Swim alongside gentle whale sharks and dive one of the Indian Ocean's richest marine parks.
Mafia Island lies south of Zanzibar but feels a world away: quiet, unspoilt and wonderfully slow. From around October to February, whale sharks gather in the sheltered waters off Mafia, and you can snorkel beside these gentle giants.
The surrounding Mafia Island Marine Park protects coral reefs, sea turtles and countless fish, with some of the best snorkelling and diving in East Africa. Whale shark sightings depend on nature, so we plan the trip in peak season to give you the best chance.
Best time to goOctober to February for whale sharks; the marine park is good from October to March.
Great forSnorkellers, divers, nature lovers looking for somewhere quiet.
Day-by-day itinerary
- Fly to Mafia IslandShort flight from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar to Mafia, then settle into your island lodge.
- Whale shark swimHead out with a licensed local guide to snorkel with whale sharks, the world's largest fish, in calm bay waters.
- Mafia Island Marine Park and CholeSnorkel or dive the marine park's coral reefs, then visit the old ruins and baobabs of Chole Island.
- DepartureFly back to Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar.
Every Afritrek trip is private, so you can start on any date, add extra nights, and change any part of this plan.
What's included
Included
- Boat trips, park fees and guided visits listed in the itinerary
- Professional English-speaking guide for excursions
- Accommodation and meals as quoted
- All park and marine park fees on the itinerary
- Airport or station transfers
Not included
- International flights and visas
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides, boat crews and hotel staff
- Optional activities not listed, such as diving courses
- Drinks at hotels and lodges
