Although there are a plethora of active and mindful holidays to choose from, if you’ve never visited Mafia Island, you’re missing out on one of the world’s most fascinating destinations. As of 2002, just 40,801 people inhabited the island, but many others travelled from across the globe to enjoy its sun-kissed coasts and world class water sports.
This is largely thanks to the wide range of holidays on offer from Tanzania Odyssey and similar specialists, each of which offer a breadth of choice for travellers which enables them to make the most of their safari visit.
But why exactly should you look to visit Mafia Island?
Let’s take a look at its most appealing features:
Scuba Diving and Snorkelling
When we referenced the island’s world class water sports, we were paying particular homage to the region’s deserved reputation as a diving destination.
With its stunning reefs and deep blue waters, Mafia Island is surrounded by several excellent diving spots, each of which is defined by a diverse array of hard and soft corals and several species of tropical fish.
Interestingly, scientists have confirmed that the Mafia has some of the richest reefs in the world, creating a once in a lifetime experience for even seasoned divers.
You can research these various dive sites before you book your trip, making it easy to create a fun and action-packed itinerary that does justice to the region.
A Stunning Natural Landscape
Mafia Island’s terrestrial and reef ecosystems are truly fascinating, while they’ve also been the subject of studies during the last few years.
However, the on-shore landscape and ecosystem is just as interesting, with several nature trails lined by towering native trees and defined by various examples of exotic birds and wildlife.
As one of the leading Zanibar islands also has a rich heritage and culture, which can be explored by visiting local villages and watching skilled craftsmen as they go about their daily basis.
The surrounding outer islands also offer an opportunity for further cultural and natural adventure, while we’d definitely recommend taking day trips to these locations and enjoy a picnic under the sun!
Take A Trip Back Through The History of Mafia Island
We’ve touched briefly on the history of Mafia Island, which can actually be traced back to the 11th century. The Mafia Archipelago hosts several antiquities that date back to this time, each of which offer a fascinating insight into the island’s past.
The most iconic of these is the ruins at Kisimani Mafia, which is currently established as a Unesco world heritage site and exceptionally popular landmark.
The beautiful Chloe Island is also home to a stunning, barrel-vaulted mosque that dates back to the 15th century, which are surrounded by a number of well-preserved structures from the latter half of the 18th century.
These locations boast a rich and fascinating narrative, while they also chart the history of architecture and construction on the Island.
These can all be enjoyed through coordinated tours and with the help of experienced guides, who can provide insight and help you to understand the history of the region in detail.
