The Island of Mafia, located off the delta of the Rifiji River in the southern part of Sudan, is a superb location for those wanting to discover one the last remaining islands that are unspolt. This island is found about one hundred and twenty km from the town of Dar es Saalam and is one of the six districts on Pwani Region in Tanzania.
The island of Mafia’s economy is primarily based on agriculture and fishing. Fishing is controlled in the southern area of the island within the confines of the Mafia National Marine Park. The Mafia has a rich history that goes way back to the 18th century when it formed an integral role as a training centre for the people of Persia and East Africans.
The island served as an important stop for the dhows of Arabs and Persians who plied their trade in the Indian ocean waters from the Gulf to Mozambique and Madagascar. Consisting of one large island (394 sq km) and several smaller ones, Mafia Island attracts many scuba divers, sport-fishing enthusiasts, and other tourists.
Chole bay, Mafia’s original harbor and protected deep water anchorage is dotted with beaches and islands. The bay is surrounded by amazingly clear waters, which provide an ideal environment for snorkeling, sailing, and swimming. A good island excursion package to Mafia will typically include visits to the numerous ancient ruins in Chole.
The horseshoe-shaped island is ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving as well as underwater photography. The bay is part of Mafia National Marine Park which extends to the Kinasi Pass Wall, a sheltered bank reef sloping from 8 to 21 metres. Kinasi Pass Wall comprises many species of hard and soft corals and supports a great variety of marine life.
Throughout Mafia Island, especially in the north, you will find many residents who identify themselves as Wambwera or Washirazi and claim to be the island’s earliest inhabitants. Wapokomo are also found in the North, while in the South you will find small numbers of people claiming Arab descent, a handful of ‘Indians’, and some Europeans in the tourism business or aid projects. Due to population movements, and changing contexts and historical circumstances, ethnic identity keeps shifting.
Mafia Island’s main language is Kiswahili, though locals also speak another dialect called Kingome. Mafia retains a friendly traditional culture that has not changed much from the ancient days. Efforts by the community tourism association seek to preserve the island. The protected Mafia Island Marine Park is supported by the World Wide Fund for Nature and covers Chole Bay, and its surrounding forests and islands.
Sports fishing and birdwatching are some other interesting activities in Mafia Island. Equally interesting are visits to the villages, traditional boat-building yards, archaeological sites, coastal forests, and coconut plantations. If you are a diver, the period between October and March is the best season for diving. Mafia Island receives two rain seasons: the short rains between October and Mid-December, and the long rains from March to April. The Island is accessible both by road and air throughout the year from Arusha and Dar es Salaam.
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