MAFIA ISLAND, TANZANIA

Tanzania is synonymous with wildebeest migration, savanna plains, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar. But very few realize that there is more to Tanzania, much more. Especially if you are a scuba diver.

Cruise Sub Aqua has discovered a real gem of an island to the south of the country with the ominous name of Mafia Island. But Mafia Island has no connection with the cotton-wool jawed hoodlums of Sicily, instead Mafia Island is a tropical paradise with a history steeped ancient Arabic seafarers and slavers, successive Portuguese, German and British colonial rule - reminders are still evident in the numerous Dhows and old ruins now overrun by Mangroves. But it's beneath the surface that really makes Mafia Island and it will blow all six senses right out of the water!

Mafia is so unspoilt (its a marine reserve preserved by law) that its Zanzibar a hundred years ago - before civilization, before technology and widespread commercial overfishing with dynamite. The coral reefs and walls are pristine and the supported marine life is exceptional. Big Potato Bass, sharks, turtles, and massive Moray Eels abound in warm cobalt-blue water.
The dive sites are accessed from a traditional Dhow which make for a novel experience and adds to the entire atmosphere. The accommodation and food is superb, and all this on a quint-essential tropical island in the warm Indian Ocean, surrounded by palm trees and cool sea breezes.
Sounds too good to be true, but it was and we had to keep reminding ourselves that this was not a dream!

And even better...Mafia Island is not too bad on the wallet either:

We have developed some excellent offers for keen divers that are available in the low season periods. Note that the “low” seasons in Tanzania coincide with some of the best times of the year to dive, so the offers are especially attractive when the weather and visibility conditions are taken into account.

Kinasi one-week dive package

We offer a one-week dive package that includes all accommodation, flights to/from Mafia from Dar es Salaam, and ten dives (including boat, equipment and marine park fees). This is available only in non-peak periods and is therefore not applicable during August, October and mid-December to mid-January.

U$D 1,925 p/person

INCLUDES:

• 7 nights of full board accommodation at Kinasi Lodge
• Five (5) double dive excursions by boat in Mafia Island Marine Park
• Marine Park fees (currently US$ 20 pppd, but subject to change)
• Flights (to/from Dar es Salaam and road transfers in Mafia

Conditions apply