Built with natural materials and overlooking a beautiful bay
A comfortable base from which to explore the natural beauty of the Mafia Archipelago
Location: Perched above Chole Bay on Mafia Island’s southeast coast, Kinasi Lodge offers sweeping views over the water and nearby islands. Originally built as a family home, it’s a welcoming, low-key hideaway. The design blends African, Moroccan and Italian influences, all wrapped in traditional palm thatching and surrounded by tropical gardens.
Rooms: There are just 14 cottages, each spaced for privacy and designed to catch the ocean breeze. Inside, you’ll find hand-crafted furniture, king-sized beds, en-suite bathrooms and elevated wooden verandas for peaceful lounging. Rooms are simple but elegant, with a warm, personal touch that reflects the lodge’s origins.
Amenities: Dining is a highlight – particularly for seafood lovers – with Swahili-influenced menus featuring fresh lobster, octopus, prawns and more. There’s a freshwater swimming pool with sun loungers and a spa offering massage and beauty treatments for an added dose of indulgence.
Activities: Kinasi is ideal for divers, with an on-site PADI dive centre offering trips to the spectacular reefs of Mafia Island Marine Park. Guests can also try windsurfing, kayaking or sailing, or opt for a gentler day relaxing on the beach or exploring the bay by boat.
Sustainability: Kinasi Lodge works closely with the marine park to support reef protection and sustainable tourism. By staying here, guests help fund conservation efforts and contribute to the local economy through community-focused initiatives and employment.
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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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