Mafia Island, Marine conservation island in Pwani Region, Tanzania
The 435-square-kilometer island features mangrove swamps, coastal forests, scrublands, and grasslands, with its highest point reaching 53 meters above sea level.
The island served as a trading post between East Asia and East Africa since the 8th century, with German control established in 1890.
Local communities maintain traditional fishing practices and subsistence agriculture, centered around the market town of Kilindoni on the west coast.
Regular flights connect Mafia Island to Dar es Salaam, with optimal diving conditions in Chole Bay occurring from October through February.
The waters surrounding Mafia Island host whale sharks from September to March, making it a primary location for marine wildlife observation.
Location: Pwani Region
Part of: Zanzibar Archipelago
GPS coordinates: -7.85000,39.78333
Latest update: May 27, 2025 07:17
Tanzania provides photographers with an extraordinary range of subjects, from the Serengeti plains to Zanzibar's coastline and Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa at 19,341 feet (5,895 meters). The country contains major wildlife reserves including Tarangire, where elephant herds move between baobab trees, and the Ngorongoro Crater, which holds a dense concentration of large mammals within its 100-square-mile (260-square-kilometer) caldera. Coastal regions and offshore islands like Mafia and Pemba offer opportunities to photograph coral reefs, sea turtles, and traditional dhow boats. The Mahale Mountains support habituated chimpanzee groups, while Selous Game Reserve presents riverine landscapes and diverse animal populations. Stone Town's historic quarter features Arab, Persian, and Indian architecture spanning several centuries, including the House of Wonders and the narrow alleys of the former trading port. The less visited Katavi National Park delivers scenes of hundreds of hippos crowding shrinking pools during the dry season. Kondoa rock art sites preserve prehistoric paintings dating back as far as 30,000 years. The active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai and alkaline Lake Natron with its flamingo flocks add geological interest. From the terraced hillsides of the Usambara Mountains to the wildflower meadows of Kitulo National Park, Tanzania covers nearly every photographic interest.
Kilwa Kisiwani
127.6 km
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
184.8 km
Ikulu
127 km
Great Mosque of Kilwa
127.4 km
National Museum of Tanzania
127.5 km
Askari Monument
127.3 km
Kigamboni Bridge
122.5 km
Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara
126.6 km
Songo Mnara
134.8 km
Saint Joseph's Cathedral, Dar es Salaam
127.1 km
Dar es Salaam Zoo
109.3 km
Amaan Stadium
197.4 km
Kizimkazi Mosque
161.5 km
Menai Bay Conservation Area
169.6 km
Pugu Hills Forest Reserve
131.6 km
Azania Front Lutheran Church
127.1 km
Uhuru Monument
127.6 km
Mkapa Bridge
91.5 km
Mafia Island Marine Park
16.9 km
Tongoni Ruins
165.3 km
Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve
120.2 km
Kuumbi Cave, Zanzibar
167.9 km
Benjamin William Mkapa Pension Tower
127.5 km
Makatumbe Range Rear Lighthouse
127.8 km
Ras Mkumbi Lighthouse
27.1 km
Chumbe Lighthouse
187.1 km
Zanzibar Butterfly Centre
178.8 km
Gereza Fort
127.2 kmReviews
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