Kinasi Lodge
Mafia Island
Accommodation
Kinasi Lodge offers 15 thatched cottages with private verandas are set amidst a delightful palm garden. The Sea Front Rooms, as the name suggests, are located closer to the water than the Garden Seaview Rooms; all double rooms are otherwise more or less identical, with stone floors and thatched roofs. There is one two-bedroom family room with shared bathroom and a slightly larger two-storey family bungalow for 5 to 6 people (Owner's Suite).
Guests are invited to simply relax, read or sunbathe on the comfortable loungers set out by the swimming pool. There is a small beach to the front of the lodge. Kinasi's main bar and dining area, shop and lounge sit in the centre of the immaculately maintained gardens at an elevated position providing great views of the ocean and the swimming pool area below.
Location
From the airport at Kilindoni, it's roughly a 30-minute drive across the island to Kinasi Lodge. You will stop at the gate for Mafia Marine Park on route to pay the park fees; these must be paid locally and by credit card (cash not accepted).
With views of Chole Island opposite, Kinasi Lodge is situated close to Chole Bay on the southeast coast of Mafia Island. It is only a five-minute walk to its neighbour Pole Pole, and 15 minutes by boat to Chole Mjini on Chole Island.
Wildlife
Mafia Island Marine Park was the very first marine park in Tanzania. The aquatic and island biodiversity is rich and varied and includes whale shark, dolphin and monkey, bush pig, large palm and baobab.
Mafia is a paradise for divers and snorkelers and offers the chance of seeing whale shark. Great snorkeling is available at all times. SCUBA diving is best after the tradewinds switch in September or October. Turtle hatchings peak earlier in June /July but there are still a few nests to visit throughout the year. The whale shark season runs from the beginning of October to February, sometimes up to March. The rainy season starts mid March.
Activities
Used for excursions, diving and fishing, Kinasi owns several boats and features an on-site, fully equipped PADI dive centre. Kayaks and windsurfing equipment are also available for use. A visit to the spa is recommended for those who like things a little less active. The spa's three rooms offer a variety of treatments, including a Thai massage.
Good to know
The water can receide quite far from the beach at low tide. This is normal at most places in the archipelago.
Kinasi Lodge on the map
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