TANZANIA: Mafia Island

Mafia Island, Tanzania is a little known island paradise just to the south of Zanzibar. It is a beautiful Indian Ocean tropical resort that is famous for deep sea fishing and absolutely fantastic for scuba diving. Aquatic life is abundant and the coral gardens are pristine due to the protection of the Mafia Island Marine Park. The reefs around Mafia are home to over 400 species of fish and marine animals. The warm, colorful waters of the park provide an ideal location for many sea activities.

Enjoy some of the best snorkeling off the East African coast and explore many coral reefs that are teaming with tropical marine life. The Park is also a paradise for sailing from island to island in native boats. On land, the rich variety of vegetation is dominated by large palm groves. In some areas baobab trees dot the typical African savannah. There are also fruit trees in many areas, mainly mango and cashew trees.

The archipelago's wildlife is extremely varied, with monkeys, small antelopes, wild pigs, lemurs, as well as a small colony of dwarf hippopotamuses. Migration patterns bring countless types of birds to the island at various time of year. Fish eagles and falcons build nests on both the small and larger islands.

THE BEST MONTH TO VISIT MAFIA ISLAND is March when the weather is calm and cooler, and the water is clear. It is also when the great migration is on the mainland when animals numbering in the millions are on the move in search of food.

THE HIDDEN GEM of Mafia Island is the Kinasi lodge, which has beautiful gardens and unpretentious tropical charm. The architecture and furnishing exhibit influences from the Swahili coast, African craftsmen, Morocco and Italy.

A GOOD VALUE is a small and simple lodge on a tiny private island across from Mafia. Chole Tree Lodge is a relaxing and enjoyable experience. The basic but romantic 'treehouse thatched chalets' are simple, but those who loved 'Robinson Crusoe' will love this place! Each chalet overlooks the sea and divers are accompanied by the South African owner.