Mafia is a sleepy untouched retreat from the real world, and a slice of the old Swahili Coast, where people go about their lives simply and traditionally. It is part of Spice Islands, but is governed from the mainland. It is a cluster of one main island – 48 km long and numerous tiny ones, and is now the site of the largest marine park in the Indian Ocean, with fine corals. Photo by: booniekathrin

For a small island like this one, the sea rules. Every imagine form of boat is crafted locally – from large ocean going dhows to smaller masha or fishing boats or canoes. The main way of life is fishing and the waters are rich for both fishermen and divers. Coconuts and cashews are key cash crops, but the price of coconuts on the world markets has fallen in recent years and fishing has become more commercially viable. Photo by: booniekathrin

Mafia is also emerged as the striking raffia mats that the women of the island weave, often plaiting as they stroll along. This is an under-developed place, and the infrastructure is very poor – there is only electricity around the main tourist areas and very few houses have running water. Most locals get around on foot or bicycle. Photo by: DirectorUzi

Mafia has seen Portuguese, German and British occupation and this history has resulted in shifting mixed population. Photo by: booniekathrin

When to go: July to October and December to March. Population: 40,801. How to get there: Small aircraft from Dar es Salaam or by road from Dar es Salaam to Kisiju and then boat to Mafia. Photo by: wayne bremser