Chole Bay
Calm water and small islands.
Nina R from Africa — CC BY 2.0 · Gill Penney — CC BY 2.0 · Suosirri — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Jens Klinzing — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Nina R from Africa — CC BY 2.0
Mafia Island is a quiet Tanzanian island in the Indian Ocean, opposite the Rufiji delta, home to the country's first multi-user marine park, established in 1995. Divers, birdwatchers, anglers and people seeking rest come here, away from the crowds of Zanzibar, around Chole Bay and its small islands. The island covers 394 square kilometres and has over 65,000 people, living mainly from fishing and farming, with its main town Kilindoni on the west coast. Catches declined before the park was created, because of dynamite fishing and habitat damage, and studies later showed some fish species with several times the biomass inside the protected area. Chole lies on the east coast, facing the small Chole Island, a historic settlement with ruins wrapped in trees and roots. You will see white sand beaches, palms and traditional wooden boats drying at low tide. Trips leave the bay for diving and swimming over the reefs. It is 108 km in a straight line from Kilwa Masoko, and most visitors arrive by light aircraft from Dar es Salaam, though a ferry may run, so check. Tours follow the tide, so ask where you stay. Dress modestly away from the beaches, out of respect for islanders. Do not touch the reefs, and check the marine park fees.
Calm water and small islands.
Walls wrapped in roots.
Drying at low tide.
Mafia Island Marine Park, Pwani Region
Usually by light aircraft from Dar es Salaam, and a ferry may run, so check.
Yes, the marine park draws divers, so ask about the best season.