The Spirit of the Wild
Mafia Island is part of the Mafia Archipelago off Tanzania’s southeastern coast, approximately 120–130 km south of Dar es Salaam. It spans about 435–440 km² and is surrounded by the Indian Ocean.
The island is globally recognized for the Mafia Island Marine Park, Tanzania’s first marine park, covering over 820 km² of coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and coastal forests.
Unlike heavily developed destinations, Mafia Island remains largely untouched, offering:
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Low tourist density
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Authentic Swahili coastal culture
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Strong conservation focus
Whale shark encounters (Oct–Mar)
Experience the raw power and beauty of nature in its purest form.
World-class scuba diving & snorkeling
Experience the raw power and beauty of nature in its purest form.
Sea turtle nesting beaches
Experience the raw power and beauty of nature in its purest form.
Unspoiled beaches and sandbanks
Experience the raw power and beauty of nature in its purest form.
Mangrove forests & coastal ecosystems
Experience the raw power and beauty of nature in its purest form.
Over 120 bird species (birdwatching paradise)
Experience the raw power and beauty of nature in its purest form.
Historical ruins (8th–15th century Swahili settlements)
Experience the raw power and beauty of nature in its purest form.
When to Embark?
Temperate African days and crisp, star-filled nights await your arrival.
The absolute best window for clear vistas and peak predator sightings.
The Magnitude of Herds
Everything here follows the ancient rhythm of the rains and the golden grass.
Whale
Ancient inhabitant of the Mafia Island wilderness.
Dolphin
Ancient inhabitant of the Mafia Island wilderness.
Geographic Heart
Lat: -3.3731 • Lng: 36.6948
Locate the Soul
Nestled within Tanzania, the Mafia Island represents one of the most significant ecosystems on our planet.
Our Curated Safaris
Where to Stay
Kinasi Lodge
Kinasi Lodge is an intimate resort known for its personalized service and "home-away-from-home" atmosphere. It features stylish décor that reflects African and Omani heritage. The property is a hub for aquatic adventure, particularly scuba diving and snorkeling in the protected Chole Bay, and is famous for its Thai-managed Isis Spa.
Thanda Island
Rising from the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, 33 kilometres off the Tanzanian coast, Thanda Island is one of the world's most coveted private island escapes. This five-hectare jewel of paradise sits within the Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve — Tanzania's largest designated marine protected area — and is available exclusively for a single group of guests at a time. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World and an eight-time consecutive winner of the World Travel Awards' prestigious title of World's Leading Exclusive Private Island, Thanda is a destination like no other on earth.
Essential FAQ
Visual Odyssey
