Pemba, Zanzibar and Mafia

Hi there,

we will arrive in Dar es Salaam on 20th december 15:25 with emirates and stay until 13th of january. We like to visit Mafia, Zanzibar and Pemba. We like diving. We have 24 nights in Tansania.

Now my questions:

How many nights shall we plan on the respective islands? Which accomodation would you suggest for us? Which places are good for staying? Can we travel to Mafia by avoiding a plane, using a boat instead?
Answers would be very much appreciated.

Thanks,
Asante

It is not possible to travel by dhow between Zanzibar/pemba and Mafia, however you could go back to the mainland by ferry and then go by road south and then get a dhow to Mafia. However there are flights from ZNZ to Mafia.

As to accomodation, it depends on your budget, Mafia is more expensive than ZNZ and you need to book as there is not much accomodation and you would be travelling in high season.

Thank You for your quick reply.

Our budget for the accomodation would be around $75 per person and night for bed and breakfast in the double room. Is it possible to stay on ZNZ, Pemba and Mafia for that amount of money? If it's more expensive we got to skip a number of dives which would not be our favourable choice. Also we can be happy with rather basic accomodation, since we are planning to spend most of our time outdoor anyway.

As for the boat to Mafia, how long would it take to make it to Mafia starting from Dar es Salaam? And until which place do we have to take the road to get onto the dhow? How often are dhows running? And how do we get to the harbor from Dar? By Bus?

We love to travel by boat and to avoid flights whereever it is possible. We are used to have a lot of luggage due to our diving equipment and that creates problems with domestic flights sometimes.

Thanks in advance
Asante

The government does not allow travel on dhows due to safety. I was also fascinated with this idea while I was there. After being in Zanzibar for 4 months, I realized this goal would not be attained. Also, I do not know if I would risk that journey on one of them.

There are ferries that run between Zanzibar and Pemba several times a week. A bit chaotic getting on and off but once on there, smooth sailing.

You should definitely look into Swahili Divers on Pemba. They have two lodgings to offer and are the best diving outfitter in the area. Raf is a very experienced diver who will cater your dive needs as best he can.

Be sure to eat at the Forazani (spelling) in Stone Town. The books say not to but I never got sick and ate some of the best food I had while in Zanzibar.

You cannot travel by Dhow out of Dar port, however there are many Dhow ports up and down the coast. For Mafia, Kilwa or the shorter crossing at Namasati (sp), for ZNZ, Pangani or bagamoyo or tanga.