Mafia Island Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
island off Tanzania
About Mafia Island
With white sandy beaches, dazzling aquamarine waters and refreshingly few tourists, Mafia is often described asZanzibar30 years ago: a laid-back eco-alternative with no tarmac roads, few hotels, no shops, no ATMs (credit cards are accepted at the up-market lodges) which is not geared for mainstream tourism. But be warned, if you want fancy shops and a wild night-life, Mafia isn’t for you! There are six lodges on Mafia, five (Chole Mjini , Kinasi Lodge, Mafia,Pole PoleandShamba Kilole) clustered closely together within Chole Bay and one, theRas Mbisi Lodge, on the western side of the island . There is a handful of backpacker ‘hotels’ in Kilindoni, the main town (the port and airstrip are here). Hopefully Mafia Island will not become the ‘next destination’ but remain an eco-friendly niche.
Top Attractions in Mafia Island
Explore the best things to see and do in Mafia Island:
- ★Blue World Diving
- ★Bwejuu Island
- ★Jibondo
- ★Mafia Island Diving
- ★North Mafia Island
- ★Ras Kisimani
- ★Sea Turtle Hatchout with Sea Sense
- ★The Lighthouse at Ras Mkumbi
Where to Eat in Mafia Island
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Kinasi Lodge Restaurant
Where to Stay in Mafia Island
- 🏨Eco Shamba Kilole Lodge
- 🏨Kinasi Lodge
- 🏨Lua Cheia
- 🏨Mafia Island Lodge
- 🏨Ras Mbisi
Mafia Island Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 11 sections including: