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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. Mafia Island's economy is based on fishing and subsistence agriculture, although fishing is restricted in the south of the island within the boundaries of the Mafia National Marine Park. Mafia has a long history that dates back to the 18th century when the island played a significant role as a trading centre for the Persians and the East Africans. The island was a regular stop for Arab and Persian dhows plying the coastal waters from the Gulf to Madagascar and Mozambique. Mafia island consists of one large island (394 sq km) and several smaller ones and it attracts tourists, mainly scuba divers and light sport fishermen. Chole Bay, the main protected deep-water anchorage and original harbor in Mafia Island, has several islands and beaches. The waters around Chole Bay are refreshingly clear, providing a perfect snorkeling, sailing and swimming environment. A typical tour package to the Island will entail visits to many ancient ruins in Chole, making a nice start for an Island excursion in Mafia. The horseshoe-shaped island is ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving as well as underwater photography. The bay is part of Mafia National Marine Park which extends to the Kinasi Pass Wall, a sheltered bank reef sloping from 8 to 21 metres. Kinasi Pass Wall comprises many species of hard and soft corals and supports a great 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 island's main language, although the locals have their own dialect called Kingome. Mafia is little changed from ancient times and it retains a traditional and friendly culture. The community tourism association works hard to preserve the island. Chole Bay and its surrounding forests and islands are now within the protected Mafia Island Marine Park that is supported by the World Wide Fund for Nature. Sports fishing and birdwatching are some other interesting activities in Mafia Island. Equally interesting are visits to the villages, traditional boat-building yards, archaeological sites, coastal forests, and coconut plantations. If you are a diver, the period between October and March is the best season for diving. Mafia Island receives two rain seasons: the short rains between October and Mid-December, and the long rains from March to April. The Island is accessible both by road and air throughout the year from Arusha and Dar es Salaam.
Article Source: http://www.ezine-directory.info
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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