Mafia Island Lodge

Zanzibar & the Coast

Rating: Simple

Mafia Island Lodge overview

Mafia Island Lodge is on the south coast of tiny Mafia Island in the Indian Ocean. This island is the largest of a small archipelago in the Indian Ocean and is a real tropical island paradise.
There are 34 rooms in standard and superior categories, including 2 larger suites designed for families. They are shaded by tall coconut palms and overlook Chole Bay to one side and the garden on the other. All are self-contained with en-suite bathrooms with 24 hour hot and cold running water. Rooms are cooled by air-conditioning and ceiling fans and have private verandas. The family suites have 2 bedrooms and a shared bathroom and can sleep up to 5 people.
The main lodge has a large open-sided restaurant with a lounge area and a bar. There is an additional beach bar which serves light meals as well as drinks. You can relax here with a cocktail, watching the sunset over the ocean. This is also a great place for a romantic candle-lit dinner.
You can enjoy some wonderful snorkelling and diving here and there is a PADI dive centre next door to the lodge. You can explore beautiful coral reefs and see shoals of colourful fish. The lodge has a dhow so you can set sail to other beaches, sandbanks and islands. Deep sea fishing is available and there are opportunities for walking and cycling on dry land. There are some ancient ruins in the island which date back to the 15th century and make an interesting excursion.

details

Open: Mafia Island Lodge is open from the beginning of June to the end of March.

Location: The lodge is on an attractive sandy beach on the south coast of Mafia Island in Chole Bay. It is 20 minute drive from the island’s main town, Kilindoni, also the site of the airstrip.

Rooms: There are 18 standard rooms, 14 superior rooms and 2 family suites. These last have 2 bedrooms and a shared bathroom and can accommodate a maximum of 5 people each. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, mosquito nets and private verandas.

Activities: You can go snorkelling and diving. There is a PADI dive centre next to the hotel which arranges excursions. Other water-based activities include dhow cruises and deep sea fishing. There are nature trails and trips to places of interest, including 15th century ruins, can be organised.

Facilities: The communal area houses the lounge, dining area and bar. This is a large building constructed of wood and thatch with a high ceiling from which you have fine views of the gardens. Breakfast is a buffet-style meal while lunch and dinner and set menus. Food is continental with a high proportion of seafood. The beach bar serves snacks and light meals. The lodge provides sunbeds and sunshades on the beach. There is a gift shop and a laundry service. A safe is available at reception.

Dining: Meals are taken at individual tables.

Children: Children of all ages are welcome.

Health: This is a malarial area.

Communication: There is a good mobile signal. There is no Wi-Fi internet access.