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THE ETHOS

The Beginning
The Master Mentors

The Journal

THE IMMERSION

Safari Modalities

Iconic Landscapes

The Extension Protocol

DIRECT ACCESS

True immersion is a collaboration. Whether you seek a specific intentional journey or a total disconnection from the noise, our mentors are ready to architect your presence in the wild
CURATE YOUR ESCAPE
Speak to a Designer
Inquire

Mafia Island Marine Park

The old sod, waiting for you.

Whale sharks. Undisturbed coral. The sanctuary for the purist.
Deep Sea Exclusivity · Authentic Barefoot Luxury · Complete Solitude

How the Mafia Defines the Ultimate Safari Experience?

Mafia Island is the sanctuary for the purist. It is not a place to be seen, but a place to disappear. Stripped of commercial pretense, Mafia is a raw, soulful marine wilderness that offers an incredibly exclusive extension to the traditional mainland safari.

For the discerning traveller, true luxury lies in the island’s slow, gentle pace. As the site of Tanzania’s first Marine Park, its underwater topography is a kaleidoscopic wonderland of undisturbed coral gardens and vibrant aquatic life. Here, you have the extraordinary privilege of swimming in absolute solitude alongside the gentle giants of the ocean.

“To drift silently over Mafia’s reefs is to witness the ocean exactly as it was meant to be.”

1st

Tanzania Marine Park

460

Species of Fish

100%

Uncommercialized

0

Pretense

When to visit Mafia Island

Plan your journey around the breathtaking arrival of the whale sharks or the crystalline diving windows.

Best

Good

Mixed

Oct – Feb

Best

  • The arrival of the Whale Sharks
  • Hot and predominantly
    clear days

The ultimate window to snorkel alongside the gentle, dappled giants of the ocean.

WHALE SHARK SEASON

Aug – Sept

Best

  • Cool, dry trade winds
  • Exceptional diving visibility

Perfect conditions for exploring Kinasi Pass and observing nesting sea turtles.

EMERALD SEASON

March

Good

  • Transitioning toward the rains
  • Whale sharks begin to depart

A quiet, deeply relaxing month before the long rains close many of the island’s lodges.

April – July

Mixed

  • Heavy seasonal rains and strong winds
  • The majority of eco-resorts close

The island rests and rejuvenates. Travel is generally not advised during this period.

 We utilize Arusha National Park as the perfect 1-2 day luxury acclimatization before you fly out to the Serengeti or descend into Ngorongoro.

Luxury Mafia lodges & treehouses

From masterclasses in eco-luxury to spectacular, hand-built treehouses suspended in ancient baobabs.

Pole Pole Bungalow Resort

Chole Bay · Rustic Bungalows

Translating to “slowly, slowly.” Tucked into a coconut grove, this is a masterclass in understated, eco-conscious luxury.

ECO-CONSCIOUS

Kinasi Lodge

Marine Park · Swahili Heritage

A refined oasis blending Swahili history with antique charm. Features exceptional cuisine and a world-class dive center.

REFINED ELEGANCE

Chole Mjini Treehouse Lodge

Chole Island · Baobab Canopies

Sleep in spectacular, hand-built treehouses completely off the grid. An extraordinary back-to-nature immersion.

AUTHENTIC

Experiences that define a lifetime

Here, true luxury is the privilege of swimming in solitude and discovering ocean frontiers left completely wild.

Whale Shark Encounters

Slip into the azure waters to snorkel alongside magnificent, dappled whale sharks—an encounter that is deeply humbling.

slow luxury · breathtaking

Kinasi Pass Diving

Dive the breathtaking walls of Kinasi Pass, a protected sanctuary teeming with grouper, turtles, and vivid reef fish.

slow luxury · thrilling

Dhow Sandbank Picnic

Sail on a traditional dhow to a secluded sandbank for a private, sun-drenched picnic surrounded only by the ocean.

slow luxury · exclusive

Chole Island
Ruins Tour

Walk softly through the ancient, vine-covered ruins of 19th-century Arabic settlements reclaimed by massive fig trees.

slow luxury · bespoke

Our Favourite Itineraries Featuring Mafia

Pairing the intense drama of the African bush with the serene, aquatic wonders of Mafia Island.

Wildebeest Migration Safari 2025-2026

Timeless

12 Days | Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Zanzibar

View The Grand Jubilee

Serengeti & The Spice Island

Witness the Great Migration from a luxury tented camp, toast to your union on the Ngorongoro Crater rim, and conclude with private beach bliss in a Zanzibar pool villa.

Best For: First-Timers & 25th/50th Anniversaries

From  $3,850  per person

Immersive

10 Days | Western Circuit (Chimps & Lake Tanganyika)

View The Primate Retreat

Mountains of Mahale & Gombe

Trek to see chimpanzees in the lush Mahale Mountains and boat on the crystal waters of Lake Tanganyika. A profound, off-grid journey for those seeking a deeper connection.

 

Best For: Active Retirement & Nature Lovers

From  $3,850  per person

game drive at Nyerere National Park

Remote

10 Days | Ruaha & Nyerere (Selous)

View The Southern Romance

Ruaha & The Great River

Escape to the wild, intensely private Southern Circuit for sunset boat safaris on the Rufiji River and nights spent in elevated ‘Star Beds’. A ruggedly romantic journey for those who want the wilderness to themselves.

Best For: Privacy & Second-Timers

From  $3,850  per person

Serene

8 Days | Tarangire & Lake Manyara

8 Days | Tarangire & Lake Manyara

The Baobab & Lake Retreat

Linger among Tarangire’s ancient baobabs and massive elephant herds before retreating to a luxury treehouse overlooking Lake Manyara. Designed with minimal driving and maximum comfort for a truly restorative celebration.

Best For: Gentle Pace & Total Relaxation

From  $3,850  per person

Boat Safari at Rubondo Island - Lake Victoria - Tanzania Islands

Sanctuary

7 Days | Saanane & Rubondo Island

View The Island Escape

The Lake Victoria Sanctuaries

Discover absolute solitude on Lake Victoria’s hidden islands, where private boat charters and forest walks replace standard game drives. The ultimate off-the-beaten-path reward for a lifetime of hard work.

Best For: Ultimate Seclusion & Exclusivity

From  $3,850  per person

The Inner Circle

What we don't publish,
we send directly.

The most sought-after camps, private conservancies, and marine eco-lodges in Tanzania never appear on listing sites. They come to you — if you know where to stand.

Zero mass marketing. Only intelligence worth keeping.

Tailor‑made

Your dream safari, expertly crafted.

Embrace the luxury of slowing down. We design your Mafia experience as a restorative immersion into the untouched.

Local Expertise

Tanzanian-owned with intimate knowledge of the marine park’s tides.

The Slow Philosophy

Bespoke luxury that prioritizes your peace of mind over a checklist.

Invisible Logistics

We handle every light aircraft transfer so you simply surrender to the island.

24/7 Concierge

Looked after every step. Our founders are on hand, always.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

Essential Travel Information: The East Africa Safari Experience

Preparing for your journey with East Africa Safari Guides ensures that your transition into the heartof the wild—and onto the shores of the Indian Ocean—is as smooth as the savannah breeze. Please review the following requirements to ensure a seamless entry into Tanzania and Kenya

Passport & Visa Requirement

Passport Validity:
Your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond your intended departure date. Ensure you have at least three (3) blank visa pages to accommodate entry and exit stamps for both the mainland and island territories.

Tanzania & Zanzibar (Including Pemba & Mafia):
All U.S. and Canadian passport holders require a tourist visa for entry. While Tanzania and Zanzibar share federal immigration status, the islands maintain their own entry checkpoints.

  • e-Visa Recommended: We strongly advise applying for an electronic visa at least 60 days prior to departure via visa.immigration.go.tz
  • U.S. Citizens: Required to apply for a Multiple-Entry Visa (USD $100), valid for one year.
  • Canadian Citizens: May obtain a Single-Entry Ordinary Visa (USD $50), valid for three months.

Host Information (when prompted):
Host: East Africa Safari Guides Ltd.
Address: 11512, Levolosi, Arusha – Tanzania
Contact: +255 753 744 283 / +255 757 149 848, info@easguides.travel

Kenya Entry (Electronic Travel Authority):
Kenya has replaced traditional visas with an Electronic Travel Authority (eTA). All travelers, including infants and children, must obtain an eTA via etakenya.go.ke prior to departure.

  • Timing: Applications should be submitted between three months and three days before travel.
  • Re-entry: If your itinerary circles back into Kenya from Tanzania, your initial eTA remains valid for re-entry under the “One Single Entry” rule for East African partner states.

Health & Wellness

Vaccinations & Malaria: East Africa is a malaria-endemic region. We recommend consulting a travel medicine specialist at least 8 weeks prior to travel to discuss prophylaxis (such as Malarone).

Yellow Fever Protocols: A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from a country with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission (including a transit of more than 12 hours). If you are flying directly from Europe or North America into Tanzania, the vaccine is generally not required but is often recommended. Note: Proof of vaccination is frequently checked when flying between Nairobi and Arusha, or when arriving in Zanzibar from certain regions.

Special Considerations for the Islands (Zanzibar, Pemba & Mafia)

The islands offer a different pace and set of customs than the mainland.

Marine & Conservation Fees

Exploring the pristine waters of our marine parks requires specific daily conservation permits. These fees directly support the preservation of our coral reefs and the livelihoods of local fishing communities.

Mafia Island Marine Park:
Visitors staying within the Marine Park boundaries (the Utende area) or visiting the Whale Shark zones must pay a daily conservation fee.

  • Adults (Non-Resident): USD $23.60 per person, per day (inclusive of VAT).
  • Children (5–15 years): USD $11.80 per day.
  • Important: Mafia Island operates a strictly cashless system at the park gate. Payments must be made via Credit or Debit card (Visa/Mastercard).

Pemba (Misali Island & Pemba Channel):
As of late 2025, the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar has updated its fee structure for protected marine areas.

  • Standard Conservation Areas: USD $10 per adult / USD $5 per child per excursion.
  • Special Areas (Premium Zones): Certain high-biodiversity zones may carry a premium fee of USD $25.
  • Note: If your itinerary includes a private boat excursion to Misali Island, these fees are often pre-settled by East Africa Safari Guides as part of your luxury package to ensure a seamless experience.

Mandatory Zanzibar Inbound Travel Insurance

All international visitors entering the Zanzibar Archipelago (including Unguja, Pemba, and Mafia) must hold a mandatory insurance policy issued by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC). This is a government requirement regardless of any existing global travel insurance you may hold.

  • Cost: USD $44 per adult | USD $22 for children (ages 3–17) | Free for children under 3.
  • Validity: The policy is valid for 92 days and covers medical emergencies, repatriation, and travel delays within the archipelago.
  • Protocol: Once purchased online at visitzanzibar.go.tz, you will receive a QR code. Please keep a digital copy on your mobile device to be scanned at immigration.
  • Plastic Bag Ban: Tanzania maintains a strict ban on all single-use plastic bags. This includes “ziploc” bags used for toiletries. We recommend using reusable fabric or silicone pouches.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: When exploring Stone Town or local villages in Pemba and Mafia, we kindly ask guests to dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees) out of respect for the local culture. Resort wear is perfectly acceptable within the confines of your luxury lodge.

Traveling with Families & Children

For our guests traveling with younger explorers, East Africa is a magnificent classroom.

  • Documentation for Minors: If children are traveling with only one parent or a legal guardian, a notarized Letter of Consent from the non-traveling parent is highly recommended to prevent delays at immigration.
  • Internal Flight Luggage: Luxury bush planes frequently used to reach the islands or remote safari camps have strict weight limits (typically 15kg/33lbs per person) and require soft-sided luggage. For families, we recommend packing light; most of our partner lodges provide high-quality, eco-friendly laundry services daily.
  • Hydration & Sun: The equatorial sun is significantly stronger on the water. We provide specialized child-safe sun protection and constant hydration on all our vehicles and private boats.

Professional Advice for the Discerning Traveler

A Note on “Island Time”: While East Africa Safari Guides maintains rigorous standards of punctuality, the islands of Pemba and Mafia operate on a gentler rhythm. We invite you to embrace this “Pole Pole” (slowly, slowly) philosophy the moment you step off the plane.

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RESERVED FOR THE INTENTIONAL TRAVELLER

Tell us what you want. We’ll make it precise. Your dates, your pace, your party. We will shape the rest around you.

Dont Edit Unless You are Dev

The wilderness does not yield to a checklist; it rewards the patient. We curate the quiet spaces between the sightings, designing environments where the clock is silenced and the soul is grounded. Your story begins where the noise ends.

The Coordinates

Plot No.11, Levolosi St,
Zip code 23104
Arusha, Tanzania

The Inner Circle

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The Architecture

Direct Line

+255 753 744 283

Available – EAST AFRICAN TIME
Mon-Fri, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EAT,
Sat. 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM, EAT

Email

info@easguides.travel
inquiry@easguides.travel
booking@easguides.travel

Direct Access

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