spread over an area of 317 square miles (822 square kilometers). Or spend time on the stunning pristine white beaches washed by the crystal azure waters of the Indian Ocean (read more on when is the best time to go to Mafia).

Accessible from mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar Island, Mafia features in historical accounts of the 8th century that speak of the island being used as a stopover by traders plying routes between Kilwa and Zanzibar, and all the way to Madagascar and Mozambique. The Omani merchants called it "Morfiyeh," meaning "collection" in relation to the archipelago while the Swahili dubbed it "mahali pa afya" meaning "a healthy abode." The present day term, Mafia is a derivative of these names.



This little island has not changed much over the centuries and as you will see on your exploratory trip to East Africa, even today its casual, relaxed atmosphere is preserved by ardent community efforts. They have also preserved remnants of that primeval era, and there are distinct archeological sites you can check out.

Another trace of its interesting history is the dhow-building industry and the boat yards that you can visit when touring Mafia Island. Here you can watch as dhows are built by hand from the naturally occurring wood on the island. Most of the islanders still ply their ancient trade of fishing and grow crops of coconuts, rice, cassava, pigeon peas, pineapples, cashew nuts, mangoes, beans, paw-paw and many more.



Weaving baskets and mats are other common trades. You will be touched by their friendly demeanor and the obvious pleasure with which they welcome guests holidaying in this part of eastern Tanzania (read more on where to stay in Mafia).

Join them on fishing trips around Mafia and in the deep waters channels of Lindi to Rufiji Delta, Njovi and Nyuni Islands, Songo Songo Islands and many more. Or go snorkeling and scuba diving in Chole Bay, that along with the outlying forests, beaches and isles all form part of the marine park. Bird lovers will find the island a sheer delight as they revel in countless, unusual bird sightings.



Mafia is a part of Tanzania that comprises of the three main islands – Pemba, Zanzibar, Mafia and many other smaller islands; though, Pemba and Zanzibar are part of an independent governing institution. Mafia is the southernmost island that affords AfricanMecca guests with a superlative, discerning castaway location to spend an off-beat seaside holiday in Africa where there are few other visitors and a tranquil, serene ambience with breathtaking vistas.

Read More On Reasons On Why You Should Visit Mafia