Mafia Island

Mafia Island is located of the Rufiji River delta, at about 120km south of Dar es Salaam. During the 11th to 13th centuries in the days when the Shirazia ruled most of the East African coastal area, the area was recognised as an important trading post with its own central position.

During the 16th century, Mafia Island began to loose much of their importance as the Portuguese had arrived and the area became part of the territory that was ruled by the Sultan at the time, who was Sultan of Kilwa. The main settlement of Mafia Island began to migrate to Chloe Island in the early 18th century, which resulted in Mafia Island flourishing as a trade centre again, which alternatively linked Kilwa to the south with Unguja to the north.

However, Mafia Island is known today as beautiful tropical Island resort that is famous for its deep-sea fishing and scuba diving. There is an abundance of aquatic species lined along the sea bed that it located about 1km off the western shoreline of the island, and about 200m deep. There are a variety of reefs that surround Mafia Island, all of which are made up of vibrant, coral formations. These reefs include Kitutia, Juani and Jibondo Islands which are close to that of Chloe Bay.

The Island itself is a picturesque vision of beautiful coral white sands, it is a notable breeding ground for giant turtles as they lay their eggs amongst the textures of the sand. They do this principally on the uninhabited islands of Shungumbili, Barakuni and Nyororo.

The Island is recorded at having a population of about 40, 000 residents of which most are either smallholder farms that grow cassava, rice , pawpaw and coconut.

Due to Tanzania’s varying geographical aspects, the climatic conditions differ. Overall, Tanzania is subject to tropical conditions. The plateau is relatively hot during the day and cool at night, due to its dry and arid land. The north-west temperature is much cooler and temperate. During the months of June and September, it is much cooler. However, from March to May there is a series of “Long Rains”, and the “Short Rains” are experienced during October and December.

The hottest months are between October and February. During November and December, and between March and May the coast experiences their share of rain. During June and September, the coastal areas are subject to humid conditions but also cool sea breezes.