Tanzania – Ladies Whale Sharks Expedition

21st – 30th September 2024

TRIP OVERVIEW

10 days

21st – 30th September 2024

TANZANIA: MAFIA ISLAND

Group Size: 9

ADULTS ONLY

Single Room Price: £2595 / **$3375

Twin Room: £2395 / **$3125 – full

Deposit £500 / $640

(We offer a monthly payment plan)

PLEASE NOTE: It is very normal for ladies to join us on their own. We will pair people up accordingly if in a twin room.

**Price in USD is variable depending on the exchange rate

Welcome to Mafia Island, Tanzania!

Mafia Island, island is in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Tanzania, eastern Africa. Just south of Zanzibar. It lies 80 miles (130 km) southeast of Dar es-Salaam. It is home to the largest marine park in Africa and one of the best Islands for spotting whale sharks. This little island has not changed much over the centuries and as you will see on your exploratory trip to East Africa, even today its casual, relaxed atmosphere. 

We invite you to join us on this unique conservation journey of a lifetime! Dive alongside whale sharks on Mafia Island whilst gathering essential data to aid in the research of these magnificent yet endangered ocean giants. We’ll also be involved in educational talks on conservation, beach cleaning activities and setting future objectives, all amidst the stunning and secluded surroundings of the remote Mafia Island in Tanzania.

Embark with us on a 10-day excursion to Mafia Island, a hidden gem off Tanzania’s coast, known for its sun-drenched beauty and unspoiled charm. This island, largely untouched and serene, offers a perfect backdrop for exploring the authentic life of a rural island.

Our primary mission during this trip is to gather information on whale sharks, magnificent creatures that can reach up to 20-metres in length, aiding in their monitoring and preservation. We will have the opportunity to snorkel alongside these gentle giants to collect data or participate from the boat if you’d prefer.

The fusion of the enchanting location, the warm-hearted locals, the array of activities as well as the time spent near these spellbinding creatures culminates in a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience that will stay with you forever.

It’s hard to put into words how special this expedition is! The combination of the location, the activities, and spending time with these giants of the ocean creates a unique experience that you’ll cherish forever.

Conservation

This expedition is a fully immersive, conservation experience. Not only will you contribute to vital research, but we also aim to inspire a deep-seated passion for ocean protection, fuelled by your personal encounters with a variety of marine life and informative lectures on ocean conservation.

Whale sharks are the largest fish on earth and remain largely enigmatic, spending most of their time in deep waters. They are believed to live up to 100 years, but their numbers are in decline due to threats like fishing and pollution. Our goal is to gather data on these sharks to better understand their behaviours and habits.

Almost every day, we’ll venture out on a traditional dhow boat in search of whale sharks. Upon sighting, you’ll join the team to swim and collect data alongside them, including photographing their unique spot patterns, akin to human fingerprints, for individual identification. After data collection, you’re free to swim with them as much as you like – usually we tire out before they do!

Snorkelling is the method we use to swim with the whale sharks, so no diving experience is required. However, as these are wild animals, sightings can never be guaranteed. We schedule the expedition during peak migration season and our extended stay increases the likelihood of encounters, but it’s important to manage expectations as sightings are not assured.

In addition to whale shark research, the program includes lectures and workshops on whale sharks, coral, and broader marine conservation issues. We will also conduct beach clean-ups and learn to monitor and gather data on corals.

AN IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to significant overfishing issues on the island, we serve only vegetarian meals during the trip. We expect participants to support and adhere to this practice.

Itinerary Details

** The itinerary is subject to changes – Whilst we do our best to keep to our planned itinerary, on occasions things do have to be altered.

Rest & Relaxation

Our days begin early on the boats, as this is when the sharks are most active. This means the afternoons afford ample time for relaxing by the pool!

For those who prefer to stay active, there’s a variety of activities to engage in beyond our conservation efforts. Gentle Pilates sessions, workshops on personal goal setting and other group activities will offer plenty of options for any free time.

Midway through the trip, we’ll take a day to explore the other side of the island and visit the marine park for more snorkelling and a trip to a lagoon. Another highlight is our visit to Chole Island, a hidden gem that sees only approximately 200 visitors a year. With no cars on the island, we’ll explore ancient ruin and witness the world’s largest bats, the Flying Foxes.

To cap off this unforgettable experience, our last night will include a sunset cruise and a beach BBQ. After this, our local boat crew will most likely try and persuade you to dance the night away with them at the island’s local ‘club’ – Obviously, you can also retire to bed!

A Typical Day

Our daily routine typically begins with an early morning wake-up Pilates stretch, followed by breakfast on the boat. We’ll spend the mornings, usually until about 12-2pm, either searching for or swimming with the whale sharks. During this time, snacks and water will be available on the boat.

After returning to our hotel for lunch, the afternoons are yours to enjoy the island’s tranquillity. On some days, there will be optional village visits or other excursions.

The time before dinner is perfect for a beach stroll to watch the sunset or participate in a beach clean. Our evenings will consist of a group dinner, followed by either a workshop or a conservation talk.

Accommodation

We will be accommodated at the serene and beautiful Bustani Lodge, exclusively reserved for our group. You will stay in a single en-suite room equipped with air-conditioning, although we encourage the use of natural sea breezes to minimise our environmental impact. All beds are fitted with mosquito nets and the lodge boasts a pool, bar and a relaxation area for your comfort.

It is important to be aware that Mafia Island is a place of poverty and isolation. While we enjoy comfortable lodging, the realisty of life on the islands can be starkly different. Malaria and other diseases are present, so consultation with your GO for preventative measures and necessary vaccinations is essential.

Many island residents live in basic conditions, often in mud huts without running water or electricity. The local Tanzanians are known for their friendly yet reserved demeanor. Engaging with the locals and learning about their distinct lifestyle so different from our own is a valuable aspect of the Mafia experience.

We are committed to ethical practices, ensuring that our local teams are paid fairly and above the average wage. Our presence on the island is designed to positively impact the local economy. If you wish to contribute further, you’re welcome to bring clothes, books, or toys for donation to nearby schools or nurseries. However, we advise against bringing plastic items, as the island already faces challenges with plastic pollution.

Meet Your Host – Becky Angell

Leading this expedition is Becky Angell. Becky joined the Wild Hearted team last year and is very excited to be leading the Whale Shark Expedition.

Becky, also known as, ‘Becky the Traveller’ has been travelling for the last 15+ years. She’s done a range of solo adventures and group trips to some epic destinations including New Zealand, the Galapagos Islands, Iceland and Nepal.

She has a passion for nature, the outdoors and wildlife and has been lucky enough to have incredible experiences during her travels. From volunteering at an Orangatang sanctuary in Borneo, trekking with the Wild Mountain Goraillas in Uganda to more recently seeing a Sloth give birth whilst in Costa Rica.

Becky is a qualified UK Mountain Leader, so she can often be found hiking in the Peak District and further afield. She also works with groups of young adults on their expeditions for their Duke of Edinburgh Awards, which she finds incredibly rewarding.

In her spare time, you’ll find her mostly outdoors, hiking or running, but she also has a passion for DIY and has recently converted a van into a campervan for more adventures. One thing about Becky is that she won’t let an opportunity pass her by, if you ask her to do the craziest of things, she’ll probably say Yes!

The Whale Shark Expedition is designed to be as all-inclusive as possible, offering great value as most of the essentials are covered in the cost. There are limited spending opportunities on the island and items like souvenirs and drinks are inexpensive.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

9 nights of private accommodation at Bustani Lodge

All meals, from dinner on your arrival day, to breakfast on your departure day (all meals are vegetarian to reduce our carbon footprint and avoid contributing to animal mistreatment or overfishing)

Transfers between Mafia airport and our lodge

Services of an experienced expedition leader 

A local support crew, with fair wages guaranteed for all our local team members

A private boat for whale shark swimming and data collection

All Marine Park and whale swimming fees

Snorkel and fin hire for the entire duration of your stay

Personal development workshops, Pilates sessions and conservation workshops

Additional activities, including a day trip to snorkel in the marine park, visits to Chole Island and the Blue Lagoon, and lunch on a sandbank

A beach BBQ and sunset cruise on the last night

Offsetting of your international flights (equivalent of a round trip from London to Mafia Island)

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

Whilst the Whale Shark Expedition includes most essentials, there are some costs that you will need to cover separately. These include:

International flights to Dar Es Salaam

Internal round-trip flight from Dar Es Salaam to main airstrip at Kilindoni, Mafia Island, estimated at around USD $300

Visas / Electronic Travel Autorisation

All items of a personal nature 

Travel Insurance – compulsory

Additional drinks and snack outside of mealtimes

Vaccinations

Activities not listed in the itinerary. This primarily includes diving opportunities or the option to add a safari package on the mainland before returning home. Details Coming soon.

Tips for the local staff. It’s customary to tip the whale shark boat crew and the hotel team. There is a suggested amount of $60 – $100 for each

Souvenirs. Shopping options are limited, but a visit to the local fabric shop is possible, where a local tailor can create a tote or toiletry bags as unique mementos

Optional donations for the local school, nursery, or medical centre. Please avoid bringing plastic toys and be mindful of your luggage weight allowance

For all additional expenses, including tips, food and drinks, a budget of GBP £200 – £300 should be sufficient.

** The itinerary is subject to changes – Whilst we do our best to keep to our planned itinerary, on occasions things do have to be altered.


INSPIRED VENTURES
OUR PARTNERS ON THE GROUND

INSPIRED VENTURES – OUR PARTNERS ON THE GROUND

Your trip will be operated in partnership with Inspired Ventures, a UK B-Corp challenge and events company who are the principal for your trip. This ensures the booking process, licenses, bonding and insurances are taken care of in accordance with UK law, your funds are secure and your trip is fully risk assessed before we depart.  Wild Hearted Adventures benefits from ABTOT bonding – ABTOT Number 5285.

PLEASE TAKE OUT TRAVEL INSURANCE AT THE TIME OF BOOKING AND NOTE THAT DEPOSITS ARE NON REFUNDABLE

The full booking conditions for this trip can be found here.

See you in Tanzania!

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