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Annie's guidebook

Mafia Island

Mafia: An Introduction

Mafia Island and its surrounding archipelago including Jibondo, Juani and Chole is located 30 minutes flight south of Zanzibar. Mafia has a great deal to offer as an unspoiled, little-visited alternative to other Indian Ocean locations around Zanzibar and along the coast. However, as with Pemba, Mafia has better diving than Zanzibar, but worse beaches. Mafia is the one island off Tanzania's coast that really encourages visitors to explore its offshore islands and sand bars. There are very few hotels here which only adds to the attraction of Mafia as the beach destination for the adventurous traveller.

Mafia: An overview of where to stay

The most well known lodge on the island is Kinasi, a lovely old lodge that has been turned into one of the best on the island. It is also the only lodge with a swimming pool.. Across the channel on Chole island is Chole Mjini a lodge that has to take the prize for East Africa's most uniquely designed properties. With all rooms raised into the trees Chole Mjini is a charming lodge however it lacks a beach and can be exceptionally hot and humid at night. The final lodge we use on Mafia is Mafia Island Lodge owned by the safari company Adventure Camps. Mafia Island Lodge is remarkably good value and although it is not nearly as luxurious as the other hotels we use, we cannot question its value.

Click here for detailed Mafia hotel reviews

Mafia: Our view

Very much off the beaten path, Mafia is a great destination for the adventurous traveller who wants an active holiday fishing, snorkelling and exploring the offshore islands without the crowds. However given that the beaches outside the hotels are poor this is not the location to go to if you just want to flop on the beach.

Mafia: When to go

Mafia has very good weather throughout the year. Virtually straddling the equator means that the island never gets cold and so the only thing to avoid is the rain. The heaviest rain months are April and May, and although safari in the country is very good at this time of year you are certainly taking a chance that the weather will be good for lying on the beach! We suggest avoiding Mafia at this time.

Mafia Lodges

We have included all the lodges below ordered by our ranking, and by price. Clicking on any of the links will bring up more information; our detailed view of the lodge, video, photos, key facts etc.

Ranking

- Outstanding

- Very good

- Good

- Average

- Poor

Kinasi
Kinasi Lodge is Mafia's most well-established and, in our view, best accommodation. The lodge has attractive rooms, a spa, good dive centre and the added bonus of Mafia's only swimming pool. The diversity of activities and adventures to be had from here make Kinasi worthy of a very good rating.

$320pp

More info & Video >

Chole Mjini
Chole Mjini is one of the most unique properties we work with. Located on Chole island just off Mafia itself Chole's rooms are open air tree houses designed with a distinct eco feel. Certainly not your average hotel but a great little property nonetheless.

$250pp

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Pole Pole
Pole Pole is a nice little lodge on Mafia. The rooms and relaxed atmosphere are charming and unpretentious, yet due to the lack of beach here we prefer other hotels on teh island. Pole Pole gets a 3 palm rating.

$250pp

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