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Articles The Mystique Hidden Islands of Tanzania - The Mafia Islands
Articles The Mystique Hidden Islands of Tanzania - The Mafia Islands | The Mystique Hidden Islands of Tanzania - The Mafia Islands |
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| Written by Andrew Muigai | |
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The Island of Mafia, located off the delta of the Rifiji River in the southern part of Sudan, is a superb location for those wanting to discover one the last remaining islands that are unspolt. This island is found about one hundred and twenty km from the town of Dar es Saalam and is one of the six districts on Pwani Region in Tanzania. The island of Mafia's economy is primarily based on agriculture and fishing. Fishing is controlled in the southern area of the island within the confines of the Mafia National Marine Park. The Mafia has a rich history that goes way back to the 18th century when it formed an integral role as a training centre for the people of Persia and East Africans. Arabs and Persians would make regular stops on this island when they moved across the coastal waters from the Gulf to Madagascar and Mozambique. The island of Mafia consists of one huge island and other smaller ones. Mafia Island is a huge attraction to scuba divers and light sport fishermen. Chole Bay, Mafia's protected deep-water anchorage and the original harbour, is studded with islands and beaches. The refreshingly clear protected waters provide wonderful snorkeling, sailing and swimming. Chole island excursion is packed with numerous ancient ruins and it is a good starting point for Mafia Island tours. The horseshoe-shaped Chole Bay is an ideal site for snorkeling, underwater photography, and scuba diving. The Mafia National Marine park, which Chole bay is part of, extends to Kinasi Pass Wall. Kinasi Pass is a sheltered reef comprising several species of hard and soft corals. The reef supports a wide variety of marine life. Some Mafia Island residents who identify themselves as Washirazi or Wamberwa, and found throughout the island especially in the North, claim to be the Island's earliest inhabitants. You will also find the Wapokomo in the North, while in the South are small numbers of people of Arab descent, 'Indian traders', and Europeans in the tourism industry and aid projects. Ethnic identity keeps shifting as a result of population movements, and changing historical circumstances and contexts. Kiswahili is the main language spoken in Mafia Island. However, the residents also speak a local dialect called Kingome. The friendly traditional culture in Mafia island has not changed much from ancient days. The island's community tourism association makes a lot of effort to preserve the island. Mafia Island Marine Park is a protected area supported by the World Wide Fund for Nature. The Marine Park covers Chole Bay and the surrounding islands and forests. Other activities on Mafia Island include bird-watching, fishing, visits to the villages, archaeological sites, coastal forests, coconut plantations and traditional boat-building yards. If you're going to dive, the period from October to the end of March is the best for diving. The heavy rains come in March and April while the short rains fall in October to mid-December. Mafia Island is accessible throughout the year by road and air from Dar es Salaam and Arusha. About the Author: Andrew Muigai is the Managing Director of Africa Point, a travel agency that provides African Safaris and Africa flights to all safari destinations in Africa |
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