People assume that all of Africa’s National Parks and Reserves are stuffed with large animals. Most are but there are a few that cater for people with different interests, namely marine life.
Mafia Island, along with the islands of Unguja and Pemba, is part of the intriguing Tanzanian Spice Islands. The title of “Spice Islands” brings to mind images from the vibrant history of Mafia Island and of times when the small island was a major player in the international spice trade. As early as the eighth century, Mafia Island was an important center of trade between East Africa and the Far East, and Persian boats regularly used the island as a stopping place on their journeys. The name for the island is said to derive from the Swahili phrase mahali pa afya, which means “a healthy dwelling place.” The World Wildlife Foundation stepped in 1995 to aid Mafia Island in developing a marine wildlife center so that the natural aquatic beauty of the island could be preserved. The collaboration has been a successful one, and today Mafia Island Marine Park offers spectacular underwater viewing for snorkelers and scuba divers alike. So, for all those who are ready for an aquatic adventure, Mafia Island is the Tanzanian hot spot to head towards.
The Mafia peninsula is around 390 square kilometers and lies near the mouth of the Rufiji River on Tanzania’s mainland. The terrain of the island is very flat and sandy, with coral rock lining the eastern shores of the island and making cultivation nearly impossible. The island is the first in Tanzania to officially become a marine park, and the marine park itself covers most of the southern half of the island as well as parts of the northeast.
The marine life that makes up the Mafia Island Marine Park has been hailed as some of the most important aquatic habitats in the entire world. Although the park is dealing with challenges such as over fishing, the staff has managed to maintain the unique natural wonder of the park (although conservation efforts always face an uphill battle against unsafe fishing practices). The park’s diverse habitats include sea-grass beds, coral reefs, lagoons and coastal forest. Mangroves and inter-tidal reef flats can also be found. The marine park contains some critical feeding and nesting areas for the dugong (a sweet and docile mammal also known as a manatee or sea cow) and sea turtles. The park is also a home for over 100 species of birds, which can be viewed by taking out a traditional dhow (sail boat) onto the waters.
Diving in this spectacular marine reserve will be an experience that no visitor to the Mafia Islands will ever forget. Because the area is a marine park, special care has been taken to ensure that visitors will not disrupt the natural environment as a result of their diving. Thus, it is necessary to work with a licensed tour operator who has a good understanding of the sensitivity of the marine park and in what areas diving is allowed. Once you set up your diving trip, prepare to be awed by the incredible coral reefs, numerous underwater ocean shelves and coral heads. The colours and the plethora of fish divers will see are amazing.
The weather on Mafia Island is pleasant year-round, and anytime of the year will provide lovely conditions for diving and exploring the island’s maritime treasures. There are only two main roads on the island, one of which runs north to south and the other west to east. Discuss with your tour operator what kind of transport you will use to get around the island and how you will arrive on the island. There are a number of flight and ferry options that can be used, and by discussing these with your tour operator they can relate to you which means will be most appropriate for your journey. There are a number of different lodging options on the island; again, discuss your preferences with your tour operator. Some of the most well-known accommodations are Kinasi, which contains fourteen luxury bungalows and Chole Mjini, which houses its visitors in treehouses! Wherever you decide to stay, it goes without a doubt that Mafia Island will soon become one of your most memorable travel destinations.
