Mafia & Chole Islands

Mafia and Chole are small islands 160km south of Zanzibar, Tanzania. If you want a peaceful retreat, come and stay at one of the great lodges here. Mafia and Chole are both perfect islands for anyone wanting to escape and stay away from crowds.

Trip information

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Included

Accommodation based on twin share, transfers from Mafia airport, all meals, some excursions (these vary from lodge to lodge - please ask).

Not included

Flights, visas, travel insurance, drinks, diving, private excursions, marine park fees (depending on the lodge).

Is it for you?

Easy trip to suit anyone. Type of accommodation varies and may appeal to different people.

Best time

June to October are the driest months, though the islands are certainly worth visiting at other times too and the snorkelling and diving is best November - February. You may however want to avoid the very rainy months of April and May as lodges close then.

Getting there

Return flights from the UK will cost from £450-£800 ($790-$1400) depending on season and availability (about £600 ($1050) is most usual).

Weather and highlights

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- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
- Sunny with Cloud
- Sunny
- Heavy rain
- Heavy rain
- Rain
- Sunny with Cloud
- Sunny
- Sunny
- Sunny
- Sunny
- Rain
- Sunny with Cloud

Min Temp

- 13
- 14
- 15
- 16
- 15
- 13
- 12
- 12
- 13
- 14
- 14
- 14

Max Temp

- 30
- 34
- 30
- 25
- 25
- 25
- 25
- 30
- 33
- 35
- 35
- 35

Some of the best diving in East Africa
Quiet and remote - get away from it all
Very friendly local people and relaxed village visits
Beautiful sand bars and coral reefs
Easy access from Dar es Salaam
Fantastic seafood

Itinerary

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Duration: Any duration

Tribes can arrange any length of stay on either island.

Pricing guidelines for Tanzania

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We hope the following will give you a rough idea of costs. These are quoted per person based on twin share for two people, without international flights but including internal flights. We’ve used good standard accommodation throughout. There are nearly always ways to spend more money than we’ve suggested (!), but these prices show a good and realistic range for each type of trip.

International flights will add from about £600 to £800 depending on the season and route (unless the airlines have special offers). Tanzania can combine easily with other East African countries.

For a specific personal quote based on any tailor made itinerary you have in mind, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.

Example tripPrice per person
1 week high quality safari in the northern circuit (eg with Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Manyara, Tarangire ...)Between £2500 and £3500
2 week southern Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holidayBetween 3000 and £4000
1 week stay on an Indian Ocean island (Zanzibar, Mafia, Chole, Pemba)From £1000 +
1 week Kilimanjaro climbAround £1500

Tanzania