6 days Mafia to kilwa dhow Cruise

Day 1: Day 01: Mafia Island → Nyuni Island
Approx. Sailing Time: 6–8 Hours
Begin the adventure from Mafia Island and sail south towards Nyuni Island.

The journey itself is part of the experience, with opportunities to enjoy the ocean, spot marine life, fish, swim and stop at suitable sandbanks or small islands depending on sea and weather conditions.
Arrive at Nyuni Island and enjoy a relaxed island evening.
Overnight: Nyuni Island – Lodge / Guesthouse / Island Camp
Experience: Dhow sailing • Swimming • Fishing • Island exploration • Sunset.
Day 2: Day 02: Nyuni Island → Kilwa Kivinje
Approx. Sailing Time: 5–7 Hours
After breakfast, continue the journey from Nyuni towards the Kilwa coastal area.
Upon arrival, settle into Kilwa Kivinje, a historic Swahili coastal town known for its old architecture, traditional streets, fishing culture and historic remains.

Enjoy an afternoon Kilwa Kivinje village walk, visiting the harbour, local fishing areas, old Swahili houses and historic streets.
Overnight: Kilwa Kivinje – Lodge / Guesthouse

Experience: Coastal sailing • Kilwa Kivinje village walk • Fishing community • Swahili culture • Sunset.
Day 3: Kilwa Historical Island Expedition
Full-Day Excursion
Today is dedicated to exploring the remarkable historical heritage of the Kilwa area.

Travel by local boat from the Kilwa area to Kilwa Kisiwani, the historic island that was once one of the great trading cities of the Swahili Coast.
Explore the Great Mosque, Husuni Kubwa, the Portuguese Fort, old settlements and other coral-stone ruins.Continue to Songo Mnara, another important historic island known for its ancient mosques, palace complex and residential ruins.

Return to the Kilwa Kivinje area in the evening.
Overnight: Kilwa Kivinje – Lodge / Guesthouse
Experience: Kilwa Kisiwani • Songo Mnara • Ancient ruins • Swahili history • Island exploration • Cultural experience • Photography.
Day 4: Day 04: Kilwa → Coastal Island Expedition
Approx. Sailing Time: 6–8+ Hours

After breakfast, leave Kilwa Kivinje and begin the true dhow expedition.

From this point, there is no fixed hotel-to-hotel transfer. We spend the day sailing through the Indian Ocean, exploring selected smaller islands, reefs, beaches, sandbanks and coastal areas along the route back towards Mafia.

The exact camping location will depend on wind, tides, sea conditions and the safest route.
Arrive at a selected island or beach and set up camp.
Enjoy dinner, sunset and an evening under the stars.

Overnight: Beach / Island Camp
Experience: Long-distance dhow sailing • Island hopping • Swimming • Snorkeling • Fishing • Sandbanks • Beach picnic • Sunset • Stargazing
Day 5: Day 05: Coastal Camp → Nyuni Island

Approx. Sailing Time: 7–9 Hours
Wake up beside the Indian Ocean and continue the return expedition towards Nyuni Island.

This is another substantial day on the dhow. Rather than travelling directly, selected stops can be made at beautiful islands, reefs, sandbanks and coastal locations when conditions allow.
Enjoy the final major island-hopping experience before reaching Nyuni.
Arrive at Nyuni Island and spend the evening relaxing after the long cruise.
Overnight: Nyuni Island – Lodge / Guesthouse / Island Camp

Experience: Long-distance sailing • Island hopping • Snorkeling • Swimming • Fishing • Marine-life viewing • Sandbank exploration • Sunset.
Day 6: Day 06: Nyuni Island → Mafia Island

Approx. Sailing Time: 6–8 Hours
After breakfast, begin the final leg of the expedition from Nyuni Island back to Mafia Island.
Enjoy the open-ocean cruise and, depending on conditions, make one final swimming, snorkeling or fishing stop along the way.

Arrive back in Mafia Island, completing the 6-day Mafia–Kilwa Dhow Expedition.
End of Adventure: Mafia Island
Experience: Final dhow cruise • Ocean views • Swimming • Snorkeling • Fishing • Arrival in Mafia

• Passport & ID
• Swimwear & Sandals
• Reef-Safe Sunscreen
• Hat & Sunglasses
• Light & Comfortable Clothes
• Underwater Camera
• Insect Repellent
• Personal Medication
• Personal Toiletries
• Power Bank
• Waterproof Bag
• Reusable Water Bottle
• Small Personal Backpack
• Light Sleeping Clothes

IMPORTANT NOTE

Sailing times are approximate and may vary depending on wind, tides, sea conditions and the chosen sailing route. Camping locations and intermediate island stops may also change to ensure the safest and most enjoyable experience.

The journey is part of the adventure.

 Dhow Cruise – Mafia ↔ Kilwa

• 5 Nights Accommodation
• 2 Nights Lodge / Guesthouse in Kilwa Kivinje
• 1 Night Nyuni Island
• 1 Night Coastal / Island Camping
• 1 Night Nyuni Island on Return
• Camping Tents & Basic Camping Equipment
• Kilwa Kisiwani Historical Tour
• Songo Mnara Historical Tour
• Kilwa Kivinje Village & Cultural Walk
• Island Hopping
• Snorkeling Equipment
• Swimming & Sandbank Experiences
• Traditional Fishing Experience
• Guided Historical & Cultural Excursions
• Selected Meals
• Drinking Water During the Expedition
• Experienced Dhow Crew
• Local Guides
• Beach / Island Picnic Experience
• Sunset & Stargazing Experiences

Discover the soul of Mafia Island. Book your cultural experience now.

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