Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about booking, experiences, and travelling with Mafia Potwe Safaris
Yes, very safe! Whale sharks are the largest fish in the ocean and are not actually sharks or whales. These gentle giants of the sea feed on plankton and do not have teeth. Our experienced guides ensure proper distance is maintained and brief you on safety protocols before entering the water. We follow responsible wildlife viewing practices for all of our tours.
For most activities like snorkeling and whale shark encounters, basic swimming skills are sufficient. We can accommodate various skill levels but a decent level of fitness and comfort in the water is highly recommended. For scuba diving, you need to be certified. Life jackets are provided for all water activities.
Yes! Most of our tours are family-friendly. Children ages 6 and up who can swim and are comfortable in the water are welcome to join whale shark and snorkeling group tours. A parent or guardian must stay with the child(ren) and be responsible for their safety. All children ages 12 and under are required to wear a life jacket. If your child is under 6 years old, please contact us to discuss your needs and/or book a private tour.
Due to the unpredictable nature of wildlife, we cannot guarantee sightings on our whale shark tours or other tours. No refunds will be given in the event that wildlife is not spotted during a tour5
Mafia Island, Tanzania
Mafia Island is located approximately 20km from the mainland of Tanzania and is easily accessible by daily flights to Mafia Island Airport (MAF) located on the west side of the island in the city of Kilindoni.
MAF is accessible by daily flights from Dar es Salaam (DAR) (30-40 minutes) and Zanzibar (ZNZ) (1 hour). Several airlines operate these routes including Coastal Aviation and Auric Air.
We are happy to assist with airline bookings and transfers from the airport - just reach out and ask!
We recommend booking at least 30 days in advance, especially during peak season (November-March). This ensures availability and allows time for travel arrangements. Last-minute bookings may be possible so don't hesitate to contact us even if our bookings are full - we would love to host you if we have availability.
Absolutely! We offer private tours for individuals, couples, and groups. Private tours provide more flexibility with timing and customization. Contact us for private tour pricing and availability.
Our tour pricing includes:
-Local, professional, first aid and CPR trained guides
-All necessary equipment including snorkels, masks, fins and safety equipment including lifejackets and life rings
-Boat and/or vehicle transport
-Pick up/drop off within Kilindoni; outside of Kilindoni available for an additional fee
-Water and snacks
-Whale Shark Conservation fees and/or Mafia Island Marine Park fees to support our precious local resources
-Community and conservation fees for village visits, lighthouse, turtles, hippos, etc.
-18% VAT required by the Tanzanian government on all marine excursions and ground transport
Many tour operators charge fees separately; we prefer all-inclusive pricing so there are no surprises for our guests
Visa Requirements
Yes, most visitors need a visa to travel to Tanzania and can can obtain a visa on arrival at Dar Es Salaam airport. US citizens can get an e-visa online. Check current requirements for your nationality before traveling.1
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and water activities. Check that your policy covers snorkeling and diving if applicable.
We partner with local hotels and lodges to offer the best rates and quality accommodations for our guests. Contact us and tell us what you're looking for - we are happy to arrange a custom package to suit your needs and budget.
Yes! We offer tailor-made vacations to Mafia Island and beyond. Contact us to start planning your dream safari today!
-We accept credit cards online via Stripe and bank transfers to our secure US based bank account
-Bank transfers are preferred for bookings of $1,000+
-A 4% credit card processing fee will be added to transactions above $1,000
-We accept cash in Tanzanian Shillings (TSH) or US dollars (USD) for bookings made in person on the island
Whale sharks are most commonly spotted off the coast Mafia Island from October to March, with peak season being November to February. However, sightings can occur year-round depending on plankton blooms and ocean conditions. We operate daily tours from June - March and typically have a 90% chance of a sighting during peak season and 60% other times of the year. During the rainy season in April and May, we do not have regularly scheduled tours but whale sharks may still be spotted so please contact us to arrange a tour if you're visiting during that time.