Eid Al Adha this year is predicted as follows:
Saturday 10th August – Arafat Day
Sunday 11th August – Eid
Monday 12th August – Eid
Tuesday 13th August – Eid
Therefore logically, we are looking at flying out on Friday 9th August, 3 core days of diving on 10th, 11th and 12th with a return on Tuesday 13th August for those who want to keep the trip within the Eid holiday. Of course, the option exists to extend the trip either forwards or backwards. Taking Wednesday 14th and Thursday 15th as leave would give the full week which is worth considering for those who can spare the time (and money). Those coming from outside the UAE will have their own calculations to make.
Accomodation / Dives
Mafia Island Lodge, which is located directly behind the dive centre.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g317083-d654347-Reviews-Mafia_Island_Lodge-Mafia_Island_Pwani_Region.html
DIVERS
AED 645 per night including dives and food.
– Shared superior room
– 2 dives per day
– Water in your room and during meals
– Full Board meal plan
– Complimentary tea & coffee service throughout the day
– Airport transfers
– Complimentary sunset cruise
NON DIVERS
AED 423 per night no dives but food.
– Shared superior room
– Water in your room and during meals
– Full Board meal plan
– Complimentary tea & coffee service throughout the day
– Airport transfers
– Complimentary sunset cruise
Note: Half board or B&B may be available but we have no information about the eating options in the locality.
– Equipment rental (USD 25 per person per day – no additional charge for tanks and weights)
– Marine Park fees (USD 23.6 per person per adult) regardless of whether you enter the water or not
Flights:
Emirates return Dubai to Dar Es Salaam AED 1805
Outward Dep DXB 10.15 arrival DAR 14.40
Inward Dep DAR 16.45 arrival DXB 23.20
Above prices is from the Emirates website. Other sites such as Skyscanner may be cheaper.
Dar Al Salaam to Mafia and back by light aircraft is slightly more complicated in that there is no single carrier ideal in both directions.
For the outward trip, the best is Auric Air Services: https://www.auricair.com/
Dep DAR 16.45, Arr MFA 17.15, Price USD 122 one-way.
For the return, the best is Coastal Aviation: www.coastal.co.tz/
Dep MFA 13.00, Arr DAR 13.30, Price USD 145 one-way.
Note there is a 20kg baggage limit on the light aircraft plus 7kg hand luggage.
You are responsible for booking your own flights and accommodation but please let us know what you have booked so we can liaise with the dive centre and hotel.
Mafia – an offer you can’t refuse.
Thanks to Brigitte for doing most of the research.
