Wild Africa Ltd
Specialists in Tanzania
Safari & Beach Holidays
Mafia Island
The coast of Tanzania is perhaps most famous for the Zanzibar Archipelago, a cluster of islands that saw the growth and survival of Swahili civilisation and trade until the mid-twentieth century.
Mafia Island is a popular destination for visitors to relax after their safari and the island’s relaxed and secluded beaches offer privacy and comfort for discerning travellers. Mafia’s incredible and unspoilt dive sites have remained a well-kept secret of diving aficionados and beach recluses for years, but now the island is fast becoming a preferred destination.
The recent gazetting of Mafia Island Marine Park – the largest protected area in the Indian Ocean – to include surrounding villages in its conservation efforts means that the millions of fish and coral species that thrive in the warm waters of Mafia’s beaches will survive for decades to come.
Recommended Places to stay
Pole – Pole Bungalow Resort
The Pole Pole Resort at Mafia Island's Marine Park is a new kind of resort. Consisting of only seven roomy bungalows, our island home promises personal attention and service.
"Pole Pole" means "take it easy" in Swahili.
Situated in the Utende area the resort is Archipelago's main base. It is set in a shady, breezy spot facing a sea of the deepest blue and looking over at the islands of Chole, Juani and Jibondo.
Owned and operated by a young Italian couple, Pole Pole Resort is a new kind of luxury travel experience that combines the principles of ecotourism, a small resort setting and one of the most pristine and exotic environments in the world.
Mafia Island Lodge
The Lodge stands amidst tall palms on a sandy beach in Chole Bay, in the heart of the marine park near Utende village, on the south coast of the island of Mafia.
The 40 comfortable rooms are set among the coconut palms. The rooms have their own veranda overlooking the bay.
They are self-contained with air conditioning. Among the 40 rooms and there are 2 suites with a large living room. Hot and cold water is available 24 hours a day.