7-Day Whale Shark Season Escape (Oct–Mar)

Overview

Slow, soulful island time with three chances to meet whale sharks (Oct–Mar) near Kilindoni, plus calm Chole Bay snorkeling, a tide-dependent sandbank day, and a visit to Chole Island. Based around Mafia Island Marine Park with easy access from Dar es Salaam.
Access: Fly DAR → Mafia (MFA) ~30–45 min; transfer to Utende/Chole Bay. Whale shark outings run early morning and are sea/tide dependent; sightings are natural and never guaranteed.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Mafia Island → Utende / Chole Bay

  • Meet & greet at MFA; private transfer to your lodge near Chole Bay.

  • Beach time and trip briefing.

  • Dinner and overnight.

  • Early transfer to Kilindoni for a respectful whale shark search with briefings on approach and in-water etiquette (mask, fins, spotter included).

  • Return by late morning; afternoon at leisure.

  • Dinner and overnight.

  • Guided snorkeling inside Chole Bay over coral gardens and seagrass meadows.

  • Afternoon visit to Chole Island for culture, baobabs, and sunset views.

  • Dinner and overnight.

  • Second whale shark outing from Kilindoni.

  • Tide-permitting sandbank trip with snorkeling and beach picnic.

  • Dinner and overnight.

  • Choose relaxed reef snorkels or opt for Discover Scuba / guided dives (extra; operator/conditions dependent).

  • Free afternoon to unwind at the lodge.

  • Dinner and overnight.

  • Third whale shark opportunity (buffer/backup for weather/sightings).

  • Or choose mangrove kayak and a sunset dhow (extra).

  • Farewell dinner and overnight.

  • Swim, breakfast, and check-out.

  • Private transfer to MFA Airport.
    If you dived on Day 5/6, observe recommended no-fly time.

  • 6 nights accommodation near Chole Bay (HB or FB per selection)

  • Private airport ↔ lodge transfers on Mafia

  • 2–3 whale shark boat excursions (spotter crew, guide, mask & fins, safety briefing)

  • Chole Bay snorkeling trip (boat, guide, mask & fins)

  • Sandbank picnic (tide/season permitting)

  • Chole Island visit (community fees included)

  • Marine Park entry fee(s) on Chole Bay activities

  • Bottled drinking water during tours + government taxes/VAT

  • Flights to/from Mafia (MFA)

  • Optional activities: scuba diving, Discover Scuba, night snorkel/dive, mangrove kayak, sunset dhow

  • Whale shark conservation/registration fee (if applied by local operator)

  • Drinks not specified, laundry, and personal expenses

  • Tips & gratuities

  • Travel insurance and any services not listed as included

safari booking

Safari Booking