How to Get to Mafia Island
All the ways to reach Mafia Island — flights from Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, or the road-and-boat route via Nyamisati.
Mafia Island lies off the coast of Tanzania, south of Dar es Salaam and opposite the Rufiji Delta. There are two main ways to get here: by plane or by road and boat.
By plane (fastest)
Small planes fly from Dar es Salaam to Mafia's airstrip at Kilindoni in about 30–40 minutes. There are also flights from Zanzibar, which makes it easy to combine both islands in one trip.
- Airlines: Coastal Aviation and Auric Air
- Luggage limits on small planes are strict — soft bags are best
- We meet you at the airstrip and drive you to your hotel
By road and boat (budget)
Drive or take a bus from Dar es Salaam to Nyamisati (about 4–5 hours), then take the boat to Kilindoni (about 3–4 hours). Boat times depend on the tides, so check the schedule before you travel.
- We can organise the full trip door to door
- Bring water, sun protection and a light rain jacket
Arriving on Mafia
Most visitors stay in Kilindoni town or at the lodges in Utende on Chole Bay, about 30 minutes from the airstrip. Book your airport or port transfer with us and your driver will be waiting.
Last updated 21 October 2026 by Hamiduink Traveller, a local tour operator on Mafia Island.