Mafia Island is remote, and that is part of its appeal for whale shark and diving trips. It also means there is no easy ferry like the Zanzibar route. Most visitors fly from Dar es Salaam. A boat via Nyamisati exists, but it is slow and unreliable. For what to do on arrival, see the Mafia Island guide and our whale shark and diving guide.
Option 1: Fly from Dar es Salaam
This is the practical choice for almost every traveller.
- Operators: Coastal Aviation and Auric Air run small-aircraft services from Dar es Salaam to Mafia Island Airport (MFA), near Kilindoni.
- Duration: approximately 30 minutes.
- Fares: from approximately USD 150 one way as of 2026, often more at peak times. Scheduled flights run most days in the high season (June-October) and thin out in the long rains, so confirm in advance.
- Baggage: soft bags only, with a limit of roughly 15-20 kg. Check this before packing dive gear.
Charter flights from Zanzibar can also be arranged through Coastal Aviation. If you are connecting from an international arrival, read our Dar es Salaam airport transfer guide so you reach the domestic terminal on time.
Whale shark season (roughly October to March) is the busiest period, and flights fill early. See our whale shark season news for this year’s timing and book a seat as soon as your dates are fixed.
Option 2: Nyamisati to Kilindoni by Boat
The sea route starts on the mainland, not in Dar.
- Road to Nyamisati. Travel by road from Dar es Salaam via Kibiti to the small port of Nyamisati in the Rufiji delta. Allow several hours, and more in the rains, when parts of the road get difficult. A hired car with a driver is the most dependable option.
- Boat to Kilindoni. The crossing takes approximately 4-5 hours. Fares reported by travellers have been in the region of TZS 16,000, but this has varied. Departure times are inconsistent, and one traveller report says the schedule is only released the day before.
2026 ferry outage: The Citizen newspaper reported that the government ferry MV Kilindoni has been out of service since 12 May 2026 for repairs. Residents have been relying on dhows and small boats, which are not designed for tourist comfort and carry limited safety equipment. We do not recommend them for visitors, particularly in the rainy season. Check whether the vessel has returned to service before planning any sea route.
Which Should You Pick?
| Flight | Nyamisati boat | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (approx.) | USD 150+ one way | Low (shillings), plus road transport |
| Time | approx. 30 minutes | A full day |
| Reliability | Good in high season | Poor, ferry out of service in 2026 |
| Safety | Standard small aircraft | Open boats, limited safety equipment |
Unless you are on a very tight budget and have several spare days, fly.
On Arrival in Kilindoni
Kilindoni is the island’s only real town and has a few basic guesthouses, a small market and the only ATM, which often runs out of cash. Bring enough US dollars for your stay. Most lodges arrange airport pickups, and you can pre-book a private transfer in Tanzania for the Dar leg, and our Mafia where to stay guide lists areas to base yourself. Add the marine park entry fee, approximately USD 20-25 per day, to your budget.