ACCOMODATION
What is the type of accommodation?
Mafia Island Lodge has 40 comfortable rooms which are set among the coconut palms. 36 rooms have their own veranda overlooking the bay. They are all self-contained with air conditioning. Twin and double beds are available. Among the 40 rooms there are 2 family rooms with a large living room.

Do the rooms have air conditioning, hot water & electricity?
24 hours a day.

What is the recommended length of stay?
You can enjoy the beauty of Mafia even in the space of a weekend but generally, our guests spend at least 4 to 5 days. If you would like to enjoy all the aquatic activities and inland excursions, we recommend you to stay between 5 and10 days. If you intend to do a scuba diving course for beginners or advanced, 5 dedicated days are required.

Do you have a swimming pool?
No.

CUISINE
What is your cuisine like?
Continental cuisine with an emphasis on seafood.

Do you cater for special diets?
You may inform the manager of any special dietary requirements and we will accommodate where possible.

ACCESS & TRANSPORT
How does one reach the island?
The only way to reach the island is by light aircraft either from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar or Selous Game Reserve. There are no boat services to Mafia Island.

How long does it take to reach the island?
35 minutes from Dar es Salaam and 45 minutes from either Zanzibar or the Selous Game Reserve.

How far is the lodge from the airport in Mafia?
12km or 20 minutes by car.

ACTIVITIES & EXCURSIONS
What are the activities & excursions?
Activities in the marine park are diving, snorkelling and sailing. The Dive Center provides PADI Federations certifications. Mafia Island Lodge organises boat excursions and picnics to isolated islets almost every day, according to the tide, as well as road safaris and trekking. Other
activities at the lodge include beach volley, pool table and table tennis

Do we need to bring our own diving or snorkelling equipment?
Equipment is available from the Dive Center at a cost. You may bring your own if you prefer.

Is it possible to organise a safari from Mafia?
Yes, short safaris to the Selous Game Reserve can be organised.

AVAILABILITY
Is the lodge available all year round?
The lodge is closed during the rainy season months of April to June.

BROCHURES
Do you have brochures?
Yes

CLOTHING
What type of clothing do you suggest?
There is no particular dress code at the lodge and everybody can feel free to wear what he/she likes. We require our clients to respect local communities however, by dressing modestly and decently when visiting the villages. Topless suntanning is not permitted. Shoes: suitable and comfortable for walking or light trekking, useful for people that want to 'explore' the surrounding areas. No special shoes necessary on the beach.
Hot Season (November – February) short sleeves, light clothes
Cool Season (June- September) a light jumper is recommended for evenings.

CHILDREN
Are children welcome?
Yes.

What age of child is allowed?
All ages welcome.

HEALTH & TRAVEL INFORMATIONS
What health precautions are needed?
Yellow fever vaccine is no longer compulsory for Tanzania. However, please check the latest health precautions from your doctor or health department. It is advisable to take malaria prophylactics though the risk is not very high. Please be advised by your doctor or health department on the appropriate medication.

Is a visa needed?
For most nationalities, a tourist visa for Tanzania can be obtained at any point of entry in the country upon arrival, but it is advisable to check with a relevant authority before traveling. Payment of US $50.00 required for the visa to be paid in cash.

CULTURE
Who are the people of Mafia?
There are no dominant tribes on Mafia. The population is a typical Swahili melting pot as most locals are descendants of people who were brought over as slaves or who came as traders. The main activity is fishing and agriculture.

What religion is dominant in Mafia?
Predominantly Muslim with Christian communities living peacefully and in harmony.

SEASONS
What are the seasons in Mafia?
Hot Season: October – March
Rainy Season: April & May
Cool Season: July - September

PAYMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS
Do you have cancellation charges?
• Non shows 100%
• 48 hours 75%
• 72hours 50%

Do you accept credit cards?
We accept VISA and MasterCard credit cards.

Do you accept Travellers Cheques and bank transfers?
We accept bank transfers. Travellers cheques are not recommended. Acceptance depends on local bank regulations at the time of visit and are subject to change without prior notification.