Mafia Island is one of the five sleepy, tropical islands which are clustered together in the Indian Ocean, known as the Mafia Archipelago. They are a 30-60-minute flight from Dar es Salaam and, compared with Zanzibar, are relatively little known – yet if you are seeking an undisturbed beach holiday, they are well worth considering.

On arriving at Mafia's tiny airport it is clear that the pace of life is slow here. Recently paved roads lead through the otherwise sandy-laned, one-street capital of Kilindoni, then give way to friendly farming and fishing villages. On the coast you'll find mangrove forests, a few short stretches of golden beach and a brilliant turquoise sea. Sleepy dhows float between the islands.

All five islands of the archipelago – Mafia, Jibondo, Juani, Chole and Bwejuu – have lush vegetation and wildlife, with coconut palms, baobabs, cashews, mangos and papaya trees in the interior. These forests are home to bushbabies, wild pigs, blue duikers, genets, vervet monkeys and Pteropus fruit bats, or flying foxes. On the coast, mangrove forests and tidal flats attract endless sea birds. It’s worth noting that due to the tide, seaweed can wash up on shore and so the beaches are not as pristine as some parts of the Indian Ocean.