Mafia Islands
Mafia Island is part of the Tanzanian Spice Islands, together with Unguja and Pemba. As one of the six districts of the Pwani Region, Mafia Island is governed from the mainland, not from the semi-autonomous region of Zanzibar, of which it has never been considered to be a part.
The Mafia archipelago consists of one large island and numerous smaller ones. Some of these are inhabited, such as Chole Island. Chole Bay, Mafia's protected deep-water anchorage and original harbour, is studded with islands, sandbanks and beaches. The main town is Kilindoni. The stretch of water between the deltas of the Rufiji River and the island is called Mafia Channel.
Mafia Island and its surrounding archipelago has a great deal to offer as an unspoiled, little-visited alternative to other Indian Ocean locations around Zanzibar and along the coast. Mafia provides excellent opportunities for diving and snorkelling, and for discovering deserted beaches and offshore islands with rich natural and historic interest.