Mafia Island

Mafia Island draws divers and snorkelers from around the world to the undersea world protected by the Mafia Island Marine Park. This island paradise first saw settlers in the 8th or 9th C, but Mafia became a more important settlement during the 12th to 14th C when it held a key position in the East African trading routes.

The Germans established headquarters in 1892 at Chole on Mafia Island. A large boma was built as well as other buildings including a jail. During WW I, Mafia Island became a base for British troops as a location to attack the German battleship, Konigsberg.

The best months for diving are October to March but the best weather on Mafia Island is May to October, March and April are months of heavy rain.