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Mafia Island and its surrounding archipelago including Jibondo, Juani and Chole is located 30 minutes flight south of Zanzibar. Mafia has a great deal to offer as an unspoiled, little-visited alternative to other Indian Ocean locations around Zanzibar and along the coast. However, as with Pemba, Mafia has better diving than Zanzibar, but worse beaches. Mafia is the one island off Tanzania's coast that really encourages visitors to explore its offshore islands and sand bars. There are very few hotels here which only adds to the attraction of Mafia as the beach destination for the adventurous traveller.
The atmosphere of all the islands is that of adventure; days are spent fishing or exploring exposed sand bars and untouched reefs. The diving on offer here is certainly the best in the entire region. Perhaps a lodge only for those mad keen on making diving the central focus of their Tanzania holiday.
The Mafia archipelago consists of one large island (394 km2) and several smaller ones. Some of these are inhabited, such as Chole Island (2 km2), with a population of 800. Chole Bay, Mafia's protected deep-water anchorage and original harbour, is studded with islands, sandbanks and beaches. The main town is Kilindoni. The stretch of water between the deltas of the Rufiji River and the island is called Mafia Channel. There are popular rumours of pygmy hippo on the island but there are no confirmed sightings.
Mafia Island's history goes back to the 8th century. The island once played a major role in ancient trade between the people of the Far East and East Africa. It was a regular stop for Arab boats. On the tiny island of Chole Mjini, just offshore in Chole Bay, once stood a settlement that constituted one of the most important towns controlling trade from the silver mines of Eastern Zimbabwe, which reached the town via the old ports of Kilwa and Michangani.
Kinasi is one of the oldest lodges on the island and fits right into the sleepy feel of Mafia. The 15 rooms are made from stone, and although seeming somewhat dated, they have thoughtfully decorated interiors and the hotel has good food and service. Kinasi is one of the only lodges on the island with a swimming pool, and has one of the most experienced dive masters on the island. Next door to Kinasi is Pole Pole (meaning ‘slowly, slowly’ in Swahili). Pole Pole is even more laid back than Kinasi but has lovely bungalows and a good general feel.
The lodge’s size, with only seven rooms, is a reason to come in itself, especially if you want to get away from crowds completely. Across the waters, Chole Mjini is a small tree-house lodge on Chole Island across the bay from Kinasi and Pole Pole. Chole Mjini is an eco-lodge with emphasis is on sustainability and eco-credentials. You have to be prepared for the long drop compost toilets here...but the character and unique charm of this lodge is undeniable. The final two lodges to mention are Mafia Island Lodge and Ras Mbisi, however, we would opt for any of the other three lodges where possible.
The atmosphere of all the islands is that of adventure; days are spent fishing or exploring exposed sand bars and untouched reefs. The diving on offer here is certainly the best in the entire region. Perhaps a lodge only for those mad keen on making diving the central focus of their Tanzania holiday.
The Mafia archipelago consists of one large island (394 km2) and several smaller ones. Some of these are inhabited, such as Chole Island (2 km2), with a population of 800. Chole Bay, Mafia's protected deep-water anchorage and original harbour, is studded with islands, sandbanks and beaches. The main town is Kilindoni. The stretch of water between the deltas of the Rufiji River and the island is called Mafia Channel. There are popular rumours of pygmy hippo on the island but there are no confirmed sightings.
Mafia Island's history goes back to the 8th century. The island once played a major role in ancient trade between the people of the Far East and East Africa. It was a regular stop for Arab boats. On the tiny island of Chole Mjini, just offshore in Chole Bay, once stood a settlement that constituted one of the most important towns controlling trade from the silver mines of Eastern Zimbabwe, which reached the town via the old ports of Kilwa and Michangani.
Kinasi is one of the oldest lodges on the island and fits right into the sleepy feel of Mafia. The 15 rooms are made from stone, and although seeming somewhat dated, they have thoughtfully decorated interiors and the hotel has good food and service. Kinasi is one of the only lodges on the island with a swimming pool, and has one of the most experienced dive masters on the island. Next door to Kinasi is Pole Pole (meaning ‘slowly, slowly’ in Swahili). Pole Pole is even more laid back than Kinasi but has lovely bungalows and a good general feel.
The lodge’s size, with only seven rooms, is a reason to come in itself, especially if you want to get away from crowds completely. Across the waters, Chole Mjini is a small tree-house lodge on Chole Island across the bay from Kinasi and Pole Pole. Chole Mjini is an eco-lodge with emphasis is on sustainability and eco-credentials. You have to be prepared for the long drop compost toilets here...but the character and unique charm of this lodge is undeniable. The final two lodges to mention are Mafia Island Lodge and Ras Mbisi, however, we would opt for any of the other three lodges where possible.
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