On the southern circuit of Tanzania and Zanzibar there is the Mafia Island. This undisputed paradise, rising international tourism destination, has managed to maintain its unspoiled beauty.

The island once played a major role in ancient trade between the people of the Far East and East Africa. During the Sultanate of Kilwa (today’s Tanzania) it rose to become the most important economic power in the Indian Ocean. From the beginning, it experienced Yemeni, Egyptian, Phoenician, Greco-Roman, Chinese, Portuguese, English and German adventurers visits that, though not greatly altered its appearance, greatly influenced the character, culture and religion of the native peoples of the islands.

The magnificent historical past of the island braids with its natural beauty; 15 meters vertical reef walls, bays, sandbars, carved limestone cliffs, lakes and beaches are now part of the Maritime National Park of Mafia Island, first maritime national park in Tanzania and one of the biggest on Indian Ocean. In this area mixtures the double influence of Indian Ocean and Rufiji’s River Delta creating unique underwater scenery, host to an exceptional biodiversity: over 460 species of fish and 52 genera of hard coral has been registered in this spectacular mosaic of tropical marine life. The hinterland of the park is not far behind in Flora and Fauna diversity: over 160 species of bird, numerous endemic amphibians and reptiles, a rare fruit bat, 6 species of plant are probably found only on Mafia and a further eight are restricted to very few other coastal forest sites in East Africa. The habitat of the park, under protection since 1994, is one of the most pristine of its kind in East Africa.

What closes the image of this wonderful environment is the possibility offered to the tourist to enjoy it actively. Because of its renowned coral reefs, appreciated worldwide as the most diverse, and its voluptuous submerged geography, this is a world-class diving and snorkeling destination. Hiking and picnicking excursions, sailing local dhows and ngalawas, kayaking and windsurfing, cycling through the farms and rice fields, sport fishing and road safaris complete the circuit. For bird-watching lovers, countless beauty species are deployed over 5 different habitats from the reef flats and shores to dry woodlands and coastal forests. For those inclined to search for cultural tours there are visits to local communities to experience culture and traditional life and guided visits to historic sites like Ras Kisimani, the Persian ruins on Chole and Juani islands.