"More than a tropical island..." Mafia Island by yedada

Mafia Island was my first destination in Central-Eastern Africa and now I know it was a perfect place for a "beginner".... It's a real experience of "Africa" mood: the red colour of the dusty street to reach the resort from the small airport, the tropical garden of coconut palms in which Pole Pole bungalows are placed, the wonderful underwater world I saw diving and snorkeling in Chole Bay, the nice and smiling people I met during the land excursions, the "safari" landscape which surrounded me while visiting the internal area of Mafia Island...

whale sharks

Chole Bay is one of the most outstanding diving and snorkeling site of the world. The excellent condition and high diversity of the reefs allowed the creation of Mafia Island Marine Park, Tanzania's first marine park.
The waters around Mafia Island host an outstanding mosaic of tropical marine habitats with coral reefs, sea grass beds, mangroves, and inter-tidal flats.
Over 48 genera of coral and 400 species of fish can be seen in the area.There are excellent examples of giant table coral, delicate seafans, whip coral, and huge stands of blue-tipped staghorn coral.
One of the most exciting experience you can do in Mafia Island is to swim with whale sharks, mainly in the period from October to March.

Besides water activities, I strongly recommend the experience of a 4x4 excursion to the lighthouse situated on the northernmost point of the island. It is an exciting journey that takes you right across the island and its changing landscapes. Wide stretches of savannah studded by baobab trees, small seaside villages, bush populated by monkeys and birds climax in a unique view of the open sea.

• Pros:pristine and unspoilt environment, wonderful diving & snorkeling, peaceful island
• Cons:not good for people looking for nightlife entertainment
• In a nutshell:A paradise for divers, a unique experience for anyone loving pristine nature