Wild Tanzania Marine Safari
Destination
Mafia Island & Pemba Island
Travel Period
January – December
Duration
10 days | 9 nights
Mafia Island is part of Tanzania’s Mafia Archipelago in the Indian Ocean. Over a thousand years ago it was an important stopping point for Arab traders on their way to East Africa. Now it is pretty much an island of fisherman and subsistence farmers, with a few ecotourism ventures.
Large swaths of the island’s southern coastline and surrounding waters are protected by the Mafia Island Marine Park. Its coral reefs attract many scuba divers, snorkelers, and marine enthusiasts. The island is also famous for the arrival of whale sharks.
Pole Pole Bungalows, set in the heart of Mafia Island Marine Park overlooking Chole Bay, is one of the world’s most exclusive eco-lodges, renowned for its exquisite cuisine, warm but discreet hospitality, and laid-back atmosphere. With just 12 elegantly furnished bungalows and suites with private pools, the lodge offers privacy and comfort surrounded by coconut palms and tropical gardens.
Guests can enjoy locally sourced cuisine with Italian influences, unwind at the dhow-inspired pool or Alasiri Spa, and explore the island. Blending luxury with environmental harmony and community support, Pole Pole embodies “life as it should be”—a serene balance of nature, culture, and comfort.
Alfajiri Suite 9
The Alfajiri Suite 9 is a beachfront retreat designed for couples, offering space, privacy, and elegant comfort. Set among coconut palms with bay views, it features a private pool, a bar, and beach beds on a large furnished veranda, complemented by carved and antique décor. Modern amenities include air conditioning, fans, hot water, and wifi.
Guests at Pole Pole Bungalows can enjoy a wide range of experiences on Mafia Island, from exploring the underwater wonders of the marine park with scuba diving, snorkeling, and sailing, to boat excursions and picnics on remote sandbanks and islets. Seasonal highlights include swimming with whale sharks, watching humpback whale migrations, and witnessing turtle hatchings.
Cultural and land-based activities include village walks, guided tours of historic ruins, birdwatching, forest walks, and island-wide adventures by 4×4. Sunset cruises, fishing trips, and photographic opportunities round out the offerings, ensuring visitors can balance adventure, relaxation, and authentic cultural immersion.
Pemba Island has been separated from the mainland of Tanzania and Zanzibar for decades, leaving an untouched and pristine island of great beauty and fertility. The mosaic of forests, swamps, mangroves, hidden beaches and lagoons is scattered with the ruins of mosques and tombs mostly reclaimed by the forest – sites that date back to Arab domination when Pemba Island was seized by the Sultan of Muscat (Oman) in the 17th century.
Pemba is a magical island. Unlike Unguja (Zanzibar), Pemba is hilly. Gentle, undulating hills and deep verdant valleys are all covered with a dense cover of clove, coconut, mango and other fruit and crop plantations. A more fertile land is difficult to imagine.
The Manta Resort, located on a remote island off the east coast of Africa, offers a unique escape from the modern world. Far from the typical five-star luxury experience, this resort invites guests to embrace serenity, nature, and a close-knit community. Set against the backdrop of a pristine forest and overlooking turquoise waters, the resort provides simple yet profound comforts—sunshine, fresh air, natural food, and a welcoming atmosphere.
With only 18 rooms and villas, including the extraordinary Underwater Room, guests can experience the tranquility of one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, complete with coral reefs and soft, white sand.
The resort’s amenities enhance this peaceful retreat. Guests can dine on fresh, locally sourced meals at the Seaview Restaurant, unwind in the lounge, or enjoy a drink at the Beach Bar while watching the sunset. The resort also features a pool for sunbathing and diving and the Kipepeo Spa, where daily treatments help guests relax to the sound of the ocean. At The Manta Resort, time slows down, offering an unforgettable experience in a truly secluded paradise.
Seafront Villa
The Seafront Villas boast a spacious, private open-plan design with an extended balcony and plunge pool. The villas feature a perfect blend of traditional Pemban decor with contemporary comfort. In addition, the newly installed state-of-the-art EveningBreeze cooling system provides comfort without noise or drafts. After selecting your preferred sleeping climate, cool clean air will gently circulate over the surface of your bed—carrying with it the promise of a good night’s sleep.
The Underwater Room
Anchored in an ocean floor anomaly called the blue hole, the floating Underwater Room tops almost anything. Encapsulated within a turquoise blue bubble, watching shoals of reef fish swim by – sometimes in three or four layers of different species, this is a truly heart-stopping, yet awakening, experience. The floating structure, Swedish engineered, provides three levels; above the water, clad in local hardwood, is a lounge and bathroom and below a stargazing, sun tanning bed. Each one is worthy of its own story.
At The Manta Resort on Pemba Island, guests can immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of history and natural beauty. Pemba Island, often called the “Clove Island,” has remained largely untouched, with its landscape dotted by ancient ruins and mosques dating back to the 17th century.
Visitors can explore this serene island, interact with the welcoming local villagers, and experience the pristine environment, including lush forests, mangroves, and hidden beaches. The island’s isolation has preserved its charm, offering an unspoiled paradise for those seeking a unique and tranquil retreat.
The resort offers a variety of experiences and activities, allowing guests to fully engage with the natural surroundings. From deep-sea fishing in the Pemba Channel to a secluded sandbank excursion, the opportunities for adventure are abundant.
For those interested in marine life, the resort provides world-class diving experiences at spectacular sites around the island, guided coral reef safaris, and even training for new divers at the PADI-certified Dive Center. Guests can also enjoy a traditional Ngalawa sunset cruise, exploring Pemba’s coastline, or embark on an inland excursion to discover the island’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
Whether on land or in the water, The Manta Resort offers an unforgettable blend of adventure and relaxation.
Capture user preferences before routing them to our travel designers.