Butiama Beach: Our full report

Butiama Beach is a new lodge on Mafia Island, which only opened in June 2010. Although none of the Expert Africa team have had the chance to visit this lodge yet, we have met the management team before and hope that they will do a very good job.

Butiama Beach is situated on the west coast of the island, off the main village of Kilindoni, outside the marine park boundaries.

They have 7 spacious bungalows (including two “family rooms" with two bedrooms) which face the ocean. They all have large terraces with a hammock and lounge area and are freshly decorated with colourful kikois and old dhow furniture.

Butiama Beach is aiming for a casual and relaxed atmosphere which caters for couples, friends or families. They want to offer both a peaceful place to unwind from their safari, and a place for the more active who may want to dive, snorkel and swim with whalesharks (between December and March)..

The main areas include a bar - Chiringuito - which is set on the edge of the beach, overlooking the sea. There is also a small library with board games, pool table and local games of bao.

Butiama Beach has sea kayaks, snorkelling gear, motor boats and fishing tackle as well as traditional dhows. They also have our own PADI dive centre where they take guests scuba diving to the beautiful reefs of the Mafia Island Marine Park. Those who wish to, can also indulge in some spa treatments in their newly built massage 'banda'.

For meals, Butiama Beach serves simple lunches from an à la carte menu. Breakfast and dinner are served in the restaurant which is set a short distance from the bar and also has a view of the ocean.

From the long white sandy beach, you can walk in one direction up to Kilindoni village and visit the markets, or on the other side, to a creek to seek out a variety of birds and small monkeys.

Ask for the latest details on this brand new lodge.

Geographics

Location: Mafia Island, Tanzania

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Dangerous animals: Low Risk