Mange Sand Bank lies in the southern reaches of the Mafia Island archipelago, exposed only when the tide pulls back. The bank forms a small, elongated patch of dazzling white sand surrounded by shallow, reef-filled water.
We offer full-day outing because the crossing takes time and because the sandbank’s usable window depends on tidal timing. When the sand sits high and wide, you have a private island to walk, sunbathe, and snorkel from; when the tide returns, the bank disappears beneath clear blue water. Plan with that rhythm in mind.
Mange Sandbank sits inside Mafia Island Marine Park, south of Chole Bay. It appears at low tide as a small white sandbar encircled by clear reefs, ideal for snorkeling. Trips usually run as full-day outings by dhow with a simple beach barbecue on the sandbank. It is a Mafia Archipelago experience rather than Zanzibar
Clear, nearshore snorkeling
The reef around Mange hosts healthy coral and abundant reef fish. Because the sandbank sits inside a marine park area, marine life tends to appear healthy and curious, so your snorkel time feels abundant and photogenic. Guides usually time the first snorkel before the sandbank picnic so you experience the best underwater clarity.
A private sandbank for sun, photos, and calm
Few places give you an isolated whiteness that looks like it floats on the ocean. Mange’s sand appears as a clean stage that photographers love and that groups use for barefoot lunches, simple ceremonies, or relaxed swims. The sandbank’s small size keeps the experience intimate.
A long day at sea with marine variety
Trips to Mange typically combine snorkel stops, reef checks, and a shaded barbecue on the sandbank. Because the bank lies well into the archipelago, you get a real sea day: time to watch seabirds, a chance at whale or dolphin sightings during transit, and a slow return as the sun lowers. That range makes Mange more than a single stop; it becomes a paced marine day.
Mange’s single most important scheduling factor is the tide. The sandbank only appears at low tide, and boats time departures to arrive during the visible window. For calm seas and best visibility pick a morning launch; early starts raise the odds of glassy water for snorkeling and of the sand bank being exposed when you arrive.
The dry season months, particularly June through October, usually offer the steadiest conditions for a long, predictable sea day. Book your trip with tide tables in mind and ask the operator to confirm the low tide window the day before departure.
If you travel between December and March you can still expect warm water and good visibility, but festive weeks may mean more boats on popular routes. The long rains around April and May bring greener seas and fewer visitors, which can be a plus if you want solitude and accept occasional short showers.
Mange Sand Bank sits off the south of Chole Bay inside the Mafia Island Marine Park. The bank lies within Mafia’s southern archipelago, which gives it a sense of remoteness compared with day-trip sandbanks closer to Unguja. The trip from Mafia Island’s main jetties into the southern reefs commonly runs one to two hours by boat depending on departure point and sea state.
Most visitors reach Mange from Mafia Island’s Utende or Kilindoni jetties. If you are based in Zanzibar, expect a longer travel day by private boat or yacht; many operators include the bank as part of a dedicated Mafia day trip or as a leg in a multi-day island cruise.
From Mafia Island the usual pattern is a motor boat or traditional dhow transfer arranged by local dive shops, lodges, or tour companies. Because the crossing moves into more open sea, choose an operator with solid safety standards and a confident local skipper.
If you plan the transfer from Zanzibar, some yacht charters and longer crossings combine overnight sailing with fishing or whale checks en route. Confirm sea time, departure and return jetties, and expected fuel or landing surcharges when you book.
On the sandbank you walk. Expect shallow, warm water for most of the exposed area. Boats anchor a short swim off the bank, and crews often set a shaded area for lunch with umbrellas or a small tent.
For the broader day you travel by motorboat or dhow between snorkel sites, and your captain steers according to tide and reef conditions. If your trip includes other islands or reefs, operators group snorkeling stops so you do not rush the sandbank window.
Mange itself has no accommodation. You base on Mafia Island if you want a single-day excursion, or you bring Mange into a longer yacht or liveaboard plan if you prefer overnight sea travel. Mafia’s lodges and dive camps in Kilindoni and Utende provide sensible bases for day trips.
If you want proximity, choose a lodge that arranges early launches and that understands tide timing for the southern archipelago. For highest comfort, some visitors charter a private boat and spend a night offshore in a yacht cabin before a full day at the sandbank.
How long is the boat ride to Mange Sand Bank?
From Mafia jetties expect roughly one to two hours depending on the departure point and sea state.
Is Mange Sand Bank a day trip or an overnight option?
Mostly a full-day trip. Mange has no accommodation, though you can include it in a multi-day yacht cruise.
Will I be able to swim with turtles or see large fish?
Yes. The surrounding reefs are rich and sightings of turtles and colorful reef fish are common on snorkel stops, though sightings can never be guaranteed.
When is the sandbank exposed?
Only at low tide. Your operator times arrivals for the low-tide window to give you the widest possible sand area.
Is Mange suitable for non-swimmers?
Yes if you stay on the sandbank and use a life vest for any snorkeling. Tell your guide your comfort level so they assign shallow snorkel sites and provide flotation as needed.
What should I bring for the day?
A snug mask, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, refillable water bottle, dry bag, light lunch if not provided, and motion-sickness medicine if you need it.
Can I book a private sandbank lunch?
Yes with many local operators or private charters. Expect an added fee for private service and confirm whether shade and seating are included.
Is Mange protected under Mafia Marine Park rules?
Yes. The bank and surrounding reefs fall within the marine-managed areas of the archipelago, and operators follow park rules to reduce impact.
Stay in Zanzibar, relax on sugar-white beaches, then fly to Serengeti or Nyerere for big cats, returning to sunset dhows and spice markets; you enjoy safari action with beach downtime with the experts.
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