What Can I See in Mafia Island Marine Park?

What Can I See in Mafia Island Marine Park? Most people believe that Mafia Island Marine Park is the greatest diving location in East Africa. The park offers a great introduction to the varied marine life of the Indian Ocean and stretches 822km²/317mi² off the south coast of the island. The most famous of its many world-class diving sites is Kinasi Pass in Chole Bay. This unspoiled reef supports such underwater heavyweights as giant grouper, potato cod, eagle ray, moray eel, bull shark and guitarfish. There are shallower coral gardens in the park that are good for snorkeling and are well-known for their profusion of vibrant reef fish.

Whale sharks, enormous plankton-eating creatures that may grow up to 18 meters (60 feet) from snout to tail tip, are the main attraction of Mafia Island Marine Park. The most fruitful months for boat safaris to search for whale sharks (and swim with them if conditions allow) are October through March, when the success rate is approximately 90%. Various dolphin species, gigantic turtles, and humpback whales, which pass through the region from August to October, are among the other commonly sighted marine animals.

Can I Do Anything Else on Mafia Island?

Even while Mafia’s primary draws are its beaches and offshore reefs, many tourists also like to spend a day exploring the island. Highlights of this road trip include the vibrant fresh produce market in Kilindoni village, a small freshwater lake that is home to hippos, and a vividly painted 19th-century lighthouse at Ras Mkumbi.

The large ruins of Chole Mjini are located on Chole, a small palm-covered island that is divided from Mafia by a thin waterway. This was the Mafia Archipelago’s most important town for most of the 19th century, and the ruins include a German customs house, a Hindu temple and several Omani mansions. Chole is famed for its roosting colony of Seychelles flying fox, a giant fruit bat that occurs nowhere else in East Africa.

The ruined city of Kua, which covers 6 hectares (15 acres) on Juani Island and was the capital of the Mafia Archipelago from the Middle Ages until the early 19th century, is well worth seeing.

How Does Mafia Island Compare With Zanzibar.

The degree of tourism development on the two islands is the most visible distinction between them. Zanzibar is a busy and very popular beach destination with many hundreds of options for accommodations, ranging from large all-inclusive resorts to simple backpacker hostels. In contrast, Mafia has not been significantly affected by mass tourism, and the majority of its lodges and resorts are small, exclusive, and have a boutique-like atmosphere.

The absence of a settlement with the same historic flavor and urban vibrancy as Zanzibar’s evocative old Stone Town is another significant distinction between the two islands. Nevertheless, when it comes to water sports like diving and snorkeling, Mafia has a clear advantage over Zanzibar. In contrast to Zanzibar, where it may occasionally seem impossible to go more than a few feet without someone attempting to sell you something, Mafia beaches are far more peaceful and hassle-free.

Can I Combine Mafia Island With a Tanzania Safari.

Of course. Mafia Island, which is located off the south coast, is a great addition to the Southern safari circuit, which also includes Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park (previously Selous Game Reserve), Tanzania’s two biggest national parks. But Mafia is also easily combined with Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and elsewhere on the more popular Northern safari circuit.

With careful preparation, it should be possible to fly between your safari destination of choice and Mafia Island in one day. If that doesn’t work out, however, you may need to spend a night in transit in Dar es Salaam or (coming from the north) Arusha.