Mafia Island ~ Beach Holiday
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Zanzibar is a fantastic option for a beach break. There are a number of superb beach options, with prices varying hugely. There are also other surrounding islands that cater for big diving fans (Mafia and Pemba) and a few private islands, see Mnemba and Fanjove, for the ultimate exclusive experience.
While Zanzibar has become a popular tourist resort, Mafia Island lying only 160 km south, remains virtually unknown. Previously poor communications with the mainland and being much lesser known than Zanzibar have kept Mafia ‘original’, although a steady trickle of visitors are unanimous in singing its praise. Mafia is one of the safest places in the Indian Ocean and there are no hustlers to spoil a holiday.
Depart by Coastal flight from Zanzibar to Mafia island where you will be met and transferred to your lodge. Upon arrival lunch will be served at which time it is time to have some free time. Later that evening dinner will be available and you will overnight at lodge.
November is the start of the short rainy season. November and early December are both part of the low season, although most lodges remain open (unlike in the long rain season). Showers are mostly short and confined to the evening. As the plains and savannah become green again, birds - especially the migratory ones from the north - are easy to spot in the safari parks. The migration slowly travels back south from Kenya, so some isolated crossings may be spotted. Starting from November to March, whale sharks can also be seen on the shores of Zanzibar and Mafia.
Dar es Salaam, meaning The Haven of Peace in Arabic, has one of the best deep natural harbours in the world. From a small Swahili town in the middle of the 19th century, Dar es Salaam has grown into a large metropolitan centre with a population of over 3,500,000 dwellers. The city population represents the over 120 tribes of Tanzania with their different cultural backgrounds coming together, alongside the oriental civilizations from the far and middle east, and the Europeans including early Portuguese visitors in the 16th Century, the Germans and later the British. All cultures at one time or another passed through Dar es Salaam. It is necessary to visit Dar es Salaam to understand the secret of letting different cultures live together in absolute harmony. Being the commercial capital of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam is also the main gateway to the nature reserves of southern Tanzania, which include the Selous Game Reserve and the National Parks of Mikumi, Ruaha and Udzungwa Mountains, Saadani and Kitulo. It also serves as a convenient connection for travel to the islands of Mafia, Zanzibar and Pemba both by sea and air. A city tour of Dar es Salaam will take you to the National Museum, Nyerere Cultural Centre, the Village Museum, Mwenge Wood Carvings Market, and the Magogoni Fish Market, among other interesting spots.
Located 120km or a 20 minute flight south of Dar es Salaam, Mafia Island is one of the most exciting diving and fishing areas in the world. The major tourist activities are scuba diving, big game fishing, snorkeling, beach and offshore excursions; it is a paradise for fishermen, divers and water sport lovers. The water is beautifully transparent with fantastic views of the unspoiled coral reef; the variety of the coral permits an unimaginable quantity of fish, with diving and snorkeling sites just a short boat ride away. Chole Bay and its surrounding forests and islands are now within the protected Mafia Island Marine Park. With its fine sandy beaches, swaying palms and lush vegetation, Mafia is the ideal spot to relax and unwind after a great African safari. Isolated islets and beaches, lagoons, coves and channels provide many private swimming and picnicking hideaways. Chole Bay is perfect for windsurfing and laser sailing. Birdlife is excellent and very different to the mainland parks that guests may have visited. The tidal flats and mangroves are always alive with coastal and sea birds and there are many colourful woodland and forest species.
Practical Information from the Supplied Travel Material
Mafia Island ~ Beach Holiday
Home
Beach Holidays
While Zanzibar has become a popular tourist resort, Mafia Island lying only 160 km south, remains virtually unknown. Previously poor communications with the mainland and being much lesser known than Zanzibar have kept Mafia ‘original’, although a steady trickle of visitors are unanimous in singing its praise. Mafia is one of the safest places in the Indian Ocean and there are no hustlers to spoil a holiday.
Package Included Transfer to/from airport Accommodations during your stay. activities Three meals daily.
Transfer to/from airport
Accommodations during your stay.
activities
Three meals daily.
Package Excludes Flights Items of a personal nature Gratuities / "tip" for your guide Insurance
Flights
Items of a personal nature
Gratuities / "tip" for your guide
Insurance
Tour Itinerary
Depart by Coastal flight from Zanzibar to Mafia island where you will be met and transferred to your lodge. Upon arrival lunch will be served at which time it is time to have some free time. Later that evening dinner will be available and you will overnight at lodge.
Breakfast and full day at leisure on beach where you will be free to partake in various optional activities. Dinner will be served at the lodge again where you will overnight.
Breakfast will be served again at which time you have some more time for leisure and optional activities. Lunch will be ready for you at which point you will depart by Coastal flight to Zanzibar.
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