Discover the Hidden Archipelago of Tanzania - Mafia Island
The Island of Mafia, located off the delta of the Rifiji River in the southern part of Sudan, is a superb location for those wanting to discover one the last remaining islands that are unspolt. This island is found about one hundred and twenty km from the town of Dar es Saalam and is one of the six districts on Pwani Region in Tanzania.
The island of Mafia's economy is primarily based on agriculture and fishing. Fishing is controlled in the southern area of the island within the confines of the Mafia National Marine Park. The Mafia has a rich history that goes way back to the 18th century when it formed an integral role as a training centre for the people of Persia and East Africans.
The island served as an important stop for the dhows of Arabs and Persians who plied their trade in the Indian ocean waters from the Gulf to Mozambique and Madagascar. Consisting of one large island (394 sq km) and several smaller ones, Mafia Island attracts many scuba divers, sport-fishing enthusiasts, and other tourists.
Chole bay, Mafia's original harbor and protected deep water anchorage is dotted with beaches and islands. The bay is surrounded by amazingly clear waters, which provide an ideal environment for snorkeling, sailing, and swimming. A good island excursion package to Mafia will typically include visits to the numerous ancient ruins in Chole.
Chole bay is an excellent site for scuba diving, snorkeling, and underwater photography. This horseshoe-shaped island is part of the larger Mafia National Marine Park, which extends to Kinasi Pass- a sheltered bank reef sloping from eight to 21 meters. Kinasi Pass Wall consists several hard and soft coral species and supports a wide variety of marine life.
Some Mafia Island residents who identify themselves as Washirazi or Wamberwa, and found throughout the island especially in the North, claim to be the Island's earliest inhabitants. You will also find the Wapokomo in the North, while in the South are small numbers of people of Arab descent, 'Indian traders', and Europeans in the tourism industry and aid projects. Ethnic identity keeps shifting as a result of population movements, and changing historical circumstances and contexts.
Mafia Island's main language is Kiswahili, though locals also speak another dialect called Kingome. Mafia retains a friendly traditional culture that has not changed much from the ancient days. Efforts by the community tourism association seek to preserve the island. The protected Mafia Island Marine Park is supported by the World Wide Fund for Nature and covers Chole Bay, and its surrounding forests and islands.
Mafia Island's other popular leisure activities include sports fishing, birdwatching, and visits to archaeological sites, villages, coconut plantations, local villages, and traditional boat-building yards. For diving enthusiasts, the best season for diving is from October to the end of March. The Island has two rain seasons: the long rains between March and April, and the long rains from October to Mid-December. Mafia island is easily accessible by road and air from Dar es Salaam and Arusha all the year round.