The Island of Mafia, located off the delta of the Rifiji River in the southern part of Sudan, is a superb location for those wanting to discover one the last remaining islands that are unspolt. This island is found about one hundred and twenty km from the town of Dar es Saalam and is one of the six districts on Pwani Region in Tanzania.

Mafia Island's economy is based on fishing and subsistence agriculture, although fishing is restricted in the south of the island within the boundaries of the Mafia National Marine Park. Mafia has a long history that dates back to the 18th century when the island played a significant role as a trading centre for the Persians and the East Africans.

The island served as an important stop for the dhows of Arabs and Persians who plied their trade in the Indian ocean waters from the Gulf to Mozambique and Madagascar. Consisting of one large island (394 sq km) and several smaller ones, Mafia Island attracts many scuba divers, sport-fishing enthusiasts, and other tourists.

Chole Bay, the main protected deep-water anchorage and original harbor in Mafia Island, has several islands and beaches. The waters around Chole Bay are refreshingly clear, providing a perfect snorkeling, sailing and swimming environment. A typical tour package to the Island will entail visits to many ancient ruins in Chole, making a nice start for an Island excursion in Mafia.

The horseshoe-shaped island is ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving as well as underwater photography. The bay is part of Mafia National Marine Park which extends to the Kinasi Pass Wall, a sheltered bank reef sloping from 8 to 21 metres. Kinasi Pass Wall comprises many species of hard and soft corals and supports a great variety of marine life.

Many residents of Mafia call themselves Wambwera or Washirazi and claim to be the earliest inhabitants. They are found throughout the island, particularly in the north, where there also dwells a people calling themselves Wapokomo. In the south are small numbers of people who claim Arab descent, a handful of 'Indian' traders and a small number of Europeans engaged in the tourist industry or aid projects. Ethnic identity tends to shift not only because of population movements but also because of changing contexts or historical circumstances.

Kiswahili is the island's main language, although the locals have their own dialect called Kingome. Mafia is little changed from ancient times and it retains a traditional and friendly culture. The community tourism association works hard to preserve the island. Chole Bay and its surrounding forests and islands are now within the protected Mafia Island Marine Park that is supported by the World Wide Fund for Nature.

Other activities on Mafia Island include bird-watching, fishing, visits to the villages, archaeological sites, coastal forests, coconut plantations and traditional boat-building yards. If you're going to dive, the period from October to the end of March is the best for diving. The heavy rains come in March and April while the short rains fall in October to mid-December. Mafia Island is accessible throughout the year by road and air from Dar es Salaam and Arusha.