Islands of Tanzania – Mafia | Pemba

Mafia Island

The name Mafia is probably derived from the Arabic “morfiyeh”, meaning “group” or “archipelago”, or from the Swahili “mahali pa afya” meaning “a healthy dwelling place”. Its history goes back to the 8th century where it played a key role in the East African trading routes between Kilwa and Zanzibar. Mafia has so far escaped the invasion of mass tourism as building has been restricted to three tourist lodges with a combined bed capacity of 120.

The lodges are like “bush resorts” in that everything is quiet, thus offering the perfect alternative safari experience. Major tourist activities are scuba diving, snorkelling, beach and offshore island excursions.
The places to visit are: Chole Bay, Kinasi Pass Islets, Mange reef, Kitutia, and Jibondo Pass.
Diving safaris around Chole Bay, within Mafia Island’s Marine Park are outstanding.

Mangrove Walk

There are 15.9 million hectares (over 60,000 square miles) of mangrove forests in the warm waters of tropical oceans all over the world. Tanzania is home to one of the largest mangrove systems in the world.

At the intersection of land and sea, mangrove forests provide a safe haven and support a wealth of life, from starfish to people, and may be more important to the health of the planet than we ever realized.

Mangroves live life on the edge.

Whale Sharks

In Mafia, between the months of October and March, one can indulge in a truly magical experience – swimming with Whale Sharks.

Whale sharks are not whales and are not your typical shark. They are the largest fish in the sea measuring up to 20m. Little is known about these gentle giants by scientists, which is what adds to the overwhelming feeling you have when you see them.

The whale shark is a filter feeder and therefore has no teeth, they are absolutely harmless. The majority of the time they are very shy, although on occasion they can be inquisitive making your encounter that much more spectacular.

Kua Ruins

The kua ruins date back to the early 12th century. In the city of kua, the shirazi people and the arab’s lived together in harmony.

Across the bay from our beaches, on one of the largest and most characteristic islands in the archipelago, are the ruins of the ancient city of Kua. An identified archaeological site from the 12th century which still has no firm reasoning as to why all of a sudden the civilisation ceased to exist, although there are various legends. The destruction of Kua is said to have been by the sultan’s enemies, the Sakalava tribe from Madagascar during the fifteenth century. Kua was never rebuilt and after this, and Chole became the most important trading centre of the entire archipelago.

Juani Lagoon - Jellyfish Pool

A very relaxed half-day spent sailing through a pool-like channel with clear blue waters.

The blue lagoon is a long channel linking the huge inland bay with the open sea that bisects the southern point of Juani. At the end of the channel is an enormous natural swimming pool whose level varies according to the tides and also boasts a staggering number of upside down jellyfish.

Pemba Island

Pemba Island is located about 80km from Zanzibar Island and about 80km east of Tanga on the Tanzanian mainland. Despite its hilly landscape Pemba’s highest point is less than 100 metres above sea level and Pemba is smaller than Unguja.Pemba Island is located about 80km from Zanzibar Island and about 80km east of Tanga on the Tanzanian mainland. Despite its hilly landscape Pemba’s highest point is less than 100 metres above sea level and Pemba is smaller than Unguja.

Arab sailors once named Pemba as ‘El Huthera’, meaning the Green, due to the island’s dense and lush vegetation. There are more natural forests and plantations than on Zanzibar Island and Pemba grows more cloves than Zanzibar. Today, earnings from the clove crop are supported by other agricultural products, cattle raising and fishing, which is an important source of livelihood. Pemba is also popular for its voodoo and traditional healers. People come from throughout East Africa seeking cures or to learn the skills of the art from practitioners on Pemba.

Pemba has a wealth of natural resources ranging from beaches to mangrove ecosystems to natural forests. The coral reefs surrounding the island protect a massive amount of marine species and offer some of the best diving spots in the world. While much of the coast is lined with mangroves, there are a few amazing stretches of shoreline and enough attractive offshore islands with pure, clean beaches and interesting bird-life to keep you busy for quite a while.