Kinasi Lodge is a small, private lodge situated in a coconut and cashew plantation facing Chole Bay on Mafia Island. Kinasi provides a high standard of accommodation in separate cottages, each with a large verandah and en-suite bathroom.
The cottages at Kinasi Lodge have been constructed in rendered concrete block, with palm-leaf (makuti) roofs, and concrete foundations and floors. There is all-day mains electricity and hot and cold water supply from three permanent wells on the property. Rooms not air-conditioned but cooled by fans and the large shutter doors and windows.
The following cottages are available:
A suite with upstairs bedroom, air conditioning, stereo, mini-bar and lounge, verandahs and terraces.
A family bungalow with two bedrooms sharing a bathroom (also suitable for triple or two singles).
Eight cottages with very large double beds ten cottages with large single beds (twin/double, as beds can be moved together).
All Kinasi cottages are ensuite with hot water and have ample hanging space, a desk and chair, verandah chairs and table, double chaise (for full relaxation), full-length mirror, ceiling fan for cool air and power outlets in the bathroom for hair dryers and electric shavers. The cottages have walk-in mosquito nets that cover the beds completely, and have been designed for through-ventilation and coolness in all seasons.
The intention has been to create a resort that is relaxing and stylish, with a very personal feel. Kinasi is beautifully furnished with antiques and hand-crafted furniture. The dining room is appointed with crockery and hand-blown glassware made specially for the lodge and there are original works of art by East African artists.
The catering is based on local seafood: fresh fish, prawns, crab, lobster, octopus and calamari, with fresh vegetables and fruit flown from the mainland. Breads, rolls, pizzas and variety of yoghurts, preserves and sauces are all home made from traditional recipes. Seafood barbecues and Swahili cuisine are established Kinasi customs.
Most of all there is tranquility and privacy in beautiful, natural surroundings, and the friendly staff will do their best to look after you with service to your rooms, morning tea and coffee with fresh biscuits and cakes, sundowners and cocktails, delicious food and attention to any requests you may have. Kinasi Lodge started as a private home, and that is how they wish their guests to feel - as if they are in their own home. So enjoy Mafia, with all its activities, the swimming pool, gardens and beach, and the relaxed atmosphere and good company.
Activities at Kinasi Lodge:
Snorkelling and swimming around the islets and beautiful coral shelves of Chole Bay.
Scuba diving on reefs in Chole Bay, on walls outside the Bay and along the south-eastern reefs.
Scuba training to all levels from beginning to advanced and specialised courses.
Light sport fishing (trolling), bottom fishing and beach casting.
Sailing wind-surfers or traditional outrigger ngalawas with local fishermen (there are two windsurfs).
Kayaking in single person action kayaks or double touring kayaks (they have four kayaks).
Daily boat excursions and picnics (combined with snorkelling) to isolated islets and beaches such as Kitutia, Ras Kisimani, Miewe, Mvinje, Marimbani Sand Bar.
Guided excursions to villages on the islands to see traditional village community life and economic activity, such as boat building and farming.
Boat and walking excursion to the ancient ruins of Kua on Juani Island and the water nature trail Road excursions to other parts of Mafia Island, such as Kilindoni, Ras Mbizi Plantation, Baleni Village.
Cycling (there are bikes for guests to use).
Nature walks and bird-watching through mangrove, inter-tidal flats and woodland, and on the reef flats.
Slide shows, are held in the evenings to complement the music centre, novels, magazines and the extensive library of books and articles on marine life, nature, history, archaeology, plants and gardening, design and decoration.
Outdoor games available.
The Pavilion is the reception and entertainment centre, with antique snooker/billiards table, satellite television and video and board games and cards: bao, chess, drafts, backgammon, keram, painting.
There is a swimming pool and private beach at Kinasi. The beach at Kinasi is tidal. Swimming is possible at all times at Utende Beach, about 400 metres from Kinasi along the foreshore.
Fair Trade / Responsible Travel
Kinasi Lodge assists with the development of local handicrafts (clay pots, mats boat models, furniture) and commercial product development (natural honey, smoked fish, calamari, crabs, oysters, seafood pate, marine aquaria specimens).
