Mafia Island

No — the name has no connection to organised crime; its actual etymology is debated among historians, with Arabic or Swahili roots most commonly suggested.

A roughly 30-minute flight from Dar es Salaam to Mafia's grass airstrip at Kilindoni, followed by a road and, for most lodges, a boat transfer.

No — Mafia is administratively part of mainland Tanzania, distinct from semi-autonomous Zanzibar, despite sitting in the same general stretch of the Indian Ocean.

No — they're genuinely frequent in season (October–March) and well-documented by researchers, but this is wildlife, not a scheduled attraction, and no responsible operator should promise a guarantee.

Generally no — Chole Bay's sheltered reef offers calmer, more accessible conditions than Pemba's steep drop-offs, suiting a broader range of experience levels.

Yes — a genuinely significant, little-visited medieval Swahili site, well worth combining with a whale shark or diving day.

Three to five, particularly if a whale shark encounter is a priority — multiple outings meaningfully improve the odds.

Yes, approximately USD 23.60 per person per day for Mafia Island Marine Park, separate from accommodation costs.

It's possible but involves meaningful transfer time and cost between the two — most guests choose one or the other for a single trip.