Cheap Flights to Mafia Island

Flights to Mafia Island at a glance

Traveling to Mafia Island is a breeze; you can select from various airlines, including both full-service and budget options. Compare travel times and choose the flight to Mafia Island that best aligns with your budget and itinerary for exploring the island's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airport near Mafia Island: Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR)
• Flights per week: 210+ flights arriving at Mafia Island airport
• Number of airlines that fly to Mafia Island: around 20+ carriers

Popular airport near Mafia Island

Mafia Island is a stunning destination known for its beautiful beaches and outdoor adventures, perfect for those seeking a getaway. This charming island city is conveniently served by Mafia Island Airport, along with several alternative airports nearby, making travel planning a breeze.

• Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR): Situated in Dar es Salaam, approximately 78 miles from Mafia Island, this airport facilitates both domestic and international travel. It connects travelers to around three domestic cities and 25 international destinations, with the option to upgrade to business class for enhanced service, depending on the airline and route. Key airlines operating from this airport include Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and PrecisionAir.

Top routes to Mafia Island

• Nairobi (NBO) to Mafia Island (DAR), with one-way airfare from around $140
• Zanzibar (ZNZ) to Mafia Island (DAR), with one-way airfare from around $40
• New York (JFK) to Mafia Island (DAR), with one-way flights starting at around $450
• Johannesburg (JNB) to Mafia Island (DAR), with one-way airfare from around $210
• Washington (IAD) to Mafia Island (DAR), with one-way fares starting at around $450

Cheapest routes to Mafia Island

• Zanzibar (ZNZ) to Mafia Island (DAR), with affordable one-way prices from around $40
• Kilimanjaro (JRO) to Mafia Island (DAR), with budget one-way fares from around $55
• Arusha (ARK) to Mafia Island (DAR), with low one-way fares from around $75
• Mombasa (MBA) to Mafia Island (DAR), with low one-way fares from around $130
• Nairobi (NBO) to Mafia Island (DAR), with affordable one-way prices from around $140

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Mafia Island

• Kenya Airways: Operating flights to Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), Kenya Airways represents roughly 27% of arrivals to Mafia Island. The average one-way ticket price is around $380, with options for premium service including business class depending on the specific route.
• Ethiopian Airlines: With routes to Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), Ethiopian Airlines accounts for about 14% of arrivals to Mafia Island. Passengers can expect an average one-way fare of about $490.
• PrecisionAir: Serving Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), PrecisionAir makes up nearly 9% of arrivals to Mafia Island. The typical one-way fare is approximately $100.
• Turkish Airlines: Providing service to Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), Turkish Airlines contributes around 8% of arrivals to Mafia Island. Average one-way fares are about $760, with premium cabin options available, including business class depending on the route.
• FlexFlight: Operating flights to Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), FlexFlight accounts for roughly 5% of arrivals to Mafia Island, offering an average one-way fare of about $190.

Best time to fly to Mafia Island

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Mafia Island are January, February, and March, when peak temperatures in Mafia Island can reach up to 82°F in March. If you prefer quieter travel, consider November, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 80.6°F. For better deals, January usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $375, roughly 17% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? March, April, and February offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $383 to $412, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Mafia Island

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Mafia Island is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our Mafia Island hotel and flight deals.
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Mafia Island flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Mafia Island

Mafia Island welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Mafia Island efficiently:

• Public transportation: From Julius Nyerere International Airport, Dar Es Salaam Central Station, a train station, is located about 7.3 miles away by car, while Dar es Salaam Seaport, a seaport, is approximately 7.6 miles away by car, and Zanzibar Ferry Terminal, a ferry terminal, is about 7.8 miles away by car, providing convenient options for onward travel.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Mafia Island, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Mafia Island is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Mafia Island on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay in and around Mafia Island

• Chole Island: A serene getaway, Chole Island is known for its tranquil atmosphere and stunning natural beauty. Located 9 miles drive away from Mafia Island, this charming island offers visitors a chance to explore local culture and enjoy picturesque views. With its lush landscapes and inviting waters, Chole Island is perfect for those seeking relaxation and a taste of island life.
• Baleni: Nestled in the area of Mafia Island, Baleni is a quaint village that embodies the essence of local Tanzanian life. Visitors can immerse themselves in the authentic culture, enjoying traditional cuisine and warm hospitality. Baleni is an ideal spot for travelers looking to connect with the community and experience the slower pace of island living.
• Thanda Island: Known for its exclusivity and luxury, Thanda Island is located 12 miles away from Mafia Island. This upscale destination is perfect for those seeking a more lavish experience. With breathtaking beaches and crystal-clear waters, visitors can indulge in a range of activities, from snorkeling to relaxation on pristine sands. Thanda Island is a haven for those looking to unwind in an idyllic setting.

Tips for short-haul flights to Mafia Island

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—when flying with budget airlines, it's often more economical to travel with just a carry-on. Maximize your space by using travel-sized toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and coordinating your outfits efficiently. This also allows you to bypass the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment options. Download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time and consider bringing a book to keep yourself engaged. Be sure to fully charge your devices before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it's advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to departure, taking into account traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Mafia Island

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for long flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines often provide free seat selection once online check-in opens, which typically occurs 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may allow you to select your seat even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—make sure to get to the airport at least 3 hours before departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you find yourself with extra time, explore the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin to sync your body clock by changing your watch and adapting your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Aim to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time at your arrival destination to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Mafia Island

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Mafia Island on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

is the cheapest month to fly to Mafia Island. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Mafia Island. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Mafia Island, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Mafia Island

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Mafia Island in 2026 starts from , while one-way tickets start from . Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Mafia Island. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Mafia Island

are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Mafia Island. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Mafia Island and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Mafia Island, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Mafia Island. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Mafia Island plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Mafia Island

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Mafia Island.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Mafia Island are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Mafia Island. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Mafia Island for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Mafia Island. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Mafia Island flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Mafia Island. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.