Mafia Island, made for you
Zanzibar
About Mafia Island
A marine park where whale sharks gather in season.
Mafia Island is in Zanzibar. Our designers can tell you how it fits into a wider journey.
Experiences
Experiences picked by our Mafia Island specialists
Pemba Island
A green, hilly island known for clove farms and diving.
Stone Town
The historic quarter of Zanzibar City, with rooftop views and spice markets.
Zanzibar Island
Beaches, spice farms and lively seafood dinners.
A word from one of our experts
“We enjoyed our first trip with Jacada…”
We enjoyed our first trip with Jacada and it surely won't be our last! Every detail and moment of our trip was perfectly planned. We were met every step of the way with courteous and knowledgeable drivers and guides. We really appreciated the local guides and the commitment they had to make every day special. Thank you Jacada for the…
Where to stay in Mafia Island
Lodges, camps and hotels our designers return to.
Why plan with us
-
Designed around you
Every itinerary starts from a conversation, not a brochure, and is shaped by your pace, interests and budget.
-
Specialists who have been there
Our designers plan the places they know first-hand, down to the right room and the best guide.
-
Travel that gives back
We favour stays and guides that support local people, wildlife and the places you visit.
Trip inspiration
Ideas to start from; every one is changed to suit you.
A Private Group Safari to Tanzania
This 10-day private Tanzania safari offers you and your small group truly memorable wildlife experiences, luxurious accommodation and an idyllic island escape…
Explore trip
Meet your Africa team
-
Angela Thomas
Client Experience Manager for Africa
-
Charlie Cottar
Travel Designer
-
Chloe Ainscow
Travel designer
-
David Drayton
Travel Designer
-
Ellie Smith
Travel Designer
-
Emily Wallington
Senior Travel Designer
-
Jacob Maahs
Senior Travel Designer
-
Jamey Lowis
Senior Travel Designer
-
Jess Thompson
Travel Designer
-
Jody van Merode
Senior Travel Designer
-
Kamogelo Dolo
Africa concierge
-
Kit Wong
Senior Travel Designer
-
Robynne Trueman
Africa Concierge
-
Sara Bellemore
Travel Designer
-
Tor Saner
Senior Travel Designer
When to visit Mafia Island
Africa is vast, so the best time depends on where you go. Broadly, the dry months from June to October are prime safari time in the east and south, while the coasts and islands shine in between.
- Jan Best time to visit
- Feb Best time to visit
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun Best time to visit
- Jul Best time to visit
- Aug Best time to visit
- Sep Best time to visit
- Oct Best time to visit
- Nov
- Dec Best time to visit
Great Migration river crossings
July - October
Northern Serengeti and the Maasai Mara.
Gorilla trekking
June - September, December - February
Rwanda and Uganda in the drier months.
Okavango flood season
June - August
The delta at its fullest.
Indian Ocean islands
April - May, September - November
Calm seas and fewer crowds.
Green season safaris
November - April
Newborn animals and quiet camps.
The best time to visit Mafia Island
Zanzibar travel guides
A Guide to Safari Shoulder Seasons
Set out on low-season safaris in Africa, the Amazon, Australia and India. Become immersed in peaceful nature and experience the lesser-known perks of legendary…
Read more
The Best African Honeymoon Destinations Month by Month
Discover the best times of year for an Africa honeymoon with expert tips for the top safari destinations, outdoor activities, beaches and more each month.
Read more
The Best Places to Visit in Africa in 2026
Exclusive expert guides and walking safaris among giants, family friendly residences and countless ways to connect culture. There's so much to enjoy in Africa…
Read more
The Best Luxury Safari Lodges in Africa
Immerse yourself in the wild heart of Africa with our curated selection of luxury safari lodges, each offering extraordinary wildlife experiences intertwined w…
Read more
The Best Walking Safaris in Africa
Step into the heart of the wilderness and connect on a more intimate level with this guide to Africa's best walking safaris.
Read more
Ask our experts
When is the best time to visit Mafia Island?
The favourite months are December to February and June to October. Each season has something to offer, so tell us when you can travel.
How long should I spend in Mafia Island?
Two or three nights suit most trips; longer if you want a slower pace or more time outdoors.
What can I combine Mafia Island with?
It pairs well with Pemba Island, Stone Town and Zanzibar Island, elsewhere in Zanzibar.
Don't take our word for it
“We enjoyed our first trip with Jacada…”
We enjoyed our first trip with Jacada and it surely won't be our last! Every detail and moment of our trip was perfectly planned. We were met every step of the way with courteous and knowledgeable drivers and guides. We really appreciated the local guides and the commitment they had to make every day special. Thank you Jacada for the…
“heavenly honeymoon”
My wife and I used Jacada to plan our honeymoon to French Polynesia. Working with the Jacada team was fantastic and effortless. Every question was quickly answered. Every hiccup was quickly addressed. We felt like we were in the hands of experts who are equally passionate about travel, and who were committed to helping us have the trip of a…
“Jacada Travel has been outstanding”
We enjoy traveling and we have used Jacada Travel for some wonderful trips over several years. We have never been disappointed. In 2024 we took a Safari in Botswana Africa and walked with the gorillas in Rwanda planned by Jacada and the itinerary was amazing. In 2025 we had planned a trip to Antartica ( with another company ) but…
Mafia Island in motion
A short film from our travels. Add a video link to this section to play it here.
Your trip, your story
Every itinerary starts with a conversation and is shaped around you.
A dedicated team looks after the details before, during and after your trip.