Where is Mafia Island located?
Tanzania
Mafia Island, island in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Tanzania, eastern Africa. It lies 80 miles (130 km) southeast of Dar es-Salaam and opposite the mouth of the Rufiji River.
Why is it called Mafia Island?
The name “Mafia” derives from the Arabic morfiyeh, meaning “group” or “archipelago”, or from the Swahili mahali pa afya, meaning “a healthy dwelling-place”. In 1995 Mafia Island had financial help from the WWF to make a natural marine wildlife centre which led to establishment of the first Marine Park in Tanzania.
Is Mafia Island part of Zanzibar?
150 km south of Zanzibar Island lies the third largest isle in the archipelago, Mafia. In fact, Mafia Island is so far removed and has so many smaller satellites of its own, that it’s really a miniature archipelago in its own right.
Why is Mafia Island a top tourist attraction?
Mafia Island has the distinction of being located in one of the prime spots between the Rufiji Delta on the west and the Indian Ocean on the east. This makes the island the perfect habitat for long, unbroken lines of coral reefs that extend from Kifinge (Forbes Bay) in the north to Tutia in the south.
Which is better Pemba or Zanzibar?
Ready to cool off. Pemba is not Zanzibar; it is simpler and more rustic. One will not find all the beautiful and ornate presentation that is on Zanzibar. Known as the ‘Green Island’ for its natural beauty, Pemba is 100% about nature, beaches, coral gardens, walks and relaxation in paradise.
Who owns Pemba Island?
Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar
Pemba is part of the semi-autonomous Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar. Administratively, it is divided into two regions, North Pemba (Pemba Kaskazini)with its capital at Wete, and South Pemba (Pemba Kusini) with its capital at Mkoani.
Is it safe to visit Tanzania?
Yes, Tanzania is a reasonably safe country. In fact, it’s regarded as one of the safest African countries , both for locals and tourists. According to the 2019 Global Peace Index, Tanzania is the seventh safest country in Africa.
Can people swim in the Indian Ocean?
It’s pretty huge But as the third largest ocean in the world, it covers around 20% of the Earth’s surface, there’s plenty of room for everyone to take a swim.
Is Pemba Island worth visiting?
While Pemba Island used to be most famously known as a trade centre, today it is renowned as one of the world’s diving and snorkelling meccas (see our guide to diving in Zanzibar). Dip beneath the tropical waters of the island and you’ll discover a magical world for divers and deep-sea fishermen alike.
Is Pemba Island safe?
Reconsider Travel To: Pemba, the provincial capital of Cabo Delgado, due to threat of terrorism. Some sections of the EN1 and EN6 in Sofala and Manica provinces due to crime.
What is Pemba Island known for?
Pemba is still the predominant global producer of cloves yielding around 70% of all the world’s cloves, but now plays its more traditional role of being an island paradise with small inter-island trade.
Why stay at Mafia Island Lodge?
Located on the only beach that is not affected by tides, Mafia Island Lodge offers a restaurant open to the public, a spa, a Cocktail bar and a Beach Bar. The rooms overlook an expanse of greenery and the Indian Ocean, each room has its own private bathroom, sitting area, hairdryer and free toiletries.
What is the Mafia Island Marine Park?
To be more precise the Marine Park covers the southern part of the island of Mafia and includes the 3 largest islands of the archipelago: Chole, Juani Jibondo, Bwejuu and other smaller coral islets that appear and disappear depending on the low or high tide . The Mafia Island Marine Park has an impressive biological diversity:
What is the seabed like on Mafia Island?
Mafia Island’s seabed is famous for its beauty and diversity: richness of vegetation, fish and corals, especially within the bay which is directly in front of the Lodge.
Can you swim on Mafia Island?
The sand is white and pure and one can always swim, despite tidal changes. Mafia Island and its reefs are renowned as an excellent, world classdiving destination. These beautiful giants are seasonally found just a few hundred metres offshore near Kilindoni Harbour.