Which is better : Mafia or Zanzibar ?

We've visited Mafia and Zanzibar back-to-back at the end of February 2024 and the start of March 2024. This was part of our larger adventure backpacking across Africa for 10 months, traveling from Cairo to Cape Town. By then, we had already spent 2 weeks in Tanzania and were familiar with the dynamics of traveling in the country. We are budget-conscious backpackers, so this article will be most helpful if you're looking to keep your expenses reasonable.

How to Get There

Both islands can be reached by public ferry or plane. Zanzibar is just a 90-minute journey via a fast $35 ferry from Dar es Salaam. In contrast, getting to Mafia Island by boat is more challenging, taking at least 6 hours and potentially up to 24 hours if schedules don't align. For more details on taking the ferry to Mafia, click here. Alternatively, you can fly to Mafia Island from Dar es Salaam, which is a short and convenient flight. Overall, Zanzibar is more accessible.

Beaches and Nature

Zanzibar and Mafia Island both have beautiful natural scenery, with some differences. Zanzibar is known for its picturesque white-sand beaches, spice plantations, forests, and coral reefs. On the other hand, Mafia Island has quieter, untouched beaches with its share of coral reefs and mangroves, making it especially attractive if you value undisturbed natural settings. Most marine activities in Mafia are within the expensive reserve ($23.50 per person per day). Water activities in Zanzibar (dhow, jet skiing, boat tours) also require a smaller fee. No clear winner here—choose according to your interests.

What to Do

Mafia is a smaller, less visited island with fewer activities. However, you can dive with whale sharks (season is around October to February), watch locals bargain for fish on the beach, drink some beers at the bar, enjoy incredible sunsets, and go snorkeling in the marine reserve. In Zanzibar, there are endless possibilities: water sports, cultural tours (spice tours, Prison Island), exploring Stone Town by foot, and touring the entire island by scooter. If you're after whale sharks, Mafia is the winner, but for everything else, we'd recommend Zanzibar.

Accommodations and Restaurants

Zanzibar has many places to stay, from luxury resorts to budget guesthouses. There are also many restaurants and good infrastructure. In contrast, Mafia Island has fewer places to stay, but they tend to be charming eco-lodges with basic facilities and a focus on eco-tourism. There are about 10-15 restaurants outside of the reserve, so the choice is definitely more limited.

Atmosphere

Zanzibar has a rich Swahili culture with diverse influences, vibrant markets, and historical significance. It's a popular tourist destination with a bustling atmosphere in some areas. On the other hand, Mafia Island offers an authentic, less commercialized experience with traditional fishing communities. It has a quieter, laid-back atmosphere, making it ideal for those seeking solitude. You won't find many tourists, especially if you explore past Kilindoni. That said, it's also possible to find solitude in Zanzibar. For us, the atmosphere of Zanzibar was more special (and very authentic as well) because of its Swahili influence, especially in Stone Town. Point to Zanzibar.

So, Which Is Best?

Mafia is more laid-back, a destination for people who have time, appreciate untouched nature, and don't mind returning to the same places. It's great for whale shark enthusiasts. Zanzibar is more complete, offering a variety of activities and experiences. It's a larger island, easier to reach, with a distinct culture not found elsewhere in Tanzania. We preferred Zanzibar overall and recommend it to travelers with limited time on their first visit to Tanzania. If you've been to Zanzibar already and feel adventurous enough to attempt the journey by public ferry to Mafia, go ahead—you'll have earned those beautiful sunsets and empty beaches.

We've released a YouTube video for both of these islands, linked here: