Mafia Island Hotels

Top reasons to visit Mafia Island

• Pristine Beaches: Mafia Island boasts stunning beaches like Mafia Beach, perfect for relaxation and sunbathing.
• Vibrant Marine Life: The island is renowned for its exceptional diving and snorkelling opportunities, showcasing colourful coral reefs and diverse marine species.
• Outdoor Adventures: Engage in thrilling water sports, sailing, and safari excursions that highlight the island’s natural beauty.
• Charming Accommodations: A range of lodging options, from bed and breakfasts to hotels, cater to every traveller's needs.
• Nearby Islands: Explore the captivating Mafia Archipelago and nearby Pemba Island for unique experiences.

Find great hotels in Mafia Island

Discover the charm of Mafia Island with a range of accommodation options tailored for every traveller. From inviting bed and breakfasts to delightful hotels, you'll find the perfect base for your beach adventures. Whether you're seeking pet-friendly lodgings or an adventurous getaway, Mafia Island offers a variety of hotels and lodges to suit your needs, ensuring a memorable stay in this tropical paradise.

• Kitu Kiblu: Nestled on the sun-kissed shores of Mafia Island, Kitu Kiblu is a charming lodge that captures the essence of a beach vacation. With direct access to pristine beaches, this property offers guests a tranquil retreat surrounded by natural beauty. The lodge features comfortable accommodations designed for relaxation, making it an ideal choice for sun-seekers and beach lovers. Visitors can enjoy listening to the soothing waves and basking in the warm sun, all within a stone's throw of their lodgings.
• Kilindoni Sea View Bungalows: Kilindoni Sea View Bungalows is a delightful 3-star hotel that caters to both travellers and their furry friends, being pet-friendly. With a stunning view of the sea, these bungalows provide a unique experience for guests who wish to enjoy a memorable getaway with their pets. The property features amenities that allow pets on-site, ensuring that no family member is left behind. The warm hospitality and comfortable bungalows create a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors.
• Mafia Island Lodge: Offering a serene escape, Mafia Island Lodge is another excellent option for those yearning for a beachside experience. This 3-star hotel provides direct access to the beach, allowing guests to indulge in sunbathing and swimming at their leisure. The lodge boasts comfortable rooms with a relaxed vibe, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring the island’s natural wonders. Guests can savour the stunning views and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere, making it a perfect choice for a coastal holiday.

Where to stay near Mafia Island

Mafia Island, a stunning gem off the coast of Tanzania, offers an idyllic beach getaway for those seeking adventure and relaxation. With its pristine Mafia Beach and vibrant marine life, this island destination is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and beach lovers alike. Explore the enchanting surroundings and indulge in the breathtaking landscapes that make Mafia Island a must-visit for any traveller looking to unwind in paradise.

• Chole Island: Nestled 14.5km from Mafia Island, Chole Island is a picturesque destination renowned for its pristine beaches and tranquil atmosphere. This charming island attracts seasonal visitors, with peak travel occurring between December and February. Adventurers are drawn to its nudist beach, offering a unique experience alongside beautiful coastal scenery. The island's serene environment is perfect for relaxation, while its local attractions provide opportunities for exploration and enjoyment of the stunning natural surroundings.
• Baleni: Located within the Mafia Island area, Baleni is a quaint village that offers a glimpse into local life. Like Chole Island, Baleni experiences seasonal tourist traffic, with the highest number of visitors arriving from December to February. The village's laid-back charm and authentic atmosphere make it an ideal spot for those seeking to immerse themselves in local culture while enjoying the beautiful Tanzanian landscape. Baleni serves as a gateway to the natural wonders of Mafia Island, making it perfect for exploration and discovery.

Things to do in Mafia Island

Mafia Island offers a perfect blend of beach relaxation and outdoor adventure, making it an ideal destination for tourists. Visitors can indulge in exhilarating water sports, diving, and snorkelling in its stunning waters. Key activities include memorable sailing opportunities, holiday diving experiences, and trips to local diving centres, alongside thrilling safari excursions that showcase the island's natural beauty.

Shopping

In Mafia Island, you can find local crafts and souvenirs at small shops and markets. For a more extensive shopping experience, if you're up for a drive, visit the bustling Dar es Salaam's Kariakoo Market, about 48.3km away, known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse offerings.

Recreation

Experience the tranquil atmosphere at Chole Mjini, where you can enjoy yoga sessions overlooking the ocean and indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments. For adventure, explore the vibrant coral reefs while snorkelling, or take a leisurely stroll along the pristine beaches to reconnect with nature.

Adventure

Mafia Island offers thrilling diving experiences at sites like Chole Bay, where vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life await. For a unique adventure, explore the island's mangroves by kayak, immersing yourself in the stunning natural beauty and tranquillity of this enchanting paradise.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Mafia Island is enchanting, with the vibrant atmosphere of the Mafia Island Lodge offering tropical cocktails and live music. For a more relaxed vibe, enjoy a sunset view at the cozy Tofu Beach Bar, where you can unwind with locals and fellow travellers alike.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Mafia Island

To save money on your trip to Mafia Island, consider visiting in June or October when hotel prices are lower. Booking your accommodation one month in advance or exploring last-minute deals on Expedia can lead to significant savings. Saturdays tend to be the cheapest days to stay, while Wednesdays are the priciest. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and preferences, and combine your hotel, flights, and activities for additional discounts. Take advantage of exclusive offers and always look for deals marked by a green banner for the best rates.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing in Mafia Island is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay in Mafia Island are June and October, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to April, July and December, where prices are moderately higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel in Mafia Island is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Mafia Island is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay in Mafia Island is Wednesday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, including your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. To discover the most affordable prices and special offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation on Mafia Island with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions near Mafia Island

Mafia Island offers a splendid backdrop for beach and outdoor adventures, making it an ideal destination for tourists. Key attractions include the stunning nudist beach and the captivating Mafia Archipelago. Visitors can also explore nearby Pemba Island and discover the charm of remote islands in the region. With its beautiful landscapes and unique experiences, Mafia Island promises an unforgettable vacation.

• Kilindoni Beach: A serene nudist beach located 14.5km from Mafia Island, Kilindoni offers a tranquil escape with soft sands and crystal-clear waters. The secluded atmosphere fosters a sense of freedom and relaxation, making it an ideal spot for sunbathing and enjoying nature.
• Utende Beach: Also 14.5km from Mafia Island, Utende Beach is another picturesque nudist locale known for its stunning sunsets and vibrant marine life. Visitors can indulge in swimming and snorkelling while soaking up the unique ambience of this peaceful retreat.

Best time to go to Mafia Island

The best time to visit Mafia Island can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Mafia Island falls in March, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Mafia Island falls in July, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	81.5°F (27.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
February	81.9°F (27.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
March	82.0°F (27.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	79.5°F (26.4°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately High
May	77.7°F (25.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low
June	76.3°F (24.6°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Moderately Low
July	75.6°F (24.2°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Moderately High
August	76.1°F (24.5°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	77.4°F (25.2°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
October	79.2°F (26.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Moderately Low
November	80.6°F (27.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	81.5°F (27.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately High

The nearest major airports for your trip to Mafia Island

Flying into Mafia Island, Tanzania, you can land at Kilindoni Airport (MFA), situated 16.1km from the island. Nearby accommodation options include Kilindoni Sea View Bungalows, a 3-star hotel located 805m from the airport, offering free airport transportation and a 24-hour shuttle service on request. Kitu Kiblu Lodge, just 483m away, also provides easy access to the airport. For a more upscale stay, Chole Mjini, a 4-star hotel 12.9km from Kilindoni, offers airport shuttles for a fee and services for children. These hotels ensure convenient transfers, making your arrival and departure hassle-free.