Fly from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar to Mafia Island's small airstrip (approx. 30 minutes). Our representative will greet you and transfer you to your beach lodge in Utende or Chole Bay. After check-in and a welcome briefing, the afternoon is yours to relax on the powder-soft sand, take your first dip in the warm Indian Ocean, or explore the lodge's surroundings. In the evening, enjoy a delicious Swahili dinner as the sun sets over the bay.

Key Activities: Flight to Mafia, lodge check-in, beach orientation, welcome dinner.

Accommodation: Beach lodge (Utende / Chole Bay)

Meals: Dinner

After breakfast, we set off by boat into the Mafia Island Marine Park. Our first stop is a vibrant coral reef for snorkeling – expect colorful fish, healthy coral, and maybe even turtles. We then visit Chole Island, a historic site with ruins from the 14th century, a mangrove boardwalk, and a local village where you can interact with residents and learn about traditional dhow building. A seafood lunch is served on a sandbank or at a local restaurant. Return to your lodge in the late afternoon.

Key Activities: Boat trip, reef snorkeling, Chole Island ruins & village tour, sandbank lunch.

Accommodation: Beach lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

If you're visiting during whale shark season (Oct–Mar), today is the highlight! After an early breakfast, we head to the whale shark feeding areas outside the marine park. Snorkel alongside these gentle giants – an unforgettable experience. Outside whale shark season, we explore Kinasi Pass, a renowned drift dive/snorkel site with strong currents and incredible marine biodiversity. For non-snorkelers, a relaxing dhow cruise or beach day is available. After lunch, enjoy a free afternoon to swim, read, or book a massage at the lodge.

Key Activities: Whale shark snorkeling (in season) / Kinasi Pass snorkeling, optional dhow cruise.

Accommodation: Beach lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we explore the northern part of Mafia. A boat takes you to Ras Mbisi, a pristine beach with powdery sand and shallow turquoise lagoons. Enjoy a beach picnic, swim, or simply laze in the sun. We'll also navigate through the serene mangrove channels, home to birdlife and small crabs. Return to the lodge late afternoon. Evening at leisure.

Key Activities: Ras Mbisi beach picnic, mangrove channel cruise, swimming, birdwatching.

Accommodation: Beach lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is yours to customize. Choose from optional activities (additional cost): scuba diving (Mafia offers world-class dive sites), deep-sea fishing for barracuda and tuna, a visit to the local fish market in Kilindoni, or a guided walk to the island's interior to see baobab trees and bird species. Alternatively, simply relax on the beach with a good book. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with fresh seafood and cultural entertainment.

Key Activities: Optional diving, fishing, village tour, or relaxation.

Accommodation: Beach lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and one last walk on the beach. Depending on your flight time, you'll be transferred to Mafia airstrip for your flight back to Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar. If you wish to extend your stay with a safari on the mainland or more beach time, we're happy to arrange it.

Key Activities: Breakfast, beach walk, airport transfer, departure.

Meals: Breakfast

The easiest way is a 30-minute flight from Dar es Salaam (or Zanzibar) to Mafia's airstrip. Coastal Aviation and Auric Air operate daily flights. We include all transfers in our package. Alternatively, you can take a ferry to Kilindoni (infrequent and longer), but flying is highly recommended.

Whale sharks aggregate around Mafia primarily from October to March, with peak sightings from November to February. During these months, the water is warm and plankton-rich, attracting the gentle giants. Our itineraries are designed to maximize encounter opportunities.

Absolutely! Mafia is very family-friendly with calm waters, shallow reefs for beginner snorkelers, and safe beaches. Many lodges offer family bungalows and activities like kayaking, cultural visits, and beach games. Children will love the boat trips and marine life.

Not at all. Snorkeling is excellent and you can see plenty from the surface. For diving, we offer both introductory dives for beginners (with a short training) and full dive trips for certified divers. Many sites are suitable for all levels.

Yes! Many travelers combine a northern Tanzania safari (Serengeti, Ngorongoro) with Mafia beach relaxation. We can arrange flights from Arusha or Dar es Salaam to Mafia. Zanzibar is also a short flight away – ideal for those wanting spice tours and Stone Town before heading to Mafia.

Mafia is slightly more upmarket than Zanzibar due to its exclusivity and lower volume tourism. However, we offer packages for various budgets, from eco-lodges to premium resorts. Our all-inclusive packages provide excellent value considering the quality of guiding, meals, and activities included.