1.Mafia Island
Mafia Island, covering 394 km², lies off Tanzania’s east coast, opposite the Rufiji River delta, across a 20 km-wide channel known as the Mafia Channel. It is the largest in the Mafia Archipelago, which includes smaller islands such as Chole, Juani, Jibondo, Bwejuu, and Nyororo—some of which are inhabited. The main town, Kilindoni, sits on the west coast, while the east boasts Chole Bay, a deep-water anchorage surrounded by coral reefs, islets, and sandbanks.
With a rich maritime history, Mafia has hosted traders and sailors from Egypt, Oman, China, Portugal, Britain, and Germany. Ruins at Kisimani Mafia, Kua, and Chole Island date back to the 11th century, revealing its role in Indian Ocean trade routes.
Mafia Island is now famed for its Marine Park, which offers some of Tanzania’s best diving, snorkeling, and fishing. It’s a pristine destination for marine enthusiasts, known especially for whale shark sightings, offering one of the world’s best opportunities to snorkel alongside these gentle giants.
The reefs around the archipelago boast over 50 coral types and 400 fish species, making it a haven for both experienced and beginner divers. Days on Mafia are filled with exploration—fishing, diving, visiting ancient ruins, or relaxing on secluded sandbars.
Its untouched nature and early-20th-century charm make Mafia ideal for travelers seeking adventure, history, and marine life in one unforgettable island escape.
