Mafia Island

Mafia Island is the largest of a small archipelago of unspoilt islands off the coast of Tanzania. It lies south of Dar es Salaam. And like its famous neighbour, Zanzibar, Mafia Island was a Spice island. It offered a safe harbour for the ships and dhows plying the historic trade routes from the Gulf. So you will see atmospheric ruins from early trading settlements on Mafia which date back to the 12th century.

But Mafia Island is far quieter and more peaceful than Zanzibar. With only a few small beach hotels and lodges. So it caters to people who value coral reefs, lagoons and beaches more than large beach resorts with loads of facilities.