While Mafia Island is a glorious destination for both active and leisurely holidays, a main attraction for many visitors is that Mafia remains virtually unknown and creates a sense of travelling back in time to the early 20th Century. Mafia, the largest of numerous islands, atolls and tidal sand-bars in the archipelago, is surrounded by a barrier reef teeming with colourful tropical marine life, the warm, colourful waters of the Indian Ocean provide an ideal location for many sea activities. Almost half the coastline of Mafia has been gazetted a marine park by the Government and over 50 types of corals, more than 450 species of fish and five different species of turtles have been recorded in its waters. Experience some of the best diving and snorkelling off the East African coast, with September to March being the best months for scuba diving.

Many islets and natural, unspoilt sandbars surround Mafia Island and you can enjoy a picnic lunch at one of these locations after sailing there on a traditional dhow. There are also the options of sport fishing, walking or biking on the nature trails and sea kayaking. Several ancient ruins remaining on a few of the islets date back to the 15th century from the first Arab settlers and you can also get a glimpse of the friendly culture of the Swahili people in the local villages.

Accommodation in Mafia Island

Images of Mafia Island