“Preserving and/or restoring the environment by utilizing natural resources, traditional systems and knowledge sustainably”.

WHAT IS MIA ?

Following a meeting in December 2004 MIA was born as the vehicle for implementing a community-based programme of actions to undertake development and conservation activities in Mafia. 

As we do not have anyone full-time on the activities of MIA and do not have any sources of substantive funding, I am afraid I am the “managing secretary” and we can move only at the speed and pace that my already strained life can cope with and Kinasi’s benevolent funds allow (keeping in mind that donations are not tax-deductions in Tanzania).

GUIDELINES for our ACTIONS

Prof Prins – a founding member – kindly set out a draft of the guidelines to be used in selecting projects and advancing the concepts of MIA. These are available to anyone who may be interested to see how we approach the subject as it is extremely difficult to avoid “interfering” with local socio-economic systems and effect change sustainably. We do not believe in “giving” but in “doing” together with those affected to help “make things happen”. We should be the catalyst only

PROGRESS since 2005

MIA is engaged in a number of projects and has been able to make some donations to good effect during the year. We have followed-on from the point where we reached at the end of our founders’ meeting in December 2004…..

PROJECTS

BWENI VILLAGE TEACHER’S HOUSE AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

The village of Bweni has traditionally been well unified and progressive. For example they have achieved port status through negotiations with central government and have implemented a number of progressive environmental management rules that are enforced by the Village Council (including a ban on the use of compressed air to harvest sea products and prohibition of the use of drift nets). Villages have the primary responsibility for their own environment and have extensive powers, so working directly with villages can be an extremely positive way of progressing the ideals of MIA. With this in mind we entered into an agreement with Bweni Village to construct a teacher’s house in exchange for the commitment to sign an MOU containing some additional environmental management principles for the marine and terrestrial environment. This is in draft form and will be signed by both parties in the near future. Solid waste management and disposal (especially plastic bags) is a highlighted component of the agreement. 

In the next phase of our co-operation we will extend our assistance to permanent tree crops in exchange for a commitment to reduce and – eventually – cease the slash-and-burn farming that is leading to erosion and sedimentation and other localized problems in the area.

Permanent crops such as mango, citrus, bananas, passionfruit, jackfruit, cinnamon, mace offer an alternative agro-forestry system (with inter-row cropping), especially if the planting material is good (we will be able to obtain grafted seedlings from the Department of Commercial Crops, Fruits and Forestry in Zanzibar) and a market is offered (Lua Cheia Beach, Kinasi Lodge and other hotels). The approach should also have substantial labour savings.

The whole concept is being subjected to lengthy analysis of why the people farm now (food, cash ?) and what they get out of it, and what problems they face; that is, they have to decide what’s in it for them.

KILWA DISTRICT WILDLIFE RESEARCH

Through the imaginative intervention and assistance of Prof Herbert Prins we were granted Euros 10,000 from the van Tienhoven Foundation (Netherlands) to conduct a survey of wildlife in the mountains inland from Kilwa, where Peter Byrne had previously identified great potential for wildlife-based tourism. The biological component is being carried out by Sanne van Aarst an MSC student from Wageningen University, while Peter Byrne  dealt with the legal, economic, administrative and tourism development issues.

The project was successful in terms of identifying a much larger tract of Coastal Forest than previously known, confirming the existence and distribution of prime wildlife species (including sable antelope, elephant, lion, leopard and wild dog), and recommending a conservation zone (to replace the existing four hunting blocks) extending from the Kilwa wetlands to west of the Mbalawala Plateau.

SOLID WASTE in KILINDONI TOWN

The “takataka” situation is now disastrous in Mafia, and the leadership (DC, DED, Chairman of District Council) is willing toi intercede to do something about it. The Marine Park has made some (inconsistent) attempts to “clean-up” Utende but there is no established solid waste management and disposal system, so people revert instantly to throwing rubbish anywhere. 

We have therefore had meetings with the District Environment Officer and a women’s group in Kilindoni which has appealed for help in setting-up a pilot project for the town. This would also involve TANPESCA who have their own solid waste management system for the seafood factory they operate.

The proposal is to implement a pilot solid waste collection system for households which will be managed by the women’s group on a cost basis (ie a paid-for system) with a secondary component of plastic bag collection by school children (starting with Kilima Hewa Primary School) as an educational-cum-environmental activity. In exchange MIA would fund school requirements such as books, desks, etc. Most of all we hope people (teachers/children and adults) will get tired of picking-up their neighbours’ rubbish and start some community “pressurizing” behaviour.

We have put this forward to the Ambassador or Italy in Tanzania for minor funding.

Donations for development and Social welfare

Our philosophy is to “give” only for education and health interventions and we do not provide cash – we offer technical assistance or services.

MEDICAL WELFARE

By kind favour of the Italian Government, Lions Club and the offices of Cardinal Pengo (Primate in Tanzania) the hospital at Kilindoni has been refurbished and operating theatres and equipment provided. This supplemented the investments made (in all 43 districts of Tanzania) but the Netherlands Government in the late 1990s, when ultrasound and X-ray facilities were provided together with a stand-by generator and water supply. In early 2007 Kinasi began its involvement with a team of medical specialists who now come from Italy twice each year to provide specialist treatments and operations. We provide accommodation at a substantially subsidized rate for the doctors.

In addition we are in discussions with the Red Crescent Society of Abu Dhabi to provide ongoing support for provision of medical supplies on a long-term basis, to be managed by our company.

NEW HIGH SCHOOL FOR KILINDONI

Early in 2007 the new District Commissioner Mr Mangoche appealed to Kinasi to fund a classroom for the new high school that was planned for Kilindoni. The Prime Minister was on a mission around the country hounding each DC to get the high school plans implemented in their districts and our DC was now in the hot seat, having inherited Mafia after two decades of poor management. 

We were happy to comply although it was financially very difficult at the time and we are pleased to be able to show pictures of the completed classroom.

If you can help or provide financial assistance for desks, equipment and other high school supplies please let us know. We would be very grateful to be able to channel it to the new school.

SUCCESSFUL OPEN-HEART SURGERY FOR SALHA !

Rahim’s daughter Salha was born 8oo gms to mum Khadija in 2005 but with a hole in her heart that was expected to heal over as she grows. However this did not happen and she was constantly ill and deteriorating. 

With the bleak prospect of losing her to any major illness she might contract, and the inevitable requirement for future surgery anyway, Rahim and his family made arrangements to send her to India under an agreement that the Muhimbili Hospital (Tanzania’s principal referral hospital) manages.

Kinasi Limited and Ilha Byrne, through MIA, funded the surgery, while Rahim and his family managed the travel costs. We are very proud to be able to watch her grow and prosper now after a total success story, although Salha’s mother, Hadija, declared she could never eat chilli again after her weeks in Mumbai.

PRIMARY SCHOOL COMPUTERS and OTHER ASSISTANCE

Kinasi Limited, through MIA has donated three second-hand computers (two desk-tops and one lap-top) to the Catholic Primary School in Kilindoni, Mafia. These are already in use for basic computer training.

Now all our old computers are reconditioned and recycled this way through the schools in Mafia.

In order to make our involvement more effective and co-ordinated to the school’s’ needs, we have twinned ourselves with two schools in Mafia – KilimaHewa Primary and Bweni Primary – and will help them meet their text book and other basic needs, including pens, pencils, note books and teaching aids.

We are also helping them to upgrade the classrooms and premises with better concrete floors and desks, tree-planting in grounds and separate, hygienic toilets for boys and girls.

If you would like to help us assist the schools please give your donation in money or in kind to Mr Kirobo, who handles this aspect of our presence here in Mafia.

FUTURE PROJECTS and ACTIVITIES

1) HEALTH

The team if Italian medical specialists returns in October 2007 for further specialized operations. Once again they will stay in Kinasi at subsidized rates as our contribution.

2) AGRICULTURE & AQUACULTURE

Agriculture and aquaculture are the backbone and flesh of our local economy: There are many opportunities for even cash-poor villagers to improve their household economies. Our philosophy has always been to concentrate on those who respond to ideas, not expecting that any more than a few will want to actively pursue economic opportunities. 

This is a very different concept to “community-based” projects, which imply that everyone has to be involved and positively support and be active in making the project a success. Even Stalin did not manage it !

Over the years we have put forward many ideas to the authorities; we have now embarked once again on doing projects directly with the community, commencing with a “model” farm that will be based upon a “mix” of crops and livestock that will maximize the output and reduce seasonality of smallholder farming.

Here is the list of tinterventions, small projects and micro-businesses we believe can work or should be tried:

• The “Mafia Book” – a guide to the island, its geography, history and culture, which can be sold to all visitors to contribute to a fund for recording important historical and natural history aspects of the Mafia Archipelago.
• Community-based tourism (so far Chole is the only example and is only partially successful because of the high expatriate involvement, the link between the income from tourism and financing the community needs is not clearly made, the walks are not maintained, there are no trained guides, no celebratory madafu at the end that would make it more memorable, etc). Possible “trails” include historic sites, water-mangrove trail, terrestrial nature trail, mountain bike trail, hippo-Mlola forest trail, bird-watching and turtle nesting sites at .
• Camping sites could include Jibondo and Juani.
• Handicrafts: clay pots, hand-made dhows, basketware, mats, paintings, carved bowls, etc through a dedicated craft market at Utende
• Natural organic honey
• Crab-farming
• Oyster culture (on spats)
• Aquarium specimen farming (anemones, soft corals, clams)
• Mangrove production and harvesting for energy and building poles
• Agro-forestry for fruits and vegetables of selected varieties for cash income (hotels, Kilindoni) and household food
• Eggs and poultry
• Ornamental dried plants, seed pods, etc collected from the wild
• Cold-smoked fish, lobster and squid
• High-value crops such as Aloe vera, tea tree, cinnamon, mace, vanilla, black pepper, etc (these ideas need to be demand-driven; i.e. someone has to guarantee a market)

On the other hand – no matter how interested we are – we are not able to be a philanthropical organization and need to concentrate on our very demanding core business – looking after our guests ! Moreover, all successful business – which includes these opportunities listed above – requires a clear vision, determination and application from those involved, that is long-term. Too often local communities and the individuals within them expect benefits without effort or quick results.

Major funding is not necessary but a consistent level of support and guidance is. To illustrate this here is a short story of one of our projects: The Mafia honey project started well in 1995 (after training of initial entrepreneurs in Nairobi at the National Bee-keeping Centre) and we had four villages supplying honey after a short time. The training was funded by WWF working through the Mafia Island Marine Park and the partnership with Kinasi guaranteed the market for all the honey produced (we even had an overseas buyer eager to have Mafia honey, as it is guaranteed organic). The project was taken over by the Mafia Island Marine Park-WWF exclusively in 1997-8.

The underwater realm is the most diverse and spectacular, hosting an outstanding mosaic of tropical marine life. Outside Kinasi Pass, where Chole Bay empties into the Indian Ocean, vertical reef walls 15 metres high are patrolled by giant potato grouper. Smaller Malaba grouper race around on the bottom amidst a host of smaller emperors (changu), triggerfish, sweetlips and angelfish. On the surface above, bottlenose and spinner dolphins are often seen leaping through the waves. In Kinasi Pass itself, clouds of yellow and blue-striped Kasmiri snapper drift above dramatic undersea cliffs, whilst sting rays lurk in caves beneath. Barracuda and bluefin trevally cruise the main channel scouting for prey, occasionally shadowed by a giant eagle ray or a reef shark.

In many areas the underwater limestone landscape supports extensive and diverse coral communities. At Milimani reef, scores of soldiersfish shelter amidst giant pillars of Stylopora coral whilst brightly marked lion and scorpion fish drift in pairs near the bottom. A rich and colourful array of other invertebrates abounds on the reefs in Chole Bay; featherstars, bryozoans, cleaner shrimps and coral crabs. Cyanea and blue-ringed octopus hide in hollow dens, hunting by night for molluscs and small fish. Gigantic sea anemones harbour vivid orange and black anemonefish amongst their tentacles, the fish immune to the stings.

At the Marimbani sandbank, a community of seahorses thrives in the sandy hollows on the sea floor, each clinging by its tail to a strand of seaweed. The seahorses are sometimes accompanied by bizarre yellow frogfish whose pectoral fins have evolved into quasi-legs. Most colorful and surprising of all are the nudibranchs, or sea slugs, hundreds of species painted every bright color and pattern imaginable. On the outer reef slopes of Juani Island, Lobophyton and Sarcophyton soft corals render the reef a dazzling patchwork of purple, violet and indigo. Amidst the stacks of Porites corals, green and hawksbill turtles are common, feeding on seagrasses and sponges.

Above water the exquisite scenery is dominated by sparkling seas. At Kinasi Pass these are studded with dramatically sculpted limestone crags and islets covered in Euphorbia plants, proving excellent nesting sites for cormorants and egrets. Fish eagles and black kites glide overhead, while black and white reef herons stalk the vast inter-tidal flats around Jobondo Island, stabbing in the shallows for their food.

The islands inside the park also have their share of fascinating wildlife. On Chole Island the leaves of the coconut palms sway and clatter in the fresh monsoon winds, standing side by side with giant baobab trees. Nearby, huge fig trees provide roosting space for hundreds of large fruit bats, Comores flying foxes, a species found only in Mafia, Madagascar and the Comores. In Mrora forest, the dry coastal thicket harbours rare trees and plants and two species of toad and gecko that occur nowhere else in the world.

In fact Mafia is increasingly renowned internationally as a critical site for biodiversity. In all, the diversity of coral reef fauna is amongst the highest recorded in the western Indian Ocean. Over 460 species of fish and 52 genera of hard corals so far, and certainly more to be identified.

And Mafia’s diversity is not restricted to the sea. Over 160 species of bird plus endemic amphibians and reptiles and a rare fruit bat also occur. Six species of plant are probably found only on Mafia and a further eight are restricted to very few other coastal forest sites in East Africa. Beyond this, Mafia’s environment is one of the least contaminated in Tanzania. The habitats within the park, under protection since 1994, are amongst the most intact of their kind in East Africa.

But Mafia’s environment is not only physical and biological, there are also important social and cultural dimensions. Several sites of historic ruins lie within the marine park, one at Ras Kisimani dating back to the 12th Century. Chole Island in the 15th – 19th Centuries was a major Arab town on the monsoon trade routes from Arabia to Sofala in Mozambique. The large number of people residing within or along the marine park boundary today (at least 15,000) distinguishes Mafia from terrestrial parks in Tanzania and from other marine protected areas in the western Indian Ocean. About half of the community resident within MIMP depend heavily on marine resources for their livelihood.

Another 10-15% have traditionally relied on extraction of various resources from the Mlola Forest, also lying within the park boundary. The proximity of such a large number of people to such a complex, diverse and sensitive physical and biological environment calls for special management attention.

Before visiting Tanzania, you may need to get the following vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases you might be at risk for at your destination: (Note: Your doctor or health-care provider will determine what you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities.)

To have the most benefit, see a health-care provider at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to allow time for your vaccines to take effect and to start taking medicine to prevent malaria, if you need it.

Even if you have less than 4 weeks before you leave, you should still see a health-care provider for needed vaccines, anti-malaria drugs and other medications and information about how to protect yourself from illness and injury while traveling.

CDC recommends that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine.  Find a travel medicine clinic near you. If you have a medical condition, you should also share your travel plans with any doctors you are currently seeing for other medical reasons.

If your travel plans will take you to more than one country during a single trip, be sure to let your health-care provider know so that you can receive the appropriate vaccinations and information for all of your destinations. Long-term travelers, such as those who plan to work or study abroad, may also need additional vaccinations as required by their employer or school.

Be sure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Check the links below to see which vaccinations adults and children should get.

Routine vaccines, as they are often called, such as for influenza, chickenpox (or varicella), polio, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), and diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) are given at all stages of life; see the childhood and adolescent immunization schedule and routine adult immunization schedule.

Routine vaccines are recommended even if you do not travel. Although childhood diseases, such as measles, rarely occur in the United States, they are still common in many parts of the world. A traveler who is not vaccinated would be at risk for infection.

Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

Vaccine recommendations are based on the best available risk information. Please note that the level of risk for vaccine-preventable diseases can change at any time.

Wildebeest, zebra, impala, hartebeest, greater kudu and eland are all common. In the heat of the afternoon herds of over fifty giraffe drink from the lakes whilst elephant herds cross the channels to the lush islands.

The bird life is exceptional and offers bird enthusiasts a great opportunity to learn about the country’s colourful and exotic species. The reserve can be reached via a 40 minute flight from Dar es Salaam.

Safari activities include morning and evening game drives, walking safaris and boat trips on the Rufiji River and extensive lake systems, all with an expert wildlife guide. You can choose each day which activities you’d like to do and all are included in the price.

From the Selous you will then fly to Mafia. The Mafia Islands lie quietly in the Indian Ocean, just forty minutes flight from Dar es Salaam. Virtually unknown, these islands make up the most beautiful archipelago in the Indian Ocean. Covered in rich rainforest, thick grasslands and big baobabs, the islands are dotted with tiny villages and surrounded by barrier reefs. Much of Mafia Island itself is a Marine Park and its protected bio-diversity is fascinating to explore, from snorkelling and scuba diving to coastal forest walks and bird watching. Mafia is also rich in traditional culture and by visiting its villages you can learn about Swahili village life.

The best time of year to do this itinerary is mid June to late October. This is the dry season in East Africa and in the Selous this means game viewing is better and the climate is more comfortable. In the dry season the vegetation dies down so general game viewing is far easier. Water levels also start to drop and so wildlife tends to congregate riverside to drink. From November onwards the short rains arrive and the climate becomes more humid. The long rains arrive around late March and continue through to early June and camps and lodges in the Selous Game Reserve close down over this period as roads and airstrips are inaccessible.

The Selous Game Reserve is at the forefront of conservation in Tanzania. The reserve comprises the largest protected area in Africa and is uninhabited by man. It protects around one third of the world’s endangered wild dog population. Their need to roam vast areas and their formidable hunting skills have caused many to be shot by farmers, but here in Selous they have boundless woodlands and savannahs in which to roam. If you are lucky enough to see wild dogs during your stay in Tanzania, you can help prevent further decline. The Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute aims to conserve the population of wild dog in Tanzania, and by sending your photographs in to them you can help them monitor the dog population.

In the dry season an ancient migration of elephants takes place between the Selous and Mozambique’s Niassa Game Reserves. This is one of the largest natural trans-boundary eco-systems in Africa and at the last consensus it was estimated that 64,400 elephants roam the two parks, with 84% on the Tanzanian side. The Selous plays an integral part in protecting this migration pattern. The Selous Rhino Project is currently operating in the reserve and aims to protect breeding herds of black rhino.

Mafia Island is the site of Tanzania’s first Marine Park which was gazetted in 1995. The area included within the boundaries of MIMP is one of the most important marine habitats in the world. It has mangroves, sea-grass beds, coral reefs, inter-tidal reef flats, lagoons and coastal forest.

We have included Kinasi Lodge on Mafia Island in this itinerary. Kinasi was the site of the Frontier (a British non-profit conservation organisation) research camp from where the surveys that led to the formation of Mafia Island Marine Park were conducted.

The spirit of conservation and appreciation of Mafia’s natural resources is being continued throughout the lodge’s varied efforts to ensure conservation and assist community advancement. Kinasi is involved in the development of local handicrafts and commercial product development.

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Guided excursions are also arranged to the islands and village communities of Chole and Jibondo. The boat building on both these islands is justly famous throughout East Africa. All traditional methods are used, with hand tools and hand-forged nails to create the jahazis, dhows, mashuas and ngalawas you will see in Mafia. Ropes are hand-woven from coir (coconut finre) and sails sewn from rough cotton sheeting (madrouf). There are also ruins of early settlement on Chole, which was the “capital” of Mafia until the early Twentieth Century.
On Chole Island and at the mosque near Kinasi the giant flying fox (Pteropus) can be seen in roosts.

Kua Ruins
The Kua Ruins, across the Bay from Kinasi, is an archaeological site from the 12th Century, established by settlers from Kilwa. The principal mosque, with its superb mihrab and the Great House are interesting features. There are many giant baobab trees throughout the area. All over the ruins you can readily dig up pottery sherds, some dating hundreds of years to Chinese and Persian origins.

Kisimani Mafia

At Kisimani Mafia an old town has been submerged. This was fully excavated in the early 1970s and details can be found in our library, along with a description of Kua Ruins and the reports on the archaeology of Kilwa. Kisimani Mafia is at the far south-western tip of Mafia and is an all-day excursions by boat.

PICNIC DAY TRIPS

Kua Channel
Kua Channel is one of our common daily destinations for the excursion boat El Nino, which will go somewhere each day for guests who wish to sunbathe and picnic on beaches or islets. Kuwa Channel has many little bays and beaches and a feature is the Blue Lagoon, a coral grotto fed by the sea. El Nino will also often go to the Marimbani Sandbank, which stretches across Chole Bay and provides a completely private beach. The excursions programme depends on tides and weather. See the notice board near the Cocktail Bar for details.

Islands of Chole Bay
Other lovely secluded picnic spots abound in Chole Bay: Miewe Island with its secluded beach and baobab trees; beaches on Juani and Jibondo Islands (by boat), Didimiza (at the end of the Nature Trail, by walking).

CYCLING

A great way to see the island and also to observe the lives of the local people and see how they use the land and depend entirely on nature.
Most people walk wherever they wish to go in Mafia, which is quite flat, so there are hundreds of kilometers of sandy tracks that are excellent to cycle.

WALKS & BIRDWATCHING

Reef-walking
The tidal reef in front of Kinasi is an excellent subject for the amateur naturalist. In the pools left by the receding tide you will find live cowries and other shells, small moray eels and juvenile fish, as well as a myriad of starfish. Fish eagles and palm nut vultures stalk the pools on the flats along with many waders and scavengers, and four species of mangroves grow side-by-side. On the outer edge a lovely, sandy beach gives way to the blue water of the channel at low tide.

Nature trail
The Nature Trail starts at the Kinasi beach so is a very convenient excursion and full of interest. There are many native trees and excellent bird-watching along the trail, as well as the chance to see guenon (monkeys), the Sunni antelope, and the Elephant Shrew.

Village walks
The favourite walking excursion is to Chole Island, where a well-organised village development association encourages visitors to come and experience village life. There is also a nature taril culminating in the bat roost of the giant Comorian flying fox.

Utende village is also a good walk and is close to Kinasi and Jibondo Island is very interesting and very different from Chole.

All walks in Mafia are enjoyable as the people of Mafia are friendly and do not harass visitors for any gifts or money.

Bird-watching
Bird watching in Mafia adds a very interesting dimension to a Tanzania wildlife safari, as the visitor will see many species of shorebird, including migrants such as the Crab Plover, and other species found in coastal thickets and mangroves that cannot be observed in the main land National Parks and Reserves. The visitor will see many sepctacular rollers (Lilac-breasted) and bee-eaters (White-cheeked) between Kilindoni and Kinasi, and there are five species of sunbird in the Kinasi gardens. The black or white Dimorphic Heron is the common species at roosts in Chole Bay. The Kinasi Nature Trail has been designed with bird-watching very much in mind.
For keen birders we will visit several sites so that you get to see the woodland, sea and shore and thicket species.

ROAD EXCURSIONS

Road safaris to other areas of Mafia complement the visitor’s experience and understanding of traditional village life; for example: Kirongwe village famous for its clay pots, Jimbo for its ukili mats, Mrora Forest, Ras Mbizi coconut plantation and Kitoni.

The excursions we have developed in Kinasi Lodge & Lua Cheia Beach over the years include the following…

KILINDONI – the town, harbour and sites of interest
RAS MBIZI – the old coconut plantation
KIRONGWE-BALENI-JIMBO – see very different parts of Mafia and visit traditional villages
BWENI AND RAS MKUMBI – the very northern tip of the island is another world!
KITONI – on the south-east of the island, where the old ruins of Kisimani Mafia have washed into the sea
CHOLE ISLAND – a fantastic little world on this lush little island in Chole Bay
KUA RUINS – the 12th -15th Centuries just on Kinasi’s doorstep
KUA CHANNEL – a beautiful pass on the south-west end of Juani, with sandy inlets and islands
JUANI ISLAND AND CAVES – visit the ancient caves of remote Juani island
MIEWE ISLAND – a great picnic spot on the high tides, near Kinasi Pass
JIBONDO – famous for its boat building and shark- and octopus fisheries
KITUTIA – the far western end of line of reef running the length of mafia – an ancient coral outcrop protecting a beautiful sandy cay; one of Mafia’s best excursions by boat
RAS KISIMANI – the far western end of Mafia, with beautiful sandy beaches now a core zone of the Marine Park
MARIMBANI SAND BAR – our daily, favourite picnic spot in Chole Bay – a long white sandy cay

• being underwater in another world. Being able to breathing underwater and move around in three dimensions. Scuba diving is like flying under the water. You will feel the weightless just like the astronauts in space.
  You are a scuba diver, an explorer, an underwater pilot and fun seeker all wrapped up in one! Scuba is a life changing event because it is so different.

• interacting with beautifully colored marine life up close. No fish tank, aquarium or movie. You are witnessing, being, seeing the real deal!  You are involved with the creatures while scuba diving.  Under the ocean is some of the worlds most amazing life and natural colors on the planet. Coral Reefs are natures Natural Wonder of the World.

Scuba lessons or scuba certification is designed for you to experience all the wonders and pleasures of scuba diving. In training you practice with the equipment in the pool until you are comfortable. Scuba diving and swimming go together just like walking and hiking in the woods. Scuba is the only leisure activity that offers entertainment with wildlife and a work out at the same time.

Scuba Lessons build life skills that translate into areas of your life. Scuba diving touches you spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically. While Scuba Diving you forget about your problems. You are Wow’ed by the beauty and serenity of the ocean. As a scuba diver you can participate in helping to save our reefs before they become destroyed by over fishing, climate change and pollution.

Private Scuba Lessons proudly assists with community reef clean-ups, fish studies and educating children on marine preservation and conservation. You can participate in this by being a diver and automatically join a community of those that love nature and want to protect it from harm.

Many times you develop lasting friendships through scuba training and instruction. People dive together called buddy teams. Most people know you should never dive alone or hike in the woods alone. This special caring for one another instantly bonds you with connectedness. This conciousness carries over into friendships and long term relationships on land too. Scuba Lessons are forever and so are your memories. Scuba diving is for friends and families. You can always make friends as a scuba diver which can be your extended family someday.

Our Experience Means Safety

KINASI LODGE offers great diving for advanced and novice divers in safety under professional instruction. We take great snacks and picnic lunches aboard our dive boats and stay out for two-tank dives or, after diving, enjoy the rest of the day with a visit to other islands or historic and interesting sites. The snorkelling on the shallow reefs surrounding the many islands in and around Chole Bay is a great attraction for non-divers and divers alike.

We have a fully equipped dive centre with equipment for up to twenty divers. The Blue World Diving and Water Sports centre is managed by our resident Dive Instructors.

We use Dacor, Mares and Scubapro buoyancy vests, Apeks and Scubapro demand valves and Faber cylinders and employ rigid safety and maintenance standards. There is a wide variety of masks, fins and wetsuits to choose from, all included in the dive rates.

We buddy divers carefully to ensure similar standards and interests and all diving is preceded by briefings and checks, to ensure maximum enjoyment. The disturbance or removal of any form of marine life is prohibited and we use boat engines of low horsepower to minimise pollution, and sail the dhow whenever possible. We have been assisting marine research for over six years and hope that all our guests will benefit from the accumulated knowledge and the conservation programmes underway.

Any Scuba Level

No matter, if you have swimming difficulty, physical disabilities, previous bad diving experiences, bad diving instructors or any near drowning experience around the water. We can make a Scuba Diver out of you.

All excursions and activities are organised on a daily basis to meet guests’ interests and requests and are provided subject to weather, tides and availability of craft and personnel.

‘BLUE WORLD’ DIVING

Kinasi Lodge – Marine Park- Mafia Island

• Her Marine protected areas are significantly less disturbed and contain a huge abundance and diversity of marine life.

• The Tanzania coast stretches 800km from north to south and supports a string of marine protected areas including two large and famous marine parks.

• The biodiversity – the variety of marine life – found in Tanzania marine waters include many species that are rare and endangered in the world.

• This is also one of the few places left on Earth where once can witness the spectacular union of marine and terrestrial protected areas of network.

• The Marine Protected Areas is home to the extensive coral reefs.   These reefs as “rain-forests of our sea”, presents a dazzling array of shapes, colors and motions that delight the eye.

• The Mafia Island Marine Park is a globally renowned biodiversity hotspot south of Sahara.

• Over one million people make their living directly from the marine resources.

• The well being of thousands of people is bound  to the ‘wise use’ of marine protected areas natural wealth.

• Tanzania is also special in the way that its local people are planning to maintain the rich marine environment for the inhabitants of today and tomorrow.

Mafia Island is part of this unique country in the East Africa

http://www.mafiaisland.com

It is situated south of the equator between 1° and 12° S. It has a long coastline on the Indian Ocean. It is bordered by Kenya and Uganda on the north, by Mozambique, Malawi, and Zambia on the south and by the Democratic Republic of Congo on the west. There is a fairly narrow coastal plain in the east, but most of the interior consists of a plateau 900-1,500 m/3,000-5,000 ft above sea level. There are a number of mountain ranges which rise to between 2,100-3,000 m/7,000-10,000 ft. In the north of the country the isolated peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, rises to nearly 6,000 m/20,000 ft. It has a permanent snow-cap and small glaciers. The whole country, except the higher mountains, has a sub-humid tropical climate, but above 3,000 ft this is modified by a significant reduction of temperature, particularly at night.

Once you are in Tanzania, you are just a bus ride or plane flight away from some of nature’s most awe-inspiring creations. All in this sun-soaked tropical paradise called Tanzania. Dar es Salaam is Tanzania’s main city. The ‘Haven of Peace’ started life as a fishing village in the mid-19th century when the Sultan of Zanzibar decided to turn a creek (now a harbour) into a safe port and trading centre. Now Dar es Salaam is a teeming metropolis of 3 million people where Arab dhows mingle with huge ocean-going vessels. Dar’s National Museum is next to the Botanical Gardens in the city centre. It features important archeological collections, especially the fossil discoveries of Zinjanthropus (Nutcracker Man) and the sad and unbelievable history of the Slave Trade.

Zanzibar – the Spice Island. Trading under the name Spice Island of the Indian Ocean, this paradise off Tanzania’s north-east coast has lured travelers for centuries, some in search of ivory, slaves and gold, some in search of plunder and still others in search of an idyllic home. Mount Kilimanjaro An almost perfectly shaped volcano rising from Tanzania’s far north-east plains,

Mt. Kilimanjaro is one of Africa’s most magnificent sights. Snowcapped and not yet extinct, at 5,895m, it’s the highest peak on the continent. The encircling rainforest is home to many animals including Elephant, Buffalo, Rhino, Leopard and Monkey. The encircling rainforest is home to animals including Elephant, Buffalo, Rhino, Leopard and Monkey. You may also stumble across herds of Eland on the saddle between the summits of Mawenzi and Kibo. Ngorongoro Conservation Area Located in the Great Rift Valley and known as the land of the maasai, the 20Km-wide, 600m deep Ngorongoro Crater will fill you with wonder. It has been compared to Noah’s Ark and the Garden of Eden – and what’s more – it has the added advantage of actually existing! Serengeti National Park (“Endless plains” as its known in tha Maa language).

The Serengeti offers the thrill of the migration of almost 1.5 million Wildebeest covering approximately 1,000 kms. The park is known to be one of best wildlife sanctuaries in the world. Tarangire National Park Tarangire National Park covers approximately 2600 square kilometers and in the dry season, is second only to Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area in concentrations of wildlife. Tarangire lies to the south of the large open grass plains of southern Maasailand. It derives its name form the Tarangire River. The park is spectacular in the dry season when may of the migratory wildlife species return to the permanent waters of Tarangire River. Huge hers of Wildebeest, Zebras, Elephants, Eland and oryx gather in Tarangire until the onset of the rains when they migrate to the other grazing areas. Mikumi National Park About 4 hours drive from Dar es Salaam lies the open grasslands of the Mikumi plains, bordered with mountain ranges on both sides. Packs of Wild Dogs, which are rare elsewhere Africa, are commonly seen here. Lions, Elephants, Giraffes, Zebras, Buffaloes, Wildebeest, Eland, Hippos, Lichentsteins Hartebeest, Crocodiles, Monitor Lizards and Pythons are to be found here. Selous Game Reserve This is the largest game reserve in Africa. The Selous covers a land area larger than Switzerland and has been declared a United Nations Heritage Site. The only other reserve with a greater concentration of wildlife is the Serengeti. The Selous has Tanzania’s largest population of Elephants. Other animals found in abundance are Buffaloes, Bushbucks, Zebras, and Greater Kudu. Lions, Impalas, Giraffes Elands, Baboons and Crocodiles flock the Rufiji River that runs through it.

The Selous is also a great place for bird watching with over 400 species recorded. Contact us for details and further information….

If you want to extend your stay in this ‘Haven of Peace’ and visit any part of Tanzania, please contact us at email: stay@mafiaisland.com or monarch@zanlink.com for package costs and other arrangements.

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ANGEL’S BEACH, BWENI This part of Mafia is where the beautiful beaches have been formed. In contrast the Chole Bay side of Mafia is superb for diving and snorkelling. A journey to the north takes the visitor to a completely different part of Mafia that is quite another world of vegetation, beaches and activities.

THE LIGHTHOUSE AT RAS MKUMBI A visit to the lighthouse will allow you to see far to the south over the Mlola Forest, protected for its vegetation and wildlife, including Sykes monkeys. There are magnificent baobabs in the north of Mafia, especially at Ras Mkumbi (the northern tip of the island, just beyond Bweni village.

LUA CHEIA BEACH CASTAWAY CAMP

Barefoot bliss awaits you at this private tented beach camp on an island in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Tanzania

Sleeps: 2 per tent; 12 people in total

Tariff: $140 per night, per person, full board

Note: Open from June to March- http://www.luacheiabeach.com

Furnished in an Africanised Bali-style, the wooden floors of the barand restaurant, the antique and dhow-wood furniture and the soft sandunder the tent floors at this beach camp, all conspire to give the “barefoot” experience that guests seek to enjoy.

There are six large tents under thatched “bandas” with verandas leading directly onto the private beach.

The tents are situated in such a way to take advantage of the seabreezes during the hot-season, as well as the marvelous sunsets.

The proprietors have worked hard to keep the site as simple andundisturbed as possible while still providing all the necessarycomforts.

Each tent is equipped with a complete bathroom with solar showers.

Energy for the tents is provided by solar panels and wind generationallowing the beach camp to supply guests with 24 hour electricitywithout the need of a generator.

The lights and ceiling fans are also energy efficient.

All the water from the showers and sinks supports constructed wetlands, providing controlled nutrition to a variety of plants.

The toilets are low-flush, reducing water usage with the resultingwaste being filtered into composting units, eliminating the need forseptic tanks.

The stunning feature of the location is nearly 3 km of private beachstretching away in both directions. The sand is white and pure and onecan always swim despite tidal changes.

Situated on Mafia Island in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Tanzania,the complete isolation from any other tourist facility, or commercialactivity of any kind, offers guests solitude, nature and completerelaxation.

All activities are tide-dependent so we keep the tide times on a board in the sitting area. The tide times not only change each day but the size of the tide (how high the water reaches and how low it falls) also changes throughout the month, in concordance with the moon.

PICNIC ON MARIMBANI

We recognise that Kinasi Lodge (South- Marine Park) is not a beach destination so we offer an excursion boat to the beautiful Marimnai Sand Bank in Chole Bay, to Miewe Island and to ther swimming and sun-baking destinations for those who are not taking part in other excursions and water sports. On each picnic the crew sets up a shade and there is a coolbox of drinks and a picnic buffet lunch on days when we eat out.

Another favourite picnic destination is Miewe Island, on the far side of Chole Bay, near the northern side of Kinasi Pass. This is a tiny island with tamarind and baobab trees, with a sandy beach and calm anchorage. It’s the perfect spot after snorkelling at

Bird-watching and the Kinasi Nature Trail

From Kinasi Lodge  several walks can be made to places of interest as well as to just “meet the locals”. Our principal guide is Mzee Kirobo (Mzee being a term of respect, not simply “old man”). He is extremely knowledgeable of all Mafia lore, as well as much of the history and many of the birds. A trip with Kirobo means that you will be late for your next meal !

Village Walk and Bird-watching

Visit the village and surrounding farmlands where you can see rice-growing, cassava, beans, sweet potato and many fruit such as coconuts, papaya, bananas, pineapples, custard apples, jackfruit, mangoes, guavas,

This can also be a bird walk as many of the interesting birds are busy harassing the farmers’ crops or are more easily seen in the open farmlands. The visitor will see many spectacular rollers (Lilac-breasted) and bee-eaters (White-cheeked) between Kilindoni and Kinasi, and there are five species of sunbird in the Kinasi gardens.  The black or white Dimorphic Heron is the common species at roosts in Chole Bay. The Kinasi Nature Trail has been designed with bird-watching very much in mind.

The lilac-breasted rollers and Madagascan bee- eaters are especially spectacular. The Bird Check-list of Mafia is in the Kinasi library.

Nature Trail and Reef Walk

The nature trail starts near the dive centre and extends approximately 3 km to the west along the foreshore and back along the ridge to Kinasi, or back to the road via Didimiza Beach, a lovely beach about 1.5km away. Along the walk there are many special sights, trees and all four of the main types of mangroves. There is a guide pamphlet and Kirobo usually accompanies the walk.

At low tide the reef flats in front of Kinasi are very interesting with many creatures to see: live cowries, starfish, small eels, etc. the bird life trying to make a living off this rich part of the food chain is also fascinating and includes the palm nut vulture.

A TINY BARRED OWLET LOOKS DOWN FROM A CASHEW TREE, WHILE A FISH EAGLE WATCHES OVER KUA RUINS