|
Mafia
Mafia Island
Marine Park (the first in Tanzania) was opened in July
1995. The project is backed by the WWF which contributes
human and financial resources for its development and
maintenance.
The Mafia
archipelago is formed of a number of very large islands
and small uninhabited coral atolls. Due to its position
alongside the barrier, the island is the meeting place
of large oceanic fish and the vast variety of fish
common to the Indian Ocean coral reefs. There are over
400 species of fish in the park. The Park is a paradise
for both expert scuba divers as well as those wishing to
snorkel or sail in the native local boats from island to
island.
The Mafia archipelago is situated about 130 km south of
Dar es-Salaam and about 25 km from the mainland. Chole
Bay, Mafia's protected deep-water anchorage and the
original harbour, is studded with islands, sandbanks and
beaches. The clear, protected waters offer wonderful
snorkeling, sailing and swimming. Outside the Bay
unbroken reef runs the length of the island, from Tutia
in the south to Ras Mkumbi at the northern tip.
On land, the
rich variety of vegetation is dominated by large palm
groves. In some areas there are baobab trees dotting the
typical African savannah. The mangroves play an
extremely important role by preventing coastal erosion.
There are also fruit trees in many areas, mainly mango
and cashew trees.
The
archipelago's wildlife is extremely varied: monkeys,
small antelopes, wild pigs, lemurs, as well as a small
colony of dwarf hippopotamuses. There are countless
types of birds undergoing significant seasonal
variations according to the passing migrants. Falcons
and fish eagles build their nests on both the small and
larger islands.
When
to Visit: Best time to visit is June-October
and December-February.
Where to Stay:
On Mafia
Island
Pole Pole Bungalow Resort and
Kinasi Lodge represent the best quality
options.
Mafia Island Lodge offers less expensive
accommodation.
On Chole
Island the unique tree houses at
Chole Mjini are built amongst huge baobab
trees.
Diving can be
organised at all the lodges.
For reservations, help and advice
click here
|
