Mafia Island Holidays: 6-Day Sample Beach Extension

Coconut palms, a mangrove-lined coast and incredible submarine coral gardens – this is Mafial Island! Located within the delta of the Rufiji River in Southern Tanzania, only a few kilometers from the mainland away, Mafia Island was once an important trading post. Today, however, most of the former relics are overgrown by a lush vegetation. Nonetheless, Mafia Island offers a relaxing beach getaway far off the crowds and the colorful underwater depths of the Mafia Island Marine Park attract many enthusiastic snorkelers and divers. Sounds like your ideal Mafia Island Holidays destination?

Tour Style

> private beach extension

Tour Duration

> 6 days, 5 nights (start: day of your choice)

Expectations

> quiet & authentic beach vacation away from hustle
> accommodations with character and Swahili charm
> highlight for snorkelers or divers (beginner to well-experienced)
> adventurous travelers: swim with the mighty whale sharks

Beach Getaway

> Mafia Island
> offshore in Southern Tanzania
> reachable by small aircraft plane
> size: 435 km²
> capital: Kilindoni

Activities

> Kayaking
> Snorkeling & Diving
> Boat trips to sandbanks in traditional dhows
> Cultural tours to ancient ruins and fishing villages

Interested? Talk to an expert!

Sandra

As an adventurous European travel is in my blood! Tanzania is a fascinating country with so much to explore! It’s a pleasure to share my insider knowledge and offer first-hand advise. I take the time to listen to your ideas and create a unique safari & beach adventure out of these – tailored to your indivudal requirements and designed just for you!

Not sure if Mafia Island is the right beach destination for you? You have questions or missing a particular information? Don’t worry we are here to assist!

Reach out

Phone/Whats App +255 788 391 600

Not sure – Talk to an expert

Michael

Let me show you my stunning home country and discover the true Tanzania – authentic and first-hand with a native at your side! As a Tanzanian myself, I am intimately familiar with the local conditions. With my years of experience and my passion for Tanzania, I will happily design an itinerary based on your travel interests.

You have any questions about Mafia Island or wonder what to do there? Get in touch for a first chat to discuss your requirements!

Reach out
 
Phone/Whats App +255 787 298 159

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Day - Welcome to Mafia Island

Arrival in Mafia Island by a light aircraft plane (usually a Cessna with 12-seats). After you have collected your luggage, you will be met by your transfer driver outside the terminal. Transfer to your beach resort (driving distance depending on your overnight choice between 15 minutes – outside, to 1 hour – inside the Marine Park). Enjoy a welcome dinner and a relaxing evening at your beach resort.

Day 2 - 5: Relaxtion at the beach or Diving in the Marine Park

Unwind and relax on the shores of Mafia Island. Mafia has various beaches and overnight options – each with their own personality located either inside or outside the Marine Reserve. While planning, we will find the ideal spot to meet your needs! Depending on your location, you might option to explore the Indian Ocean on a snorkel or dive adventure off-the-shore; head out on a cultural excursion to ancient ruins; or simply relax and enjoy life on the beach.

Diving takes place in the Chole Bay with various dive sites – within the bay the depths rang between 5 to 30 m – ideal conditions for diving beginngers. Experienced divers will leave the sheltered waters of the bay and find 20 m+ deep walls in a unspoiled underwater environment outside. There are more than 270 species of corals; a spectacular variety of reef fish including large predatory fish such as Barracuda, Grouper and Trevally; as well as Eagle rays; occasionally black-tip and white-tip reef sharks and turtles.

One of our favorite excursions is a day out on a private sandbank. Depending on the tides, you will head out with a boat in the morning and can option to do some snorkeling along the way. Once you reach the sandbank (or alternativley a desert beach), you can relax soaking in the natural beauty of the Indian Ocean. Take a swim in the crystal clear waters while the crew prepares a delicious seafood BBQ – a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

If you are travelling between September to March, an excursion to encounter the mighty whale shark is definitley a must on your bucket travel list. The beach around Butiama Beach Lodge is the starting point for this unique excursion. Your guides will take you out on a boat ride – they a very experienced to spot the big shadows moving slowly under water and how to swim with them in a way that doesn’t disturb them.

Day 6: Departure Day - Return Flight to Dar es Salaam

Transfer to the airport for your light aircraft plane back to Dar es Salaam. Short road transfer from the domestic terminal to the international terminal for your outbound flight.

You may also like to explore…

Activities & Daytrips

Maybe relaxing and sunbathing at the beach sounds a bit boring? Mafia Island has lots of activities to offer: for water enthusiasts and travelers interested in ancient ruins. Check out our favorite ones here!

Overnight Options

Scroll through our selection of beach resorts on Mafia Island – each personally visited and reviewed! Depending on your travel preferences and budget, we will recommend the perfect accommodation stay for you!

Pemba Island

Pemba Island is located just north of Zanzibar. A completely off-the-beaten-track getaway awaits you – quiet and easy-going. It is well known for its diving – incredible dive walls, drop-offs and rich coral gardens.