Pemba Island
August 29, 2016
Mainland Coast
August 29, 2016
Mafia Island ("Chole Shamba") is part of the Tanzanian Zanzibar Archipelago, together with Unguja, Pemba and Latham Island. As one of the six districts of the Pwani Region, Mafia Island is governed from the mainland, not from the semi-autonomous region of Zanzibar, of which it has never been considered to be a part politically.
As an unspoiled, little-visited alternative to other Indian Ocean locations around Zanzibar and along the coast, Mafia and its surrounding archipelago including Jibondo, Juani and Chole have a great deal to offer. 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 traveler.
The central main island is where most of Mafia's accommodation options can be found, although the smaller islands are also fun to explore, with crumbling historical ruins now inhabited by a variety of different animals from monkeys to wild pigs, fruit bats and bush babies.
Mafia is primarily known for its ocean glory, the Marine Park which was created to protect its reefs. The diving, fishing and snorkeling here are the best in the entire region, infinitely better than those to be found on Zanzibar (although note that the beaches on the main island are not nearly as good as Zanzibar's). Whereas Zanzibar has no advanced diving, Mafia has plenty to challenge and reward the advanced diver - as well as numerous sheltered bays and coves that are great for novice to intermediate divers. Snorkeling is also magnificent.
The atmosphere of all the islands is one of adventure: days are spent fishing or exploring exposed sand bars and untouched reefs. Perhaps best for those mad keen on making diving the central focus of their Tanzania holiday.
