overview

The Mafia Archipelago, comprising a number of islands and uninhabited coral atolls, was an important trading post during the 11-13th centuries. Today Mafia is known for its diverse and spectacular natural environment. It offers white beaches, superb coral reefs, tropical vegetation dominated by large palm groves, impressive baobab trees, fruit trees and mangroves. Monkeys, small antelopes, wild pigs, lemurs and a small colony of dwarf hippos live on the islands. The archipelago is also a nesting area for falcons and fish eagles and a breeding ground for giant turtles.

This is a true paradise for both scuba diving and snorkelling with over 400 species of fish in the Park. At the mouth of Chole Bay, where the sheltered bay meets the open ocean, there is a deep & narrow channel through shallower coral. The reef slopes gently down to 15m and then plummets vertically to almost 30m. This wall and caverns at its base are home to big Critters, Potato Cod, Napoleans, Giant groupers and Morays. A lot of plankton and other suspended food passes through the channel, so schools of Snapper, Sweetlips, Barracuda, Trevally, Cobia, Tuna are common. If you are lucky you will encounter the occasional shark on the lookout for a snack. Giant reef rays are common, but Whale sharks, Eagle rays and Manta rays are seasonal visitors (late December through March).

With its tropical beaches and coral reefs, the Mafia Archipelago is the perfect place for complete relaxation. Explore Persian ruins, browse the local markets in Utende and Kilindoni, see the impressive Baobab trees and peculiar mangroves, which survive saline conditions; or just unwind in the sheer stress-free setting.

We will arrange all aspects of your holiday in Tanzania, including internal flights to Mafia Island, transfers to your accommodation and scuba- diving.