The Sun of Mafia Island

While Zanzibar has become a popular tourist resort, Mafia Island lying only 160 km south, remains virtually unknown. Previously poor communications with the mainland and being much lesser known than Zanzibar have kept Mafia ‘original’, although a steady trickle of visitors are unanimous in singing its praise. Mafia is one of the safest places in the Indian Ocean and there are no hustlers to spoil a holiday.

Mafia Island and its reefs are renowned as an excellent, world-class diving destination.

The Island has great spots for kayaking and at both Kinasi and Lua cheia you’ll find free kayaks for touring the bays and beaches and for exploring the little islands around Mafia.

The kayaks are also designed to carry a cool box for drinks and snacks and have ‘dry’ compartments for storing towels and cameras.

Boat excursion and picnic -- day excursions can be arranged with barbecued fish on the beach.

Scientists have confirmed that Mafia has some of the richest reefs in the world, with an unparalleled variety of hard and soft corals and diversity of tropical fish. Up to 24 can be seen at any one time: males, females and juveniles, all beautifully marked with stripes and spots. The larger sharks are estimated at over 8 m long, so they are an impressive sight next to the boat, and quite stunning under the water.

A fishing trip in Mafia and at Lua Cheia with professional fishing guide for most of species, including sailfish, wahoo, giant trevalley, barracuda, kingfish and a variety of tunas.

The most wonderful aspects are the views, sunsets and fabulous white sand beach stretching away in both directions…..the beaches are littered with millions of shells and beautiful driftwood