Lighthouse

Situated on the northernmost point of the island of Mafia, the lighthouse can be reached by car. It is an exciting journey that takes you right across the island and its changing landscapes. Wide stretches of savannah studded by baobab trees, small seaside villages, bush populated by monkeys and birds climax in a unique view of the open sea.
 
You can go right to the top of the lighthouse, which is still operational, for an all round view of the island. Depending on the wishes of those taking part in a trip to the north of the island, and on the season, more time can be dedicated to the lighthouse and the nearby beaches or a visit to one of the sites en route.

During the less dry seasons, the trip to the lighthouse or Chuwia beach can also include a short visit to places inhabited by an elusive colony of hippopotamuses which are so small that they are known as "dwarf hippo". Their unexplained and unusual presence on the island is said by some to date back to ancient times when the conformation of the Rufiji river delta and the tides made it possible for them to cross the strip of sea separating Mafia from the mainland.

Others claim that their arrival is due to a light-hearted or utilitarian gesture (fresh meat supply) on the part of the Portuguese who were frequent visitors to these coasts several centuries ago. When the small pools where they live dry up, the hippopotamuses move to a zone where you need a good stroke of luck to find them. But the search for the hippo can provide the occasion for a visit to an area of incredible natural beauty reaching as far as the Tumbuyu beach.