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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Alistair
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