The Ras Mkumbi Lighthouse, built around 1894, is a functioning landmark (🎟️10,000 TZS) at the northern tip of Mafia Island, offering panoramic views of the island and ocean. It’s located in a historically significant area of the island, which has been a crucial stop for traders and seafarers for centuries. The Germans built it following their assumption of control over the island in the late 19th century. The lighthouse is a remnant of this German colonial presence, which also included the construction of other buildings on Chole Island. Following Germany’s defeat in World War I, Britain took control of Mafia Island in 1915; however, the lighthouse remained a functional navigational aid during this period until the present day.
