EAST AFRICA YACHT CRUISE ITINERARY
Your Journey Begins
See Africa Differently
DISCOVER MAFIA, ZANZIBAR & PEMBA
​Mafia, Zanzibar & Pemba Island Yacht Charter Itinerary
Mafia, Zanzibar & Pemba Archipelago Yacht Charter
10 Nights Yacht Charter Cruise
Mafia, Zanzibar and Pemba Island
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This is a 10 night charter taking in the highlights of Mafia, Zanzibar and Pemba Archipelagos
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Mafia Archipelago
For those that would prefer to be either the only vessel in an anchorage or to leave the only footsteps on a beach, the southern half of Tanzania with its numerous Islands and picture perfect secluded bays offers a cruising experience that was possibly last experienced by the early Caribbean sailing pioneers.
Mafia Island there are more than 18 islands and reefs that can be explored; these are for the most
isolated little islands that can offer absolute privacy. No crowds, no fuss and above all, no paparazzi.
Mafia has never felt the pressure of tourist development and whilst there are a few lodges scattered
around the island, Mafia tends to breathe to its own rhythm.
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Pemba Archipelago
Pemba, lying north of Zanzibar is surrounded by exotic coral reefs of every form and description, beautiful smaller islands, deep channels and exotic white sandy beaches. Its interior is very different from the other islands in the region with gentle, undulating hills and deep verdant valleys covered with dense clove, coconut and mango plantations.
The Archipelago is made up of a series of smaller islands enclosing an incredible inner sea with islands, reefs, mangrove creeks and deep-water channels. The beautiful outlying islands off Pemba remain completely untouched, with un- trodden sandy beaches. Some have remote villages, others are uninhabited. Spending time on a yacht in these waters is superb, and you can sometimes have the whole place practically to yourself.
Zanzibar Archipelago
The mere mention of the word evokes a sense of mystery and excitement, of pristine white beaches and colourful markets redolent with the heady aroma of spices that made these islands famous. Whilst being a popular beach destination Zanzibar also offers some wonderful cruising for yacht based charters. Beautiful beaches, gin clear water with an average temperature in the high twenties, year round reliable trade winds all glued together by the incredibly warm Swahili culture makes this a must see destination.
The following is a guideline itinerary only, as we prefer to keep things flexible to match our guests interests and requirements, the mood on the day and optimizing weather and conditions to create the best experience we can.
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Longer charters are available to combine other areas such as Mafia and Pemba Island Archipelago. ​
Ask us for a quote.
You can easily add on a beach resort or a safari to this cruise and then you have a Sail & Safari!
A unique combination, ONLY available here in East Africa!
Day 1 - 3 Mafia Archipelago
Your charter will start at Mafia Island.You will catch a short light aircraft flight from Dar es Salaam to Mafia island, where you will be met and transferred to where the yacht is moored at Kilindoni. We will do a meet and greet at Butiama Beach Lodge, before boarding the yacht.
We will spend a few days exploring the Mafia region. There is lots of things to do here, from swimming with Whale Sharks, snorkeling or scuba diving in the Chole Bay marine reserve, fishing on the outer reefs and islands and enjoying the on board water sports.
On the main island there are also a number of activities and things to do from guided Snorkelling Trip in Chole Bay, trips to Chole Island, visiting Kua Lagoon and historical Ruins, and cultural and village tours, to Sand Bank Picnics, Turtle viewing and Bird Watching Tours.
All these can be booked as optional add on excursions!
Day 3 - 5 Southern Zanzibar / Stone Town
Will will head north to Zanzibar via Latham Island for some world class fishing. In the south of Zanzibar is Menai Bay Conservation Area famous for resident dolphins, and there are a number of small islands, beaches and anchorages to enjoy.
We will stop at Stone Town for a night, so that you can experience this World Heritage Site. Enjoy history tours, narrow streets, food markets, great local restaurants and soak up the unique atmosphere of Stone Town.
If there is time, you also do a Spice Tour or visit The Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, home to the unique red colobus monkey. All these can be booked as optional add on excursions!
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Day 5 - 7 Nungwi & Mnemba Island
From Stone Town we head north via Prison Island and the giant tortoise sanctuary
to Nungwi.
We anchor just 100 meters off the beach.
Nungwi is a vibey place with great beach bars and restaurants and is a popular place for people to enjoy the sunset. There is night life and live music if you want a
change from the quiet of the islands. You can also enjoy, water sports activities such as jet skis or parasailing.
From Nungwi we head north to Mnemba Island Atoll.
This is a breathtaking place, and although the island itself is private and does not allow day visitors on the island, we are allowed to anchor there for the day or
overnight and enjoy the reefs and atolls. Enjoy snorkeling right off the yacht, play
music, enjoy cold drinks and relax.
Day 8 - 11 Pemba Island Archipelago & Misali Island
We head out across the channel to Pemba Island. It is about a 5 hour sail, so we will put the fishing lines out and hope we catch fresh dinner. Pemba is a place that time forgot. There are only 3 lodges in the entire archipelago so you are unlikely to see
any other visitors. There are dozens of remote anchorages, no light pollution no
noise. Its magical.
We will spend time at Misali Island Conservation area. Misali is an uninhabited
island, and offers some of the richest reefs and marine life in the world.
The snorkeling and diving is amazing and is available right off the beach. The island
is also home to the Pemba Flying Fox and to the globally endangered large Coconut Crabs.
In the evenings we will light a fire on the beach and enjoy a beach BBQ and dinner
under the stars.
We return to Nungwi where you will say goodbye and head down to Stone Town airport by for your flight home or onward connection.
Add on a Safari!
