Located on the remote Mafia Island south of the Zanzibar mainland
Butiama Beach is the perfect place to unwind and swim with exciting marine life
Location: Butiama Beach sits on the tranquil west coast of Mafia Island, within the Rufiji Mafia Kilwa Marine Reserve. It’s just 10 minutes from the island’s airstrip and close to the main town of Kilindoni. Much quieter than Zanzibar, Mafia offers a slower pace and a more off-the-beaten-path feel, surrounded by natural beauty and warm coastal waters.
Rooms: The lodge has just 13 comfortable, characterful bungalows, including two family rooms. Each one is individually styled with handmade furniture crafted from old dhow wood, with large verandas and hammocks for watching the world drift by. All rooms are en-suite with mosquito nets, fans and 24-hour electricity. Most face the ocean for sunset views over the Tanzanian mainland.
Amenities: Facilities include a peaceful swimming pool, a small spa for massages, and the laid-back Peku Peku restaurant and beachside Chiringuito bar. The lodge’s on-site shop, The Green Room, sells locally made souvenirs and crafts.
Activities: There’s no shortage of ocean adventures here. You can kayak, snorkel, dive or (from November to March) swim with whale sharks. A guided visit to the WWI lighthouse ruins at the northern tip of the island, followed by a beach picnic at Kanga, is also highly recommended.
Sustainability: Butiama Beach supports marine conservation through its responsible tourism practices. The use of reclaimed materials, support for local artisans, and careful visitor numbers all help preserve Mafia Island’s peaceful, natural environment.
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Best places to stay in Mafia Island
Zanzibar Trip Inspiration
When to go to Zanzibar
Find out the best time to visit Zanzibar with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is dry season in Zanzibar, it is the best time to swim with whale sharks and exploring the isles corals reefs and exotic fish, with water clarity of 25 meters.
February
February is dry season in Zanzibar, it is the best time to swim with whale sharks and exploring the isles corals reefs and exotic fish, with water clarity of 25 meters.
March
In March Zanzibar experiences a period of long rains - showers become more frequent and it can be very wet from the middle of March.
April
The long rains make April a mixed month to travel, as beaches along the Indian Coastline become very hot and wet. Activities like scuba diving take a turn, with water clarity decreasing due to the weather. We would recommend not travelling during this time.
May
Temperatures during May are high, with strong winds and continual rainfall. If you travel during this time you won't witness the best of Zanzibar.
June
June, the wet season is finally over, temperatures are cooler making it a beautiful time to lounge on the beach or explore the culturally rich Stone Town. Sporadic rainfall may occur across the month.
July
Dry season is in full swing, with consistent weather over this period with little wind and low rainfall. Diving is good during July with clarity levels increasing.
August
Dry season is in full swing, with consistent weather over this period with little wind and low rainfall. Diving is good during August with clarity levels increasing as long as the weather remains temperate.
September
Dry season is in full swing, with consistent weather, the added bonus of September is the possibility of whale watching.
October
October is the ideal month for exploring coral reefs and exotic marine life, with water clarity of 25 meters or more it is perfect for any water lovers. The weather remains temperate, with little wind and rainfall.
November
November brings the arrival of the summer rains and winds, but if you're a keen fisherman, billfish season kicks off. Otherwise, it is the best time to swim with the mighty whale shark and to go coral reef diving.
December
The wet season continues in Zanzibar during December. However, it is the best time to swim with whale sharks. Diving is not at its best but visibility is good for exploring the isles corals reefs and exotic fish.
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Alistair
Ottilie
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