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 economy of the island of Mafia is primarily based on fishing and agriculture. An important thing to note is that fishing is restricted on the southern side of the Mafia island within the boundaries of the Marine national park. The region of Mafia has an awesome history that goes way back in the 18th century. The reason is that it played a big role as a training place for the people of East Africa and Persia.

The island was a regular stop for Arab and Persian dhows plying the coastal waters from the Gulf to Madagascar and Mozambique. Mafia island consists of one large island (394 sq km) and several smaller ones and it attracts tourists, mainly scuba divers and light sport fishermen.

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.

The horseshoe-shaped Chole Bay is an ideal site for snorkeling, underwater photography, and scuba diving. The Mafia National Marine park, which Chole bay is part of, extends to Kinasi Pass Wall. Kinasi Pass is a sheltered reef comprising several species of hard and soft corals. The reef supports a wide variety of marine life.

Throughout Mafia Island, especially in the north, you will find many residents who identify themselves as Wambwera or Washirazi and claim to be the island’s earliest inhabitants. Wapokomo are also found in the North, while in the South you will find small numbers of people claiming Arab descent, a handful of ‘Indians’, and some Europeans in the tourism business or aid projects. Due to population movements, and changing contexts and historical circumstances, ethnic identity keeps shifting.

Kiswahili is the island’s main language, although the locals have their own dialect called Kingome. Mafia is little changed from ancient times and it retains a traditional and friendly culture. The community tourism association works hard to preserve the island. Chole Bay and its surrounding forests and islands are now within the protected Mafia Island Marine Park that is supported by the World Wide Fund for Nature.

Sports fishing and birdwatching are some other interesting activities in Mafia Island. Equally interesting are visits to the villages, traditional boat-building yards, archaeological sites, coastal forests, and coconut plantations. If you are a diver, the period between October and March is the best season for diving. Mafia Island receives two rain seasons: the short rains between October and Mid-December, and the long rains from March to April. The Island is accessible both by road and air throughout the year from Arusha and Dar es Salaam.