homepage   |    about mafia   |    history & culture   |    nature   |    kinasi   |    activities   |    excursions   |    doing nothing   |    logistics & services Home :: homepage :: Why mafia   Why mafia   We love Mafia!   Welcoming and friendly people are one of the greatest attractions and you will soon realise that, as for all of East Africa, the people of Mafia are extremely friendly, self-confident but humble, and always ready for a laugh. A lasting memory you will take away is how happy people are.   Mafia remains unaffected by many of the modern world's less attractive aspects, and culturally remains strongly-rooted in traditional social patterns of behaviour and the structure of the village, which is the basic unit of organisation. This translates into a great respect for elders and ancestors, almost total dependence on natural resources to survive and prosper, acquisition of skills and crafts, and an amazing ability to get the best out of any deal or situation. Anyone living for some time amongst island people will soon learn how cleverly opportunistic they are (and need to be).   Since the very limited tourism and 'development' have made few lasting inroads on Mafia it remains much as it was described by Dr Baumann in a famous report he prepared in 1895. This includes natural attractions, village life, trade and economic systems, agriculture and fishing.   Nature   The terrestrial and reef ecosystems are fascinating and at KINASI we have spent a great deal of time to research these aspects of the islands. As a result we have guided walks and nature trails to enjoy the native trees, animals and birdlife, cultural visits to villages to understand local village life and watch skilled craftsmen at work, excellent snorkelling and diving, sailing in traditional dhows and ngalawas, and fantastic day picnic trips to outer islands, sand banks and beaches.   History and culture   These islands of Mafia host antiquities dating back to the eleventh century, including ruins at Kisimani Mafia, Kanga, Kua and Chole Island. These include a mosque of the fifteenth century and buildings of the latter half of the eighteenth century, providing great interest and excursions for those interested in history, ancient trade and the promise of new discoveries.   Scuba diving and snorkelling at its best?High diversity on protected reefs   Mafia Island and its reefs are renown as an excellent, world-class diving destination. Scientists have confirmed that Mafia has some of the richest reefs in the world, with an unparalleled variety of hard and soft corals and diversity of tropical fish. We have identified fabulous dive sites of immense beauty and richness, bommies, channels, walls and caverns, drift and night dives.   Kinasi is centrally located in the Mafia Island Marine Park, crated in 1995.   But there is not much night life?.!   It may be realized by now, that tourists looking for night life, Mafia is not the place to come! Unless of course you wish to include night dives, dinners on the beach, star-gazing...   And don't forget that by the time you have finished the day, evening cocktails and a splendid dinner, we bet you won't have much energy left to waste! We keep you as busy and occupied as you want to be, to enjoy as much as possible while you are in Mafia.   [ Top of page ] Chole Bay [+]   Kilindoni sunset [+]   moray on Kinasi wall [+]   fish eagle, Chole Bay [+]   Where is Kinasi Gallery CONTACT US Prices and Special Offers Enquiries & bookings Useful Web Links SIte Map