National parkSouthern Tanzania
Nyerere National Park
Africa's largest national park, explored by boat on the Rufiji.
Island · Marine park
Mafia Island
Whale sharks, coral reefs and a quiet marine park.
- Coast
- Best: Oct–Feb
Overview
- Marine park
- Mafia Island Marine Park
- Managed by
- Marine Parks and Reserves Unit
- From Dar es Salaam
- About 30–45 minutes by air
Mafia lies off the Rufiji delta, about 30 minutes by air from Dar es Salaam. The Mafia Island Marine Park, Tanzania's first marine park, protects its southern reefs, mangroves and Chole Bay.
Whale sharks gather off Kilindoni from about October to February, and turtles nest on Juani island's beaches.
Chole Island has ruins of a 19th-century trading town, and life on the island is quiet compared with Zanzibar.
- Whale sharks
Snorkel alongside them, about October to February.
- Chole Bay
Sheltered reefs for diving and snorkelling.
- Chole Island ruins
Old stone buildings overgrown by fig trees.
Things to do
- Whale shark snorkelling
With licensed boat operators.
- Diving
Chole Bay and the outer reefs.
- Dhow trips
Sandbanks and islands in the marine park.
Wildlife and nature to look for
When to go
October to March for whale sharks and calm diving. Many lodges close in April and May.
- Jan: Best
- Feb: Best
- Mar: Good
- Apr: Wetter
- May: Wetter
- Jun: Good
- Jul: Good
- Aug: Good
- Sep: Good
- Oct: Best
- Nov: Best
- Dec: Best
Costs
The Marine Parks and Reserves Unit charges a daily marine park fee for each visitor, collected at the park office in Utende or through your lodge. Its current schedule is not published online, so confirm the amount with your lodge.
Getting there
- By airFrom Dar es SalaamAbout 30–45 minutes
Scheduled flights to Kilindoni airstrip.
Open larger map Directions Marker shows an approximate location.
Photos
Know before you go
- Whale shark encounters follow a code of conduct; do not touch them or crowd them.
- Foreign visitors must buy Tanzania's US$44 inbound travel insurance (92 days) before arrival: from NIC for the mainland or ZIC for Zanzibar. One policy covers both; residents of EAC and SADC countries are exempt.
Frequently asked questions
When can you swim with whale sharks on Mafia?
Usually from about October to February, off Kilindoni.
How do I get to Mafia Island?
Fly from Dar es Salaam in about half an hour; lodges arrange transfers.
Sources
Checked on 23 October 2026. Fees and rules change; confirm with the authority or your operator before you pay.
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Places to pair with Mafia Island
National park
Beaches and coast
RuinsSouthern coast
Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara
Ruins of the medieval Swahili city that ruled the gold trade.