Kinasi Lodge is the oldest and largest lodge on Mafia Island, having opened in 1995 as the first of its kind on the island. Named after the Kinasi Pass — the main channel that leads from Chole Bay out into the Indian Ocean — the lodge occupies a hillside position in an old cashew and coconut plantation overlooking Chole Bay within the Mafia Island Marine Park. It is consistently regarded as the best all-round property on Mafia for the combination of facilities, beach quality, guiding expertise, and value for money. The lodge’s owners have an established passion for Mafia’s marine environment: the dive centre is one of the most experienced on the island, the whale shark excursions are run with strong best-practice protocols, and the kitchen is celebrated for its fresh cooking using local produce.
Fifteen thatched cottages — individually named after countries involved in the Indian Ocean trade (India, Portugal, France, Britain, China, and others) — are distributed across the hillside in two categories: seven Sea Front Cottages (closer to the water) and seven Garden Sea View Cottages (slightly elevated, garden outlook). Two family rooms accommodate up to six guests each. All cottages have bright Swahili-Arabic decor, polished stone floors, high thatched roofs, fans, hot water, and en-suite bathrooms. A large pool, wine cellar, Thai spa, watersports centre (kayaks, windsurfs, dive boats), and an elegant dining room with East African art complete the amenity offer.
Mafia Island Airport (MFA) serves the island with scheduled flights from Dar es Salaam (approximately 35 minutes) and charter connections from Zanzibar (approximately 45 minutes) and Nyerere National Park. The lodge arranges road transfers from the airport. There are no direct flights from Nairobi; connecting via Dar es Salaam is the standard route.
Note: Mafia Island Marine Park fees (approximately $24 per person per day) are charged locally on arrival and payable by credit card.
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