This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Skip to main content

Talk to an expert 1-800-242-2434 Lines open now

User menu
Shamba Kilole
Shamba Kilole

About Shamba Kilole

This Italian, owner-run eco-lodge on the east side of Mafia offers very pleasant, simple accommodation with ...

... excellent cooking and wonderful diving opportunities with the owner. Located in an old farming district of Mafia’s main eastern settlement of Utende, Shamba Kilole is set a little back from the coast in wooded grounds filled with birds.

We very much enjoyed our stay at Shamba Kilole. The rural Italian-farm atmosphere is very appealing; their environmental credentials are excellent; and the owners are delightful company and very helpful. While the accommodation is too simple to appeal to luxury-seekers, and they have no immediate beach on their own property, this is the perfect spot for an affordable post-safari sojourn on Mafia, and the diving was memorable. If you are looking for something a little different, with a strong eco and community focus, this is an excellent choice.

Our view

We very much enjoyed our stay at Shamba Kilole. The rural Italian-farm atmosphere is very appealing; their environmental credentials are excellent; and the owners are delightful company and very helpful. While the accommodation is too simple to appeal to luxury-seekers, and they have no immediate beach on their own property, this is the perfect spot for an affordable post-safari sojourn on Mafia, and the diving was memorable. If you are looking for something a little different, with a strong eco and community focus, this is an excellent choice.

Jessica Plumb

Jessica Plumb

Tanzania expert

Accommodation

6 rooms

Children

Children would be fine here.

Open

June to the end of Easter.

Activities

Boat trip

Boat trip

Scuba-diving

Scuba-diving

Snorkelling

Snorkelling

Shamba Kilole: Our full report

This Italian, owner-run eco-lodge on the east side of Mafia offers very pleasant, simple accommodation with ...

... excellent cooking and wonderful diving opportunities with the owner. Located in an old farming district of Mafia’s main eastern settlement of Utende, Shamba Kilole is set a little back from the coast in wooded grounds filled with birds.

There’s a charming atmosphere at Shamba Kilole that really does feel like an Italian farmstay (shamba means farm in Swahili). With just three rooms and three slightly larger suites, it’s extremely low-key and personal.

The owners, Francesca and Marco, are strongly committed to running it on sustainable lines, including using as little energy as possible for all their needs. Part of the property is run as an organic produce farm and their animals include three cows and a donkey, not to mention four friendly dogs and two cats.

The three rooms at Shamba Kilole – Mmakonde, Mvuvi and Cherehani – are on the landward side and each occupies 38 square metres (about 400 sq ft). They include a double or twin beds and a walk-in bathroom which is an extension of the bedroom, with a dividing wall. It’s all very clean and functional, with a washbasin and walk-in shower, clean towels and basic toiletries.

The three suites at Shamba Kilole – Harusi (the usual honeymoon suite as it’s furthest away), Bahati and Raha – are on the seaward side of the property, so they have a bit more of a view and slightly better prospects of a breeze. These rooms are slightly larger, at around 48 square metres (about 500 sq ft), and more attention has gone into their décor and furnishings.

Activities usually revolve around dives and snorkelling trips, and Marco, who is one of Mafia’s most experienced and respected divers (having opened up many of today’s dive sites in decades past) still sometimes joins guests. On a previous stay we were collected from Chole ‘port’ and enjoyed two drift dives on a rising tide over the course of the morning on the eastern side of Chole bay.

The lodge has a 400m jogging route – Marco runs it every morning.

A full list of excursions and activities is posted in the room notes - and in our gallery of pictures.

Geographics

Location
Mafia Island, Tanzania
Ideal length of stay
4-5 nights would be good.
Directions
Shamba Kilole is a 15-30 minute drive from the airport on Mafia.
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board
Food quality
When we last visited we unfortunately didn't have time to dine. However, on a previous stay, we though the food was excellent - tasty, creative and colourful. Lunch included octopus and grilled squid, with a crunchy salad of mixed veg. Dinner started with crab sauce tagliatelle (perfectly al dente pasta, followed by a breaded white fish of unknown name served with succulent aubergine. And a pineapple pudding to finish.
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Guests dine in different areas every evening - in the boma, under the gazebo or by the pool. Early evening, guests gather to have a pre-dinner drink in the lounge and discuss the day's activities, and what they plan to do the next day.
Drinks included
Drinks are extra and rather expensive, relative to the general cost of the lodge. Prices are around $6 for a local beer, $5 for a glass of house wine and $3 for a soda.

Special interests

Diving & snorkelling
Shamba Kilole has its own motorised sailing dhow, set-up for diving, and equally good if you just want to get to some choice snorkelling spots. Marco, the co-owner of the lodge, has been diving the waters off Mafia for decades and knows them inside out.
See ideas for Diving & snorkelling in Tanzania

Children

Attitude towards children
Welcoming
Property’s age restrictions
None.
Special activities & services
None.
Equipment
Guests are encouraged to bring child equipment if they feel it is necessary. The lodge has some bunk beds with sides.

Communications

Power supply notes
They have a very quiet generator as backup.
Communications
The lodge gets mobile signal and there's Wi-fi in the bar/restaurant area.
TV & radio
There's no TV here, and in fact little in the way of machinery.
Water supply
Borehole
Water supply notes
The farm's borehole water is good, and it's boiled and chilled before use. The swimming pool and toilet water is purified by phyto-purification.

Sustainability

Shamba Kilole sustainability

Planning for a better future

Sprawled across five hectares of the old farming district of Mafia’s Utende, the abundant trees and wildlife require great care, one that grew into a sense of responsibility for the team at Shamba Kilole.

Shamba Kilole has become the first eco-lodge in the Mafia Island to prove its commitment to the environment through various simple-steps such as safe disposal of waste, avoiding pollution and adhering to the proposed mitigation measures. The use of solar panels reduces harmful air pollution tremendously, such as destructive carbon dioxide and methane emissions.

Shamba Kilole has been planning responsibly and follows established national social and environmental safeguard policies as well as developing their own Environmental and Safety Policy and Awareness Program. One particular goal of the program is to raise awareness about protecting the surrounding waters, reminding guests to “take only pictures, and leave only bubbles!” when scuba-diving. The initiatives of Shamba Kilohe contribute to creating a low-impact diving commitment which has won a PADI Green Star Award on low-impact ocean activities.

Going forward, Shamba Kilole ensures consistent consultation with sponsors including local communities, particularly in case of any development or changes as regards to implementation of our project plan activities.

See more great sustainability projects in Tanzania

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
First aid kits are available, and Marco and Francesca have had paramedic training.
Dangerous animals
Low Risk
Security measures
There are day and night askaris (watchmen) and their dogs.
Fire safety
They have fire extinguishers and yearly training.

Activities

  • Boat trip

    Boat trip

  • Scuba-diving

    Scuba-diving

  • Snorkelling

    Snorkelling

Extras

Disabled access
On Request
Laundry facilities
Hand-washed laundry is included in the rate.
Money
There's a lock-up box in each room with a power socket inside - a smart touch, though a little fiddly to access.
Accepted payment on location
While cash is best (most major currencies are accepted) they can also take Visa, MasterCard and Amex with a 3.5% surcharge.

Plan and book your trip with Expert Africa

All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you.
Talk to an Expert and let us plan and arrange your perfect trip.


Talk to an Expert

Call or email us now!
We’ll match you with the Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you. Then together we can start planning your trip.

Set up your itinerary

Based on our experience and your ideas, your specialist will create a detailed, costed itinerary. We’ll refine it together, until we have a trip that you’re perfectly happy with.

Prepare for your trip

The same Specialist will make the seamless arrangements for your trip, send you detailed travel documents, and be available to answer any questions before you depart.

Travel with peace of mind

After you set off, you’ll be cared for by our partners in Africa, most of whom have worked with Expert Africa for decades. And if you ever need us urgently, we’re available 24/7.

When you return

We love to learn about your trip, and so will always be grateful if you’ve the time to give feedback to your Specialist when you return.

Shamba Kilole's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Shamba Kilole.


Excursions from Shamba Kilole

Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Shamba Kilole. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.


Snorkelling with Whale Sharks

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 Sharks

Other lodges in Mafia Island

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


Pole Pole

Pole Pole

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


94% (103 reviews)
Chole Mjini Lodge

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.


95% (30 reviews)
Butiama Beach

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.


95% (11 reviews)
Kinasi Lodge

Kinasi Lodge

Kinasi is a small, personal beach lodge on Mafia Island that has the features of a larger hotel, including a large pool and spa.


82% (11 reviews)
Thanda Island

Thanda Island

Thanda Island is a high-end private island destination that caters to just one group of travellers at a time.


No reviews yet

When to go to Mafia Island

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Shamba Kilole 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 27Celsius, 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

Inspire me

Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?

Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure

Inspire me

Login to Expert Africa

Login or create an account below.

Forgotten your details?

Enter your email address and we'll send you a link to re-set your password.

Create wish-lists, send enquiries, make and manage your safari bookings, and more...

It's free & quick to set up

Benefits from creating an account.

  • Save your wish-list
  • Send us an enquiry
  • Pay online and manage your trip
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Give us feedback on your trip
  • Enhanced features

Need some help? Talk to our team
Africa