Arusha, Tanzania · Mon–Sat 8:00–18:00 EAT · WhatsApp 7 days +255 755 889 669 WhatsApp

Mid-range Zanzibar & beach

5-Day Mafia Island Whale Shark Escape

Swim with whale sharks and snorkel coral gardens in a quiet marine park.

5 days 4 nights 1 destination Best Oct–Mar Private

Overview

Why you'll love it

  • Whale shark swim
  • Chole bay reefs
  • Sandbank picnic

Day by day

Itinerary

  1. Day 1Fly to Mafia Island

    A short flight from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar to Mafia, then you settle in at your lodge inside the marine park.

    Overnight
    Pole Pole Bungalows or similar
    Meals
    Dinner
    Visit
    Mafia
  2. Day 2Swimming with whale sharks

    A morning boat trip to swim responsibly beside the gentle whale sharks that feed in Kilindoni bay (usually October to March).

    Overnight
    Pole Pole Bungalows or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Visit
    Mafia
  3. Day 3Mafia marine park

    You can snorkel the Chole bay coral gardens, explore the ruins of Chole island or sail a dhow to a sandbank picnic.

    Overnight
    Pole Pole Bungalows or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Visit
    Mafia
  4. Day 4Mafia marine park

    You can snorkel the Chole bay coral gardens, explore the ruins of Chole island or sail a dhow to a sandbank picnic.

    Overnight
    Pole Pole Bungalows or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Visit
    Mafia
  5. Day 5Departure from Mafia

    A flight back to Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar for your onward connection.

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Visit
    Mafia

The details

What's included

Included

  • Accommodation as listed (or similar)
  • Meals as shown in the itinerary
  • Airport transfers in a private vehicle
  • Guided excursions with entrance fees
  • Snorkelling equipment on boat trips
  • Local support on WhatsApp throughout

Not included

  • International & domestic flights unless stated
  • Visa and travel insurance
  • Zanzibar infrastructure tax (paid at hotel)
  • Drinks and optional activities
  • Tips

Prices

What it costs

Indicative price per person in US dollars by group size
Group sizePrice per person
1 traveller$2,890
2 travellers$1,990
3–4 travellers$1,790
5–6 travellers$1,670

Indicative prices in USD for standard season. Your final price depends on dates and availability and is confirmed in writing before you pay anything.

FAQ

Questions about this trip

Can this itinerary be customised?

Absolutely. Every route on our site is a starting point. We can add nights, change camps, swap parks or add Zanzibar or Kilimanjaro.

What is the price based on?

The "from" price of $1,990 is per person, based on two people sharing in standard season. Peak dates (July–October, Christmas and New Year) can cost more, and the table above shows how group size changes the price.

How do I book?

Send an enquiry or WhatsApp message. We reply with availability and a final quote within 24 hours. A deposit confirms your booking; the balance is due before travel — all terms are in your written quote.

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Make this trip yours

Change the dates, add a night, upgrade a camp or bolt on Zanzibar. Send us a message and we will adjust the route and price for you.