Mafia Island and its chain of small islets lie approximately 120 km south of Dar es Salaam and 20 km offshore from the eastern extent of the Rufiji is one of the largest delta systems in Africa to the east of Mafia Island in the Indian Ocean. The main island of the mafia is about 48 km long and 17 km wide at its widest point. Several smaller islands and islets are scattered to the west and south.

Mafia island marine park covers an area of 822 km2 and is located betweens 07 45’07” and e 39 54’01” and s 08 09′ 40″ and e 39 30’00. Annex 1 of this plan provides a detailed description of boundaries. The park covers the southern part of Mafia Island and includes the inhabited islands of chole, juani jibondo and bwejuu and several uninhabited islets and the associated waters.

Size of Mafia Island Marine Park

At around 822 sq km, Mafia Island Marine Park is the largest marine protected area in the Indian Ocean, sheltering a unique complex of estuarine, mangrove, coral reef, and marine channel ecosystems.

Location of Mafia Island Marine Park

Mafia Island Marine Park is a protected marine nature reserve around Mafia Island, in the Indian Ocean southeast of Zanzibar Island. It is located in the Pwani Region jurisdiction of Tanzania.

How to get to Mafia Island Marine Park

The flights leave from Dar es Salaam and cost roughly $143 one way in advance (with Coastal Air, Tropical Air, or Auric Air).

Things to do in Mafia Island Marine Park Tanzania

• Swim with Whale Sharks.
• Snorkel in Marine Park.
• Wander Kilindoni market.
• Take a tour of Chole Island.
• BBQ lunch on Marimbani Sandbank.
• Dive in the protected Marine Park.
• Visit the Lighthouse.
• Swim in a hidden lagoon.

When to visit Mafia Island Marine Park

The best time to visit the park is all year round however, the dry season from June to September.

Where to stay in Mafia Island Marine Park

Some of the accommodation units at Mafia Island are; Butiama beach lodge, Chloe mjini lodge, Kinasi lodge, shamba Kilole lodge, and pole pole lodge.