"The location is stunning, in front of the resort there is the best beach of the bay. Super welcoming staff. Very good breakfast and dinner.
Very recomanded."
"The location is stunning, in front of the resort there is the best beach of the bay. Super welcoming staff. Very good breakfast and dinner.
Very recomanded."
"We were so excited to stay in a treehouse, and when we arrived the accommodations exceeded our expectations. The grounds were clean. The staff were exceptional, and there was a western flush toilet! The hot water shower technique was ingenious! The meals were great, and the wait staff was so professional!"
"We were so excited to stay in a treehouse, and when we arrived the accommodations exceeded our expectations. The grounds were clean. The staff were exceptional, and there was a western flush toilet! The hot water shower technique was ingenious! The meals were great, and the wait staff was so professional!"
"Ocean was visible, room was a bit musty, Zanzibar style was nice, easy walk to shops and restaurants. Not a luxury spot, but a well-worn, easy access, fancy backpacker joint."
"Ocean was visible, room was a bit musty, Zanzibar style was nice, easy walk to shops and restaurants. Not a luxury spot, but a well-worn, easy access, fancy backpacker joint."
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Snorkel with whale sharks and vibrant coral reefs in the protected marine park surrounding this tranquil island. Traditional dhow boats take you to pristine beaches where local guides reveal hidden mangrove forests and sea turtle nesting sites.
Stunning Beaches: Mafia Island boasts pristine beaches with soft sands and crystal-clear waters, ideal for relaxation and sunbathing.
Diverse Marine Life: The island is renowned for its vibrant marine ecosystems, perfect for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts.
Water Sports: Engage in thrilling activities such as kayaking, fishing, and sailing amidst beautiful surroundings.
Charming Accommodations: Choose from a range of lodgings, from cosy bed and breakfasts to luxurious hotels, catering to all preferences.
Natural Beauty: Explore the lush landscapes and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, making it a perfect retreat.
Find great hotels in Mafia Island
Discover a variety of charming accommodations on Mafia Island, where you can find the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. From cosy bed and breakfasts to luxurious hotels, there's something for every traveller. Whether you seek a romantic getaway, a pet-friendly stay, or a beachfront retreat, Mafia Island's lodgings cater to your desires, ensuring a memorable experience amidst stunning natural beauty.
Mafia Island Lodge: This 3-star hotel offers a serene beach vacation experience, perfect for those seeking relaxation by the sea. Mafia Island Lodge boasts direct access to the beach, allowing guests to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf at their leisure. The atmosphere is laid-back, ideal for unwinding after a day of exploration. Guests have praised the lodge for its friendly staff and comfortable accommodations, ensuring a pleasant stay amidst the natural beauty of Mafia Island.
Kinasi Lodge: A step up in luxury, Kinasi Lodge is a 3.5-star establishment with an impressive guest rating of 9.6 out of 10. This lodge caters to a variety of travellers, whether you're looking for adventure, business travel, or simply a beach getaway. Kinasi Lodge features direct beach access and an array of adventure sports, including motorboating, fishing, and windsurfing, along with opportunities for snorkelling nearby. The combination of comfort and thrilling activities makes it a unique choice for those seeking both relaxation and excitement.
Kitu Kiblu: As a budget-friendly option, Kitu Kiblu offers a warm atmosphere with a guest rating of 9.0 out of 10. This lodge is ideal for travellers who want to enjoy a beach vacation without breaking the bank. With direct access to the beach, Kitu Kiblu allows guests to immerse themselves in the stunning coastal scenery. Visitors have appreciated the welcoming service and the simple yet comfortable accommodations, making it a practical choice for those looking to enjoy Mafia Island's natural wonders.
Where to stay in Mafia Island
Mafia Island, a stunning gem off the coast of Tanzania, offers an idyllic beach destination perfect for adventure and relaxation. With its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life, itโs an ideal spot for a seaside holiday. Explore the islandโs natural beauty, indulge in water sports, or simply unwind on the sandy shores. A visit to Mafia Island guarantees a memorable experience filled with the charm and tranquility of this enchanting tropical paradise.
Chole Island: Chole Island, situated 14km from Mafia Island, is a picturesque destination characterised by its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The island attracts seasonal visitors, peaking between December and February, making it a vibrant spot during these months. Here, you can explore traditional Swahili architecture, pristine beaches, and diverse marine life. Snorkelling and diving enthusiasts will find the coral reefs around Chole Island particularly captivating. The serene atmosphere and friendly locals enhance the island's charm, providing an unforgettable travel experience.
Things to do in Mafia Island
Mafia Island offers an idyllic setting for beach and adventure holidays, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure lovers alike. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including exhilarating water sports, diving, and snorkelling in its crystal-clear waters. The island is also a great spot for adventurous excursions and unique African safaris, making it an ideal destination for a romantic beach date or an exciting getaway.
Shopping
Mafia Island offers a quaint shopping experience with local markets where you can find handcrafted souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, visit the nearby Mtwara Market, about 48.3km away, for a wider selection of authentic Tanzanian goods and vibrant local crafts.
Recreation
On Mafia Island, enjoy rejuvenating treatments at the Chole Mjini Spa, nestled among lush mangroves. Alternatively, immerse yourself in holistic wellness at the Mafia Island Lodge, where yoga sessions and tranquil beachside massages await, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Adventure
In Mafia Island, dive into vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life at Chole Bay. Experience thrilling boat trips to explore uninhabited islands, and enjoy snorkelling with turtles at Ras Mkumbi. Donโt miss the chance to kayak through mangroves, immersing yourself in the island's stunning natural beauty.
Nightlife
Mafia Island offers a relaxed nightlife atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure. Enjoy a sunset cocktail at the cozy Kinasi Lodge or indulge in fresh seafood at the charming Mafia Island Lodge. For a more vibrant vibe, check out the local beach bars along the coast.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.
Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Mafia Island
Mafia Island offers several ways to save during your visit. Consider travelling in June or October when hotel prices are lower, and aim to book about a month in advance for the best rates. Saturdays tend to be the cheapest days to stay, while Wednesdays are the priciest. Use Expediaโs search tool to find budget-friendly accommodation, and look for last-minute deals for additional savings. You can also save by booking hotel and activity packages together. Exploring local beaches and nature reserves can provide free entertainment while utilising public transport can further reduce travel costs.
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, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
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: Expediaโs search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to easily identify the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your selection by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay on Mafia Island with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions near Mafia Island
Mafia Island offers a perfect blend of beach and outdoor adventures, making it an ideal destination for tourists. One of the highlights includes a visit to the nudist beach, where visitors can enjoy the sun and sea in a relaxed atmosphere. Additionally, the island's stunning landscapes and opportunities for exploration ensure a memorable holiday experience for all who venture there.
Kilindoni Beach: Located 14.5km from Mafia Island, Kilindoni Beach offers a unique nudist experience amidst stunning coastal scenery. The soft sand and gentle waves create a relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for sunbathing and enjoying nature in a liberating environment.
Utende Beach: Also 14.5km from Mafia Island, Utende Beach is another nudist haven. Known for its pristine waters and vibrant marine life, visitors can enjoy swimming and snorkelling while embracing the freedom of clothing-optional relaxation.
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
81.5ยฐF (27.5ยฐC)
Light Rain
Mostly Sunny
Slightly High
Average
February
81.9ยฐF (27.7ยฐC)
Light Rain
Mostly Sunny
Average
Average
March
82.0ยฐF (27.8ยฐC)
Light Rain
Mostly Sunny
Average
Average
April
79.5ยฐF (26.4ยฐC)
Moderate Rain
Mostly Cloudy
Average
Moderately High
May
77.7ยฐF (25.4ยฐC)
Light Rain
Mostly Sunny
Slightly Low
June
76.3ยฐF (24.6ยฐC)
No Rain
Mostly Sunny
Slightly Low
Moderately Low
July
75.6ยฐF (24.2ยฐC)
No Rain
Mostly Sunny
Slightly High
Moderately High
August
76.1ยฐF (24.5ยฐC)
No Rain
Mostly Sunny
Average
Average
September
77.4ยฐF (25.2ยฐC)
No Rain
Mostly Sunny
Slightly High
Average
October
79.2ยฐF (26.2ยฐC)
Light Rain
Mostly Sunny
Slightly Low
Moderately Low
November
80.6ยฐF (27.0ยฐC)
Light Rain
Mostly Sunny
Average
Average
December
81.5ยฐF (27.5ยฐC)
Light Rain
Mostly Sunny
Average
Moderately High
The nearest major airports for your trip to Mafia Island
Accessing Mafia Island is convenient via its major airports. DAR es Salaam (DAR-Julius Nyerere Intl.) is situated 126km away, with notable hotels like the 5-star Dar Es Salaam Serena Hotel and Hyatt Regency Dar Es Salaam, both approximately 11km from the airport, offering various transportation services such as 24-hour airport shuttles. Closer to Mafia Island, Kilindoni (MFA-Mafia) airport is only 16km away, with accommodations like the 4-star Chole Mjini and the 3.5-star Kinasi Lodge, providing shuttle services on request. The Kilindoni Sea View Bungalows are just 805m from the airport, offering free airport transport for guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I need to cancel my hotel reservation in Mafia Island, will I receive a refund?
Yes, most hotel bookings are fully refundable as long as you cancel before the hotelโs cancellation deadline, which is usually within 24-48 hours of check in. If you have a non-refundable reservation, it may still be possible to cancel it and get a refund within a 24-hour period of booking. Filter your search by fully refundable to find flexible hotel deals in Mafia Island.
What's the best family accommodation in Mafia Island?
What's the best high-end place to stay in Mafia Island?
Basecamp Mafรญa Island is a luxury lodge with a private beach and a full-service spa, and it's a popular choice for Expedia travellers looking for an elegant place to stay. Find more luxury hotels in Mafia Island.
What are some accommodation options with pools in Mafia Island?
Travellers to Mafia Island will find plenty to explore and enjoy. In Mafia Island, there are 30 hotels and other accommodation options to choose from. Find out more about Mafia Island.
The hottest months are usually March and February, with an average temperature of 28ยฐC, while the coldest months are July and August, with an average of 25ยฐC. The snowiest months in Mafia Island are August, January, February and March, with each month seeing an average of 142 cm of snowfall.