Day trip flying safari-mafia island whale shark adventure

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Mafia Island is a hidden gem located off the coast of mainland Tanzania, in the Indian Ocean. Here are details about Mafia Island:

Location: Mafia Island is part of the Tanzanian Zanzibar Archipelago, situated about 25 kilometers (16 miles) offshore from the mainland city of Kilindoni. It is the largest of the islands within the Mafia Archipelago.

Landscape: The island is characterized by pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush green vegetation. The interior of the island is covered with coconut palms, cashew trees, and mangrove forests, while the coastline is fringed with coral reefs teeming with marine life.

Marine Park: Mafia Island is home to the Mafia Island Marine Park, established in 1995 to protect the island’s rich marine biodiversity. The marine park encompasses a network of reefs, lagoons, and channels, making it a haven for snorkeling, diving, and other water-based activities.

Wildlife: Mafia Island is renowned for its diverse marine life, including colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and whale sharks. The waters surrounding the island serve as a critical habitat for endangered species such as the dugong, a large marine mammal related to the manatee.

Activities: The island offers a range of activities for visitors, with a focus on marine-based adventures. Snorkeling and diving are popular activities, allowing visitors to explore the island’s pristine coral reefs and encounter a stunning array of underwater life. Other activities include boat tours, kayaking, sailing, fishing, and birdwatching.

Cultural Heritage: In addition to its natural beauty, Mafia Island boasts a rich cultural heritage. The island is home to the Shirazi people, who have a unique Swahili-Arabic culture influenced by centuries of trade along the East African coast. Visitors can explore traditional villages, learn about local customs and traditions, and sample delicious Swahili cuisine.

Accommodation: Mafia Island offers a range of accommodation options, including beach resorts, eco-lodges, and guesthouses, catering to different budgets and preferences. Many of these accommodations are located along the island’s stunning coastline, offering panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.

Conservation: Conservation efforts are underway to protect Mafia Island’s fragile ecosystems and marine resources. The Mafia Island Marine Park plays a crucial role in conserving the island’s marine biodiversity, while initiatives are also in place to promote sustainable tourism and support local communities.

Overall, Mafia Island is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, marine biodiversity, and cultural heritage in an idyllic island setting.

Here are some of the sharks commonly found around Mafia Island:

Whale Sharks: These gentle giants visit the waters around Mafia Island seasonally to feed on plankton. Snorkeling and diving with whale sharks are popular activities for visitors.
Reef Sharks: Species like blacktip reef sharks and whitetip reef sharks are commonly encountered while diving or snorkeling around the coral reefs of Mafia Island.
Nurse Sharks: Found in the waters of Mafia Island, nurse sharks are known for their sluggish and docile nature. They can often be found resting on the sandy seabed or hiding in caves.
Hammerhead Sharks: While less common, hammerhead sharks have been sighted in the waters around Mafia Island. These distinctive-looking sharks are typically encountered in deeper waters.
Other Shark Species: Mafia Island is also home to tiger sharks, bull sharks, lemon sharks, and various other species. These sharks contribute to the overall biodiversity of the marine ecosystem.

A day trip to Mafia

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS.

Pick up from your hotel in Zanzibar for morning flight direct to Mafia Island taking 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Upon arrival at the Island, met & greeted by our team and transferred to the excursion base (meeting point) for briefing then board on our local boat heading to serach for whale sharks. After the above tour, back to the excursion base (whale shark base) for local BBQ lunch and then picked up by our guide for Kilindoni City Tour.

After the city tour, drive you to the airport for your flight back to Zanzibar where your drivers will be waiting for you to transfer back to your respective hotel.

PACKAGE INCLUDES: