About Kinasi Lodge
Kinasi opened its doors in 1996 on a quiet beach on Mafia Island overlooking Chole Bay, within the Mafia ...
... Island Marine Park. The lodge is named after the Kinasi Pass, which is the main channel leading out of Chole Bay into the Indian Ocean.
Kinasi's atmosphere hovers between small lodge and resort. With only 15 rooms it strives to maintain a personal feel, yet it has a very large pool, a serious spa and extensive gardens. Having such close access to Chole Bay is another big plus and it’s one of the more cost-effective options in this area. We would like to see a little more environmental awareness, but when we last visited we thought that there was a convivial and relaxing atmosphere, with clearly a number of repeat guests.
Our view
Kinasi's atmosphere hovers between small lodge and resort. With only 15 rooms it strives to maintain a personal feel, yet it has a very large pool, a serious spa and extensive gardens. Having such close access to Chole Bay is another big plus and it’s one of the more cost-effective options in this area. We would like to see a little more environmental awareness, but when we last visited we thought that there was a convivial and relaxing atmosphere, with clearly a number of repeat guests.
Accommodation
15 rooms
Children
Best for 8+
Open
Closed in April and May
Activities
Boat trip
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports
Traveller reviews of Kinasi Lodge
11 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 7 Oct 2019, 3 nights
"Wonderful location"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 7 Aug 2011, 4 nights
"Not quite what we hoped"
Overall rating: Average
Arrived 7 Aug 2011, 6 nights
"Kinasi Lodge review"
Overall rating: Average
Arrived 25 Dec 2010, 2 nights
"Kinasi Lodge review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 22 Nov 2008, 5 nights
"An unspoilt corner of East Africa"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 8 Aug 2008, 7 nights
"Kinasi Lodge review"
Overall rating: Average
Arrived 26 Jul 2008, 6 nights
"Kinasi Lodge"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 27 Dec 2007, 3 nights
"Kinasi Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 12 Nov 2007, 6 nights
"Kinasi Lodge review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 7 Nov 2007, 4 nights
"Kinasi Lodge review"
Overall rating: Average























Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the holidays. See our 47 pictures of Kinasi Lodge to get the candid view.
View galleryKinasi Lodge: Our full report
Kinasi opened its doors in 1996 on a quiet beach on Mafia Island overlooking Chole Bay, within the Mafia ...
... Island Marine Park. The lodge is named after the Kinasi Pass, which is the main channel leading out of Chole Bay into the Indian Ocean.
On arrival at Kinasi, you are usually greeted with a drink in the reception. This area, which is furnished with comfortable chairs, is also where you'll find the best Wi-fi, and a satellite TV usually on a sports channel. It's a great spot to keep older children entertained in the evenings.
Beyond Kinasi's reception, concrete paths lead through immaculately maintained gardens, to the main bar and dining area, shop and lounge. The modest-sized swimming pool is down a flight of steps, and the beach is beyond that.
The main bar area is in a spacious, open-sided thatched building – with plenty of sofas and chairs – which joins onto the dining area. Both share the same elements of Swahili/Arab design, including a bright colour scheme and lots of handmade dark-wood furniture. That said, the terracotta tiles on the floors are slightly reminiscent of a villa in Italy.
The 15 rooms at Kinasi are mostly very similar in build and style: they are all named after countries involved in Indian Ocean trade, and are brightly painted detatched cottages, with stone floors and iron roofs. There are variations in layout and design, however this has little impact on the feel of the rooms. It simply means that some are better than others for converting into triples: ask us for details. Two of them are family rooms: one with two doubles sharing a bathroom and one with space for 5 or 6 people in two-storey se-tup. In all of them, you'll find bright colours, Swahili furniture and high, thatched roofs. There's no air-conditioning at Kinasi, but the location catches the breeze, and all the rooms have fans.
One key variation in the cottages at Kinasi is that not all have a view of the sea: the Garden view suites are set slightly back, and look out onto the short, green lawns and gardens – while the Sea-front rooms have a direct view of the sea, and are usually closer to it. There is a small differential in the cost between these rooms.
Although Kinasi is fairly small and personal, with only 15 rooms, it has the facilities that you might expect of a larger place. As well as the pool, there's a well-equipped water-sports centre, with windsurfs and kayaks and a full PADI-accredited dive-centre.
You can borrow kayaks and windsurfers free of charge from the water-sports centre, down on the beach, and there is a rate-sheet for any other activities. Kinasi has its own PADI dive centre, or if you fancy a 10-minute walk down the beach there is also another water-sports centre nearby. The lodge owns a game-fishing boat and two other boats.
One of Kinasi's most spectacular features is the spa. This beautiful and tranquil place is run by a professional therapists from Thailand. It includes a number of different treatment rooms, as well as a large Turkish bath – all of it carefully tiled and decorated. There is quite an array of treatments on offer here, making it easy to while away the hours indulging yourself.
If you have the energy, it's well worthwhile heading out to explore something of Mafia Island, as it can be charming and is very unspoilt. You can go out on a village walk, or borrow a mountain bike to meet the people in the neighbouring villages.
Kinasi also has a large and well-stocked gift shop, with a variety of carvings, jewellery and clothing.
Geographics
- Location
- Mafia Island, Tanzania
- Ideal length of stay
- We'd recommend three nights or more but many guests stay longer.
- Directions
- 14 kms from the airport – this is about a 15-minute drive.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Half Board
- Food quality
- When we last stayed Kinasi we thought the food was tasty and fresh – incorporating lots of spices and flavour to a variety of dishes. Expect plenty of seafood and fresh fish, as well as meat and vegetarian dishes – and plenty of it. Vegetarians and children can be catered for with prior notice.
Breakfast is a relaxed affair – and timings are flexible. Though generally breakfast is served between 7.30 and 10am. There is usually a buffet with fresh bread, cereals and fruit – as well as a cooked breakfast on request.
Lunch is then served between midday and 2.30pm – often down by the swimming pool, although if it is windy it will probably be in the main restaurant. You will usually find a number of international style dishes on offer to chose from, ranging from lighter salads to a heavier main dish.
Dinner is usually at 7.30 in the evening – though timings for this are flexible. It's a slightly more formal affair than lunch, and usually in the main restaurant, consisting of three courses, followed by coffee or tea. Weenjoyed an avocado and prawn salad, followed by fish pie with a coconut and spinach stir-fry, and tiramisu to finish. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- You can eat on the beach, by the pool or on your room terrace.
- Drinks included
- Drinks are not included, and start at around $18 for a bottle of wine and $2.50 for a beer. Kinasi has a well stocked wine cellar. Drinks are signed for at the end of each day.
Special interests
- Diving & snorkelling
- Within the Mafia Island Marine Park – Kinasi offers great diving and snorkelling. Snorkelling trips inside Chole Bay usually cost $25, and take you out to a quiet and sheltered reef with an abundance of coral and fish. Diving can either be inside or outside the bay.
- See ideas for Diving & snorkelling in Tanzania
- Wellbeing
- For a small beach lodge, Kinasi has an impressive spa, run by two professional therapists from Thailand. There are several different treatment rooms and a large, tiled Turkish Bath.
- See ideas for Wellbeing in Tanzania
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Kinasi welcome children of all ages.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no age restrictions at Kinasi.
- Special activities & services
- Kinsai can organize babysitting on request – though they will need a bit of notice to provide this. Note that baby-sitters are likely to be willing staff, and not child-minders trained to European or American standards.
- Equipment
- There are baby cots available.
- Generally recommended for children
- Yes, but the atmosphere here is generally adult-oriented, so screaming isn't appreciated.
- Notes
- Family rooms are available here.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- There's a backup generator and British style 3-pin sockets in all the rooms.
- Communications
- Kinasi has intermittent mobile phone reception around the lodge and there is also Wi-Fi in the main central areas.
- TV & radio
- There is DSTV available in the main reception.
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- Bottled water is supplied.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- The water sports team are trained in first aid – for more serious cases Kinasi would call upon the flying doctor.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- There are guards night and day around Kinasi
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in the main areas and some of the staff are fire-trained.
Activities
Boat trip
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is an extra Charge – usually between $1 – 4 per item. It's hand washed and machine-dried.
- Money
- Kinasi cannot offer any currency exchange facilities. There are lock boxes in each room.
- Accepted payment on location
- You can settle your account with Kinasi using cash in most major currencies. Visa, Amex or Mastercard have a 5% surcharge if you want a cash advance.
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Kinasi Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Kinasi Lodge.
Excursions from Kinasi Lodge
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Kinasi Lodge. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.

Snorkelling with Whale Sharks
Half day
A whale shark snorkelling trip off Mafia Island, Tanzania, is an unforgettable experience, offering a chance to swim alongside the world’s largest fish in crystal-clear waters. Mafia Island is one of the best places in the world to encounter whale sharks, especially between October and March, when these gentle giants gather in the warm, plankton-rich waters near the island.
More about Snorkelling with Whale SharksOther lodges in Mafia Island
Alternative places to stay in this same area.

Pole Pole
Pole Pole is a small, quiet beach lodge on Mafia. It's comfortable, almost luxurious, and has a great range of activities.

Chole Mjini
Chole Mjini is one of Tanzania's most environmentally aware lodges. With tree-houses, superb diving and a fantastic location on the rural island of Chole, this is ideal if you want to get back to nature.

Butiama Beach
Situated just west of Kilondoni, the main town on Mafia, Butiama Beach is a simple beach lodge with friendly managers and a laid back vibe.

Shamba Kilole
Shamba Kilole is a charming Italian-owned eco-lodge on the coast of Mafia Island, with simple rooms and friendly owner-managers.

Thanda Island
Thanda Island is a high-end private island destination that caters to just one group of travellers at a time.
When to go to Mafia Island
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Kinasi Lodge in Mafia Island
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Tanzania in January
January usually marks the start of the short dry season, although the exact timings of this are a little unpredictable. You can expect clear blue skies and sunshine, if the short rains have stopped, and the temperatures will be building. The short dry season is a little less pronounced in Southern Tanzania, and so it can still be wet in these areas. It is an interesting time for avians as resident birds go into breeding plumage and migrant species can be present.
Once the New Year busy period has quietened down, January can offer great value and quieter parks, although the weather can be variable, and in the Selous and Ruaha the wildlife is more dispersed.
- Variable weather: clear & dry or cloudy with some rain.
- Occasional thunderstorms may occur.
- A good time of year for birding as and many migrant species are around
- The wildebeest migration is gathering in the southern Serengeti.
- Busy in early January, quietening down through the month.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in January
Tanzania in February
February is during the short dry season and is one of the hottest months in Tanzania, with temperatures reaching around 33°Celsius. This can be a good time to visit, as some areas of the Northern Circuit are comparatively quieter than during the European summer months, and lodge rates are also a little lower.
The wildebeest will typically be on the southern plains of the Serengeti for their calving season, which tends to occur in a 2-3 week window in early-mid February – although this does vary year on year. This is also a particularly rewarding time for birdlife, as northern hemisphere migrants join the resident species.
- Hot and dry weather.
- Wildebeest migration calving on Serengeti’s southern plains.
- Ngorongoro Crater and southern Serengeti busy for the migration.
- Selous and Ruaha are typically quiet at this time.
- The parks are likely to be lush and green, leading to pretty landscape
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in February
Tanzania in March
The heavier ‘long rains’ start in earnest in March although exactly when varies year on year. With no need to stay close to permanent water sources, migratory wildlife disperses, and so game viewing starts to become more challenging. This is most prominently seen in Tarangire National Park. The wildebeest migration may still be calving, or have moved on into the central regions of the Serengeti.
Many of the camps in the southern parks close mid March and mobile tented camps in the Serengeti will wind down towards the end of the month in order to move location or carry out refurbishments, ready for the new tourist season.
- Hot with building humidity, before the rains begin at some point.
- Wildlife viewing is variable depending on the start of the rains.
- Parks are quiet and rates are low.
- Not great for southern or western Tanzania.
- March can be a good time for birding, with many migrant species.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in March
Tanzania in April
April is in the middle of the long rainy season and is the wettest month, with on average 250mm of rain. Temperatures are fairly high and humid in comparison to the rest of the year. Expect the bush to be lush and flowering, and alive with insects, birds and smaller animals. It is however also dense, allowing wildlife to hide, which in turn makes game viewing harder. This is a very quiet time in terms of visitor numbers.
Many of the tented camps are closed in April, however the larger lodges remain open. The rates are significantly cheaper, and so if you are willing to work harder to spot the bigger game, some accommodation bargains can be had.
- Heavy rain expected, with impressive thunderstorms and lightning.
- Many camps closed and roads impassable due to ground conditions.
- Rates are at their lowest all year round, with very few other tourists
- Places that are open are green and vibrant, wildlife more dispersed.
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in April
Tanzania in May
As Tanzania is close to the equator there is no dramatic difference in climate throughout the year, but temperatures do start to drop a little in May. The rains are likely to still be present, although potentially clearing towards the end of the month. Visitor numbers and lodge rates are still low. The wildebeest migration is making its way through the western regions of the Serengeti, crossing the Grumeti River.
Virtually all camps in southern Tanzania remain closed, and many of the roads and tracks in the Selous become impassable.
- Heavy rains and storms are likely, this can create some dramatic skies
- Blissfully quiet in northern Tanzania, and a good time to avoid crowds
- The parks are likely to look lush and green, with long grass.
- Wildlife is likely to be more dispersed, with fewer sightings.
- The low prices make safaris much more affordable at this time.
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in May
Tanzania in June
The rains come to an end at some point during the month and migratory wildlife begins to be drawn back to perennial water sources as the land starts to dry up. It’s likely that the parks will still be quite green and the grass high though, so walking and fly-camping may be unlikely. This marks the start of the season with camps reopening, but prices are still more affordable than the subsequent months.
The migration may still be in the Western Corridor, or on the move northwards towards the Mara River. Western Tanzania presents more challenging conditions for chimpanzee trekking in Mahale National Park, as the chimps are higher in the mountains.
- Variable weather: clear & dry or cloudy with some rain.
- A transitory time for the migration – moving from west to north.
- The parks may still be quite green, and grasses high.
- Wildlife may be dispersed still.
- Relatively low visitor numbers and good value, shoulder season prices.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in June
Tanzania in July
July is considered to be the start of the peak season, with no rainfall expected and pleasant daytime temperatures. As the parks dry, the wildlife congregates in fewer areas, grass is eaten and trampled by the migration, and game viewing gets better and better. The wildebeest are typically arriving in the northern Serengeti, ready to begin their period of crossings of the Mara River.
In the Selous and Ruaha wildlife sightings can be fantastic, with animals gathering around the lakes and rivers. Great conditions and school holidays mean the parks are at their busiest, with Ngorongoro and the Serengeti particularly crowded.
- Dry and warm daytimes, chilly and windy in the mornings and evenings.
- Great wildlife viewing, as water sources diminish.
- The most popular time of year with very high visitor numbers.
- Prices are at their highest due to the great conditions on the ground.
- To avoid the crowds consider Tanzania’s southern parks.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in July
Tanzania in August
August is the middle of the long dry season, with clear skies and sunny weather. You can expect some cooler weather at night and first thing in the morning. Remember to pack layered clothing, so you can wrap up warm on your early morning game drives, but remain comfortable as it heats up throughout the day.
August is a very popular time to visit, so accommodation prices are at their highest and advanced booking is necessary. It can get noticeably busier in some of the northern parks – in particular the Ngorongoro Crater and northern Serengeti, as visitors flock to the area in hope of witnessing an exciting migration river crossing.
- Dry and warm daytimes, chilly in the early mornings and evenings.
- General wildlife viewing should be excellent.
- An exciting time of year for the wildebeest migration.
- Certain areas will be very busy and camps fill up fast.
- Great wildlife sightings in the Selous and Ruaha, and fewer people.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Tanzania in September
September can be an excellent time of year to visit Tanzania. As the parks continue to dry up the wildlife becomes increasingly reliant on the remaining water sources, leading to high densities of animals. Whilst early September can be busy, with fewer families traveling at this time the parks typically become quieter as the month goes on.
You are still likely to see the wildebeest migration in the northern Serengeti, with river crossings occurring on a regular basis. Tanzania’s southern parks are also fantastic at this time of year, generally receiving far fewer visitors than the north, and wildlife sightings can be great. Prices remain high and the weather generally remains good.
- Wildlife viewing in September can be fantastic.
- Whilst still fairly busy, often the parks are typically a little quiet
- The parks will start to become very dry, with little new vegetation
- Cooler mornings and evenings, warming up during the day.
- Prices remain high.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Tanzania in October
At the tail end of the dry season, the wildlife should be the easiest to spot, although photographers should be aware that it can be a bit dusty at this time of year, as there has been no rain for several months. Great general wildlife viewing throughout as animals are attracted to remaining sources of water. Elephant numbers are particularly high at this time in Tarangire, and Mahale and Katavi are especially rewarding with frequent wildlife sightings close to camp.
There is a chance of rainfall towards the end of the month, if the short rains commence. While prices remain high, visitors numbers are significantly lower than in July-August.
- Mostly dry and temperatures comfortably warm, with the chance of storm
- Great game viewing although the landscape can be a bit barren.
- Much lower visitor numbers than the earlier months.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Tanzania in November
In November you can expect the start of the short rains, although the start date varies every year. The rains are highly localised, and are much lighter and more unpredictable than the long rains that occur earlier in the year. These should not really interfere with your safari – as the game viewing at this time is still good - but you should pack a waterproof jacket and be prepared for some short rain showers!
The majority of tented camps remain open, but some of the mobile camps in Northern Tanzania will close for the latter half on the month. Given the seasonality, camps are charging shoulder season rates so there are often some bargains to be had. Early November can offer great value for money and the weather conditions are likely to be comparable to late October.
- Variable weather: clear & dry or cloudy with some rain.
- Parks are comparatively quiet and prices at the lower end.
- Some camps will close towards the end of the month for maintenance.
- Good wildlife sightings, but animals will disperse when rain starts
- The wildebeest migration is on the move and the location unpredictable
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Tanzania in December
December is also during the short rainy period, but this does not stop Tanzania being a popular destination to spend the festive period. Be aware that many of the lodges book up early, and charge peak rates over this time. Advanced booking is essential over this period, especially if travelling in larger family groups.
Travelling in December outside of the festive period allows travellers to make use of excellent shoulder season rates. Temperatures are pleasant with the averages of 27Celsius, although there is the chance of intermittent thunderstorms.
- Variable weather:clear & dry or cloudy with some rain and thunderstorm
- Good general game viewing in parks with low seasonality - Serengeti.
- Very quiet early in the month, becoming exceptionally busy.
- Prices reflect this – great value rising to the highest they are.
- The wildlife in southern Tanzania is more dispersed.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December

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