Mafia Island belongs to a separate archipelago off Tanzania’s mainland coast, south of Zanzibar. It is known for marine habitats, diving and snorkelling, with coastal communities and nearby islands adding another layer to a stay. Shape your time around the water, local guiding and unhurried island days. Diving, snorkelling and seasonal marine encounters depend on conditions and qualified operators. Mafia is a distinct island destination, rather than a part of Zanzibar.
- Home
- /
- Destinations
- /
- Mafia Island
Islands & Indian Ocean
Mafia Island
A separate island archipelago south of Zanzibar, with marine habitats and a quieter coastal pace.
Take A Closer Look
Get To Know Mafia Island.
01
Marine habitats
Explore with qualified diving or snorkelling operators, taking conditions and experience into account.
02
Island heritage
Discover Mafia’s coastal communities and historic island connections with local guides.
03
A slower coastal pace
Give your stay time to breathe, with fewer transfers and unhurried island days.
A Few Useful Details
Your Visit, At A Glance.
Where You’ll Be
Islands & Indian Ocean
A Good Time To Visit
Plan island travel around tides, wind and your chosen marine activities. June–October and January–February are drier starting points; sea conditions need local confirmation.
Getting Here
Usually reached by a regional flight from Dar es Salaam, followed by an island transfer to your accommodation.
Find Your Kind Of Season
Good Timing Makes A Difference.
Plan island travel around tides, wind and your chosen marine activities. June–October and January–February are drier starting points; sea conditions need local confirmation.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
High Season
January – February · June – October
Popular drier travel periods. Sea conditions, tides and the coast you choose still matter.
Mid Season
March · November – December
Short rains and transition months can bring showers. Plan outings around local conditions.
Low Season
April – May
The main rains can affect outdoor and marine plans. Confirm hotel operations and transfers.
High Season
January – February · June – October
Popular drier travel periods. Sea conditions, tides and the coast you choose still matter.
Mid Season
March · November – December
Short rains and transition months can bring showers. Plan outings around local conditions.
Low Season
April – May
The main rains can affect outdoor and marine plans. Confirm hotel operations and transfers.
These are travel-planning bands, not fixed lodge tariff dates. Weather, wildlife movements and access vary.
Make It Part Of Your Journey
Journeys That Bring You Here.
Starting points that include this destination.
Safari & beach
10 Days · 9 Nights
Mikumi, Udzungwa & Mafia — 10 Days
A southern mainland safari, guided Udzungwa forest walks and a Mafia Island finale, with separate time for long road transfers and island connections.
Price On Request
More Than A Place On A Map
Make A Little More Of Your Visit.
Experiences connected to this destination.
Half or full day
Marine
Snorkelling & Marine Discovery
Discover another side of the coast, with marine outings matched to local conditions.
Half day or sunset outing
Marine
Dhow Sailing & Coastal Outings
Enjoy the coast from the water and give your island chapter a different rhythm.
A Good Place To Pause
Stay Somewhere That Fits.
Places in or around this destination, chosen to work with your route.
Tell us what you have in mind. We’ll help connect the right places and arrangements.
Picture Yourself Here
A Glimpse Of Mafia Island.
Four views. A little inspiration for the journey ahead.
Made Around You
A Journey With Mafia Island In Mind?
Tell us your dates, your people and the places you would love to connect.