Mafia Island FAQ
Mafia Island FAQ answers to the questions we receive most often about Mafia Island & Eco Shamba Kilole Lodge — from first-time visitors planning their journey to returning guests booking their next dive season
Getting to Mafia Island
How do I get to Mafia Island?
The only practical way to reach Mafia Island is by light aircraft from Dar es Salaam (Julius Nyerere International Airport, Terminal 1). Three airlines operate daily scheduled flights: Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, and Safari Airlink. The flight takes approximately 30 minutes and lands at Kilindoni Airport. There is no reliable passenger ferry service. We can arrange your domestic flight booking on request — simply mention it when you contact us.
How long is the flight from Dar es Salaam to Mafia Island?
Approximately 30 minutes on a light turboprop aircraft (typically a Cessna Caravan). The flight crosses the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and offers views of the coral reef below.
Can I get to Mafia Island by boat or ferry?
There is no reliable scheduled passenger ferry service to Mafia Island. Occasional boat crossings exist from Nyamisati on the mainland but are weather-dependent, can take 4–6 hours, and are not recommended for most travelers. The flight is the correct option
How much luggage can I bring on the Mafia Island flight?
Light aircraft on this route have a strict limit of 15 kg (33 lbs) per person, in soft-sided bags only. Hard shell suitcases with rigid frames cannot fit in the cargo hold and will be refused at check-in. Pack a soft duffel or flexible hold all.
Do I need a visa to visit Tanzania?
Most nationalities require a tourist visa, obtainable as an e-Visa online before travel at immigration.go.tz. The current single-entry fee is USD 50. East African citizens may have different requirements. Check with the Tanzanian Immigration Department for the latest information for your specific nationality.
About the Lodge
Where exactly is Eco Shamba Kilole Lodge located?
We are located in Utende, on the eastern side of Mafia Island, entirely within the protected boundaries of the Mafia Island Marine Park. The main Marine Park gate is directly opposite our entrance. Our GPS coordinates are approximately -7.8693°, 39.8387°. Our private lodge vehicle meets every arriving flight at Kilindoni Airport.
How many rooms does the lodge have?
We have six private bungalows spread across 13 acres of managed botanical gardens. Three are suites (Suite Raha, Suite Bahati, Suite Harusi) and three are chalets (Chalet Cherehani, Chalet Mvuvi, Chalet Makonde). Each has an en-suite bathroom, a private veranda, and a dedicated solar water heater.
Is Eco Shamba Kilole Lodge truly eco-friendly?
Yes. Eco practices built into the property include solar hot water systems in every bungalow, a phytodepuration (constructed wetland) system for all waste water, furniture made from fallen coconut palms and reclaimed boat wood, locally sourced ingredients for all meals, and direct employment and procurement from the Mafia Island community. The lodge is owner-operated by Marco Stiantoni, who supervises all sustainability decisions directly.
Is there a swimming pool?
Yes — a dedicated freshwater swimming pool is set within the botanical garden grounds, available to all lodge guests.
What meals are included?
Breakfast and Dinner are included in all stays. Meals are prepared with locally sourced ingredients, primarily from Mafia Island producers and fishermen.
Is there Wi-Fi at the lodge?
Wi-Fi is available in the common area. Island connectivity is mobile-based and suitable for messaging, email, and moderate browsing. We encourage guests to disconnect and enjoy the environment.
How do I book directly?
Direct bookings can be made via our online booking page or by contacting us directly. Direct bookings allow us to arrange flights, transfers, and personalized activity scheduling for your stay.
Diving & Marine Activities
Can I learn to scuba dive at Eco Shamba Kilole Lodge?
Yes. PADI certification courses from beginner (Open Water) to advanced levels are run on-site in partnership with Big Blu (Butiama Marine). The lodge has a swimming pool suitable for confined-water training sessions and a fully equipped classroom. You can progress from zero experience to certified diver during a single stay. Contact us for more information.
What marine life can I see diving in Mafia Island Marine Park?
The marine park hosts an exceptional diversity of Indian Ocean species: reef sharks, manta rays, hawksbill and green sea turtles, moray eels, vast schools of reef fish, vibrant hard and soft coral formations, and occasional whale sharks. Almost all dive sites in the bay are accessible to divers at all experience levels, including night dives.
When is whale shark season on Mafia Island?
Whale sharks are present at the surrounding Kilindoni Bay, off the west coast, most reliably between October and March, with the peak typically running November through February. Sightings outside this window do occur. We run guided boat excursions timed to local wildlife patterns to maximise encounter probability. See our whale shark page for current season updates.
Can non-divers snorkel in the Marine Park?
Yes. Shallow coral gardens with diverse tropical fish species are accessible directly inside the marine park boundary at walking distance from the lodge. Daily guided snorkeling trips run for all experience levels, with mask, fins, and guide support included.
Is there birdwatching at the lodge?
The 13-acre botanical garden hosts over 30 documented resident bird species, including the Yellow-billed Kite, African Green Pigeon, Collared Sunbird, and multiple other sunbird species. Guided botanical trail walks are available from the lodge each morning. The property is a recognized citizen-science site for East African coastal birdwatching.
Planning & Practical
What is the best time of year to visit Mafia Island?
It depends on your priority. For scuba diving and snorkeling, the prime season is October through March — the south monsoon (kusi) has ended, seas are calm, and visibility is at its best. For whale sharks, the peak window is October through February, with November and December the most reliable months. October is the single strongest all-round month, combining excellent diving with the start of whale shark season. June through September are the cooler months, with the Kusi bringing swell that can make some sites challenging — but scuba diving and snorkeling are still possible, whale sharks are occasionally sighted, and these are the best months for turtle hatchlings and for whale watching (particularly August and September). April and May (long rains, Masika) are the worst months for any marine activity and the lodge is closed.
Is Mafia Island safe for tourists?
Mafia Island is widely regarded as one of the safest destinations in Tanzania. It receives relatively few tourists compared to Zanzibar and has no significant crime issues affecting visitors. Standard travel precautions apply (secure valuables, use reef-safe sunscreen, respect Marine Park regulations). Check your government’s current Tanzania travel advice before departure.
What currency is used and can I use a card?
The Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the official currency. US Dollars and EURO are widely accepted for lodge payments and larger transactions. Credit Card (Visa and MasterCard) are accepted at the lodge. ATMs are available in Kilindoni town — both NMB and CRDB have machines there. That said, we recommend withdrawing cash in Dar es Salaam before you fly, as island ATMs can run low during busy periods and network connectivity is not always reliable.
Do I need malaria prophylaxis for Mafia Island?
Mafia Island is in a malaria-risk zone and we recommend consulting a travel medicine clinic or your GP before departure — prophylaxis options and their suitability vary by individual health profile, and your doctor is the right person to advise you. That said, we want to be honest with guests: some antimalarial medications, particularly Malarone, can cause stomach and intestinal side effects that affect a meaningful number of people and can take the edge off a holiday.
Whatever you decide about prophylaxis, the most effective daily habit is simply this: use a good insect repellent and cover up after sunset. Long, light clothing in the evenings — a linen shirt, loose trousers — dramatically reduces exposure and costs nothing in side effects. Mosquitoes on Mafia Island are most active at dusk and in the early evening; guests who are consistent about covering up at that window significantly reduce their risk. The lodge provides mosquito nets in all bungalows.
Is Mafia Island suitable for children?
The lodge welcomes families with children aged 6 and over. Snorkeling and birdwatching are suitable for children. PADI Junior Open Water certification is available from age 10.
Can I combine Mafia Island with Zanzibar or a safari?
Yes — this is a popular combination. Safari Airlink, Auric Air, and Coastal Aviation all operate connections between Mafia Island and major Tanzanian national parks (Selous, Mikumi, Ruaha) as well as Zanzibar, allowing a seamless bush-to-beach journey without returning to Dar es Salaam. We can help coordinate your routing across all three airlines.