MAFIA ISLAND
Indulge in nature and local culture.
Each adventure brings you closer to the heart of Mafia Island, whether it’s through cultural interactions, thrilling wildlife excursions, or scenic rides along sandy paths. These experiences are designed to enrich your visit, offering a memorable Mafia Island adventure tour that balances excitement with a deep appreciation for this unique Tanzanian island.
HANDPICKED ACTIVITIES
Curated collection of exciting excursions
A MUST DO
Turtle hatching
USD 25 p/p
From Sand to Sea
Sea turtles have nested on Tanzanian beaches for over 150 million years. Between June and September, hundreds of baby turtles scramble from the beaches to the Indian Ocean. In Mafia, we witness this on Juani Island, rich with nature from butterflies to baobab trees.
This is made possible by NGO Sea Sense, founded in 2001. They work with local communities to protect turtles and their habitats through various projects. The experience begins with a dhow trip across Chole Bay to Juani Island’s sheltered west side. After a 45-minute walk, pass through trees, a village, and see wildlife like monkeys.
The walk reveals towering trees and lush foliage until the turtle nest is seen beneath the sand. Hatchlings emerge, scramble out, flapping fins to reach the sea and start their journey. Remembering baby turtles on the beach, we return to the dhow. Weather permitting, we sail back to Mafia with tea or coffee, enjoying the scenery.
GREAT ADVENTURE
Chole Island
USD 25 p/p
Ancient ruins and living traditions
Chole Island is just 5 minutes by boat east of Mafia Island and is one of the most historic islands in the archipelago, having once served as the capital. This tour is one of our most popular because, in a short time, visitors can experience a good dose of Chole’s nature, culture, and history.
The tour can be broken into four sections. Ruins: Chole boasts Arabic ruins from the 12th century and German ruins from the 19th century. The ruins have surrendered to Mother Nature and are now almost entirely covered in green foliage and brown vines. Bats: Chole also boasts the world’s first dedicated fruit bat sanctuary. During the day, these creatures hang in the trees asleep and fly over to Mafia at night to feed. The Boatyard: Chole Island is home to skilled men who build traditional Swahili dhows by hand, using minimal tools. The Red Herring: The Red Herring is Chole’s beautiful bar, the only western-facing bar on the eastern side of the island, offering truly magical sunsets and, of course, lovely cold beverages to enjoy with them.
HISTORIC SCENES
Lighthouse, Kanga Beach and BBQ
USD 70 p/p
Lighthouse views and laid-back shores
Mafia Island was bought from Arabs by Germany in 1890. Both Mafia Island and Mainland Tanzania were colonised by Germans until British troops captured them during WWI. The Germans built the lighthouse on Mafia’s northern tip, now restored and popular for its views. From the top, you can see the Indian Ocean and, southward, the Mlola Forest with tall trees. Our trip north combines history, a picnic, and breathtaking scenery.
HISTORY IN NATURE
Kua Ruins
USD 25 p/p
From ancient stones to untamed wilderness
Imagine standing on the shores of our beautiful bay, gazing over to one of the archipelago’s largest and most striking islands—home to the captivating ruins of the ancient city of Kua. This archaeological treasure, dating back to the 12th century, holds many secrets about why its civilization suddenly vanished, sparking many exciting legends along the way.
The island is bursting with fascinating wildlife, from wild pigs and playful monkeys to tiny antelopes like the blue duiker. It’s also a vital nesting spot for Green turtles. Scattered across the landscape are towering baobab trees, and most of the ruins are now beautifully cloaked in greenery, reclaimed by nature over the centuries.
HISTORIC SCENES
Kilindoni Cultural Tour
USD 25 p/p
Discover the Island’s Heart
Experience the vibrant soul of Mafia Island with a guided journey through Kilindoni’s most authentic spots. Visit the historic St. Thérèse Catholic Church and a local mosque to explore the island’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Stroll through lively streets, sip traditional coffee at Kijiwe cha Kahawa, and connect with everyday island life. Dive into the colours and energy of the local market, then enjoy breathtaking ocean views with a scenic walk along the jetty. End your adventure at the bustling fish market, where the island’s fishing traditions come to life.
HERITAGE
The Coco Heritage Tour
USD 30 p/p
Where every coconut tells a story
Step into the heart of Mafia Island’s coconut heritage with this immersive 2.5-hour journey at Kisiwa Farm. Wander through a historic plantation, uncover the fascinating story of coconut farming and oil production, and explore how this “tree of life” has shaped local culture and livelihoods for generations. From learning about the different coconut varieties to visiting the old oil production site and discovering traditional techniques, every moment connects you to the island’s rich past. The experience ends on a refreshing note—sipping fresh coconut water straight from the source.
Frequently Asked Questions
Depending on the time of year, we recommend bringing plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection. For your comfort, you may also wish to bring light, breathable clothing, sunglasses, and comfortable footwear.
If your excursion includes time by the sea around Mafia Island, a swimsuit, a towel, and a waterproof bag are advisable. Insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, and a camera to capture the experience are also recommended.
BASECAMP DIVE CLUB
Discover the underwater beauty of Mafia Island with Basecamp Mafia Dive Club.
Most of the diving here takes place at depths of less than 30 meters, making it a sport diver’s paradise. The reefs of the archipelago offer an awe-inspiring display of marine biodiversity, from exposed fringing reefs to rock walls and soft coral habitats. The high diversity and excellent condition of these reefs led to the creation of the Mafia Island Marine Park, the first of its kind in Tanzania and one of the best diving spots in Tanzania.
