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Africa Tanzania Zanzibar Tanzania Mafia Island

Overview

Mafia Island

The guide was updated: 2022-10-27

The name has Arabic origins and means archipelago, referring to the group of islands Mafia is made up of. The area was under German control in the late 1800s, but its early history dates back to as early as the 8th century. Apart from ancient landmarks, the place is home to the first marine park of Tanzania — Mafia Island Marine Park. With coral reefs and wildlife such as whale sharks and sea turtles, it is a true snorkelling paradise. Home to the fames Ras Kisimani and Utende beaches.

Useful Information

More Info: Accessible by a 30-minute flight from Dar es Salaam (Auric Air, Coastal Aviation)

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam

Most visitors transfer to Zanzibar without even paying a visit to the metropolis on Tanzania’s Indian Ocean coast. However, Dar es Salaam — arguably the epicentre of Swahili culture — is well worth a visit. The multicultural and diverse city of 4 million is known for its beaches, seafood and music. Sights include the National Museum, the Village Museum, the Kivukoni Fish Market, and the city's very own marine reserve on Bongoyo island.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro

Tanzania is also home to Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain rising 5,895 metres above sea level, with three volcanic peaks. There are several operators to help you organise a tour through one of the plenty trekking routes of Kilimanjaro National Park.

Mnemba Island

Mnemba Island

This tiny island is barely one kilometre long, but has an extensive reef which makes it a top snorkelling spot in Zanzibar. The island has an exclusive lodge which only accommodates 24 guests at a time, but day trips are also available for anyone who is looking to spot some dolphins or green turtles.

Pemba Island

Pemba Island

Pemba is a small gem of the Zanzibari archipelago north of the main island, with incredible marine life and small farming villages. Lands are rich in cloves, coconut, and cassava, and tides allow for some great diving here. At times, the tides are so low they make the island inaccessible by dhows — the vessels used by locals.

Mafia Island

Mafia Island

The name has Arabic origins and means archipelago, referring to the group of islands Mafia is made up of. The area was under German control in the late 1800s, but its early history dates back to as early as the 8th century. Apart from ancient landmarks, the place is home to the first marine park of Tanzania — Mafia Island Marine Park. With coral reefs and wildlife such as whale sharks and sea turtles, it is a true snorkelling paradise. Home to the fames Ras Kisimani and Utende beaches.

Balloon Safari in Serengeti Park

Balloon Safari in Serengeti Park

If your visit to Zanzibar is part of an extensive Tanzanian trip, Serengeti National Park is probably on your list as well. If you're looking for a unique experience, a balloon safari will probably give you the best views over what is one of the largest wildebeest and zebra migrations in the world.

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