• Aerial view of two whale sharks feeding at the surface among seaweed, beside a Kitu Kiblu boat off Mafia Island
    Life follows the tides

Activities and Excursions on Chole and Mafia Island

Every day's excursions follow the tides of Chole Bay, in the heart of the Mafia Island Marine Park: sailing by dhow, snorkelling, scuba diving on the marine park's reefs, sandbank picnics, paddling through the mangroves, and walks through Chole village. Our managers plan the next day with you each evening. Whether you come at the end of a safari and simply want to rest, or you are an adventurous soul, there is something here for everyone.

For us, what makes a stay at Chole Mjini special is the chance to truly connect with the community of Chole and get to know the people who live here. We are true believers in slow travel and long stays: the longer you stay, the more of island life you can share in and take part in, and that is when the magic happens.

Activities are charged separately from your stay. Our activities catalogue lists every excursion with its price, including the trips we arrange across Mafia Island with local partners: the hippos of Ras Mbisi, the lighthouse at Ras Mkumbi, the jungle walk to Hama Hama, and the long beaches of Kanga, Jojo and Bweni. See all activities and prices:

 Catalogue 2026

 

Swimming with Whale Sharks in Mafia Island

Duration: Usually about 6 hours From: $100 per adult with hotel pick-up and drop-off · $80 if you make your own way to the launch site · $75 if you’re staying at Kitu Kiblu
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Sunset Sailing by Dhow on Chole Bay

Duration: at sunset, on the way back to Chole
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Boat Trips on Chole Bay, Mafia Island

Duration: From an hour to a full day, depending on the trip
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Sandbank Day Trips: Marimbani, Mange and Kitutia

Duration: Marimbani, a few hours around low tide · Mange and Kitutia
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Stand-up Paddle Boarding & Kayaking on Chole Bay

Duration: About 2 hours guided, or a whole day on your own
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