Direct operator since 1978
★ 4.8/5 TripAdvisor · 149 reviews
Trusted by 4,000+ travelers since 1978
Private safaris from $1,400/person
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★★★★★4.8/5•149 TripAdvisor Reviews•Family-Owned Since 1978•No Brokers
5 days · Easy
Mafia Island Marine Safari
Whale sharks, diving, dhow sailing, and pristine reefs — Mafia Island Marine Park is Tanzania's most rewarding marine experience. No crowds, no development, just the Indian Ocean at its most alive. 45 minutes from Dar es Salaam.
Trip Highlights
“We had been to Zanzibar three times before discovering Mafia. The difference is extraordinary — the reefs are untouched, the whale sharks are present without the boat congestion you find elsewhere, and the island has a genuinely local feel. We saw more marine life in three days on Mafia than in a week on Zanzibar.”
Your journey
Day by Day
Dar es Salaam to Mafia Island
Fly from Dar es Salaam to Mafia Island airstrip (approximately 45 minutes). Mafia is the southernmost island in the Zanzibar Archipelago, separated from the mainland by a navigable channel. It is considerably less developed than Zanzibar — no noise, no crowds, no souvenir sellers. The island is surrounded by Mafia Island Marine Park, a protected area covering 822 km squared of ocean, reefs, mangroves, and islands.
Whale Shark Encounter
Mafia Island is one of the few places in the world where you can swim with whale sharks in a responsible, controlled environment. The juvenile whale sharks (5-9 metres) feed on plankton in the channel between Mafia and the mainland from October to March. The experience of being in the water with these animals — enormous, graceful, completely indifferent to you — is unlike anything else in Tanzania's wildlife offering.
Diving Mafia's Pristine Reefs
Mafia's dive sites are among the least visited in East Africa. The Mafia Island Marine Park has hard and soft coral formations, caves, overhangs, and walls dropping into deep water. Expect to see giant trevally, barracuda, Napoleon wrasse, reef sharks, manta rays (seasonal), and exceptional macro life on the smaller end. Two dives are included — morning and afternoon. Night dives available.
Dhow Cruise and Island Exploration
Traditional dhow sailing excursion around Mafia's coastline and neighbouring islands. Visit the mangrove systems (important nurseries for juvenile fish and crabs), snorkel the shallower reef systems, and stop at a sandbank for a seafood lunch. Mafia has a small local fishing community — observe the day's catch being sorted and learn how the marine park works with local fishermen to sustain the ecosystem.
Mafia Island to Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar
Final morning on Mafia — early morning birdwatching around the mangroves, a last swim, or simply relax on the beach before the transfer to Mafia airstrip. Fly back to Dar es Salaam (45 minutes) for international connections or onward to Zanzibar (30-minute flight) for beach extension. Mafia makes an excellent add-on before or after Zanzibar proper.
Ready to Secure Your Spot?
Peak season safaris fill 6–8 weeks ahead. Send your dates and we'll confirm availability within 2 hours.
Chat With Kassim NowTransparent pricing
Seasonal Rates
Green Season
Nov – May
Fewer crowds, lush landscapes, lower prices. Occasional rain.
Shoulder Season
Jan – Mar, Nov
Great value. Good weather. Moderate visitor numbers.
Peak Season
Jun – Oct
Dry season. Best wildlife viewing. Great Migration months.
Accommodation Tiers
Choose Your Safari Style
Budget
Camping & basic camps
- Camping or budget bandas
- Shared facilities
- All meals included
- Park fees included
Standard
Quality tented camps
- Quality tented camps
- Private en-suite facilities
- All meals included
- Park fees included
- Experienced guide
Luxury
Premium lodges & camps
- Luxury lodges or fly camps
- En-suite, hot water
- Gourmet meals
- Park fees & private concessions
- Private vehicle available
Every safari is tailor-made. Get a custom quote based on your dates, group size, and accommodation preferences.
Request a Custom QuotePark Fees — All Included in Your Price
All fees above are included in the Mafia Island Marine Safari price. No additional payments at park gates.
Everything covered
What Is Included
- Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking guide
- All national park entry fees
- Full-board accommodation as per itinerary
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Airport transfers both ways
- Unlimited bottled water in vehicle
- Flying Doctors emergency air cover
- Ngorongoro Crater service fee (if applicable)
Budget for these
Not Included
- International flights
- Tanzania visa ($50 on arrival)
- Travel insurance (required)
- Tips and gratuities ($15-25/day guideline)
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Alcoholic beverages
- Optional activities (balloon safari $560)
Accommodation Notes
Beach lodges on Mafia are simple but comfortable — the focus is the marine environment, not the accommodation. Expect clean rooms, excellent fresh seafood, and genuine local hospitality. There are no luxury resorts on Mafia — this is part of its appeal.
Questions about this safari
Frequently Asked Questions
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+255 749 087 101 · 7 days a week from Arusha · Direct operator — no brokers