Overview
A Island Paradise
Mafia Island is the largest of a small string of islands off the coast of Tanzania. It is known as a wild and beautiful Indian Ocean tropical island famous for its abundant aquatic life and pristine coral gardens.
The Lodges suites are dotted in between tall palms on the beachfront. All the suites have stunning views out over Chole Bay allowing you to watch the sunrise and set every day. The lodge also has three suites perfect for larger groups and families. While the main lodge enjoys a relaxing atmosphere, the beach bar offers the ultimate chillout zone. If you are lucky you may even spot dolphins in the bay as you sip at a cocktail.
When you're not enjoying complete relaxation in this island paradise the lodges offers all sorts of activities to get involved with. From diving in the pristine waters to gliding above on a traditional dhow. The pristine environment also offers all sorts of wildlife interactions from turtle hatchlings to whale spotting. A stay here can be as action-packed or relaxed as you desire.
Facts
At a glance
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30 comfortable rooms
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Beach bar
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Restaurant
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Library
Experiences
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![Mafia Island turtle]()
Turtle Hatchlings
Between June and September, hundreds of baby turtles make their instinctive scramble from the white sandy beaches to the warm Indian Ocean waters. Spend a night watching this incredible natural event unfold.
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![Mafia island humpback whales]()
Whale Spotting
During the months of September and August we experience the Humpback Whale migration in the south of Mafia as they head for warm waters with their calfs.
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![Mafia Island Lodge diving]()
Snorkling
Snorkeling in Chole bay is a fantastic, colourfully exuberant experience accompanied by hoards of fish, all with different shapes, colours and sizes.
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![Chole island]()
Tour of Chole Island
Just 5 minutes East of Mafia Island by boat and is one of the most historical islands of the archipelago, once being the capital. This tour is one of our most popular as in a short amount of time one can experience a good dose of Chole's nature, culture and history.
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![Dhow sailing Mafia island]()
Dhow Sailing
One of the simplest, most relaxing and picturesque excursions - a gentle sail around Chole Bay. The dhow is a traditional boat and the preferred vessel in East Africa for hundreds of years.
Conservation
The lodge directly contributes to Mafia Island Marine Park with every guest that stays. The park extends for 822 sq km and consists of several islets of coral corals located around the main island and has impressive biodiversity. The mainland is covered with large forests of palm trees, baobabs, and mangroves. Among the fauna there are small antelopes; over 130 species of birds among which also a rare species of bat present only on the island of Mafia and in the Comoros Islands; different species of primates, among which the curious galacids, small nocturnal primates also known as "Bush babies". The waters of the Marine Park of Mafia host colorful coral reefs, immense submarine meadows, over 400 species of fish, dolphins, sea turtles and the dugong, a mammal similar to the seal that, after 20 years of absence in these areas, seemed to have become extinct.
Community & Culture
Mafia Lodge works with many humanitarian organizations to support and help the surrounding communities. Working with NGO's such as Karibuni Onlus helping the development of small African communities by delivering health, education and community support projects. Another charity the lodge supports is Rafiki's whose mission is to help Tanzania deal with its reconstructive surgery needs whilst at the same time assisting in capacity building through the transfer of surgical, anaethestic, physiotherapy and nursing skills to medical professionals in Tanzania.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
