How do you get from Zanzibar to Mafia Island?

How do you get from Zanzibar to Mafia Island?

There is no direct connection from Zanzibar Archipelago to Mafia Island. However, you can take the travel to Pemba, take the ferry to Zanzibar, take the drive to Zanzibar airport, then fly to Mafia Island.

Why is Mafia Island called Mafia Island?

The name “Mafia” derives from the Arabic morfiyeh, meaning “group” or “archipelago”, or from the Swahili mahali pa afya, meaning “a healthy dwelling-place”. In 1995 Mafia Island had financial help from the WWF to make a natural marine wildlife centre which led to establishment of the first Marine Park in Tanzania.

Where is Mafia located in Tanzania?

Mafia Island, island in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Tanzania, eastern Africa. It lies 80 miles (130 km) southeast of Dar es-Salaam and opposite the mouth of the Rufiji River.

When can you see whale sharks in Mafia Island?

The best season for whale shark sighting is from October to February each year. November and December is the most reliable time for whale sharks sighting at Mafia Island. During peak season whale sharks can be easily seen nearshore.

Were is Zanzibar?

Zanzibar, Swahili Unguja, island in the Indian Ocean, lying 22 miles (35 km) off the coast of east-central Africa. In 1964 Zanzibar, together with Pemba Island and some other smaller islands, joined with Tanganyika on the mainland to form the United Republic of Tanzania. Area 600 square miles (1,554 square km).

How do I get to Mbudya Island?

The ferry to Mbudya Island departs from the Slipway pier in Dar es Salaam. The boat ride costs around 40,000 TZN ($17.40) and the journey takes around 45 minutes each way. The ferries depart twice in the morning (9:30 am and 11:30 am) and the last ferry returns to the Slipway at around 4:30 pm.

Where is Tanzania in Africa?

East African
The United Republic of Tanzania is an East African country bordering the Indian Ocean. Its neighbours are Kenya and Uganda, to the north, Rwanda, Burundi and Democratic Republic of the Congo, to the west, and Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to the south. The country includes the island of Zanzibar.

Can you see whale sharks in Zanzibar?

Don’t forget the Zanzibar is also one of the world’s premier locations for sighting the ocean’s biggest fish, the whale shark. Mnemba Atoll is a 7km reef that is a conservation success story, where turtles, dolphins and the whale sharks can be seen in the months from September to December.

How much does it cost to go to Mbudya Island?

You will pay for being on the island (it is a marine reserve) Tshs 2,000 ($0.89) for the locals and Tshs 22,500 ($10.06) for foreigners.