Located on the south coast, Basecamp Mafia Island Eco Resort (formerly Mafia Island Lodge) stands amidst tall palms on a sandy beach in Chole Bay, in the heart of the marine park.
The Basecamp Mafia Island Eco Resort sits amongst tropical gardens and stretches towards Utende Beach on the south coast of Mafia Island. The resort offers accommodations to suit every traveller. Choose from 14 garden view rooms, ocean view rooms, or spacious superior air-conditioned rooms, all set in the stunning surroundings of Mafia Island, Tanzania. Bustani garden view rooms feature queen-size beds and overlook lush Tanzanian gardens. If you prefer the sound of waves, Bahari ocean-view rooms offer breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. Finally, Superior Fahari rooms, 35-40 square metres, provide ocean views, direct garden access, and extra comfort—perfect for families or those who like more space.
The main lodge has a relaxing atmosphere with a large open restaurant with a pool table and lounge bar area. Activities and facilities include table tennis, volleyball, snorkelling, sailing, nature trails and small gift shop. After an exciting day scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean, unwind by the swimming pool with panoramic ocean views. Relax with a refreshing drink and soak up the tropical sun. For total relaxation, visit the spa at Basecamp Mafia Island and enjoy authentic Tanzanian treatments to rejuvenate your body and mind. Whether you're exploring tropical gardens, diving vibrant reefs, or enjoying a peaceful massage, Basecamp Mafia Island blends adventure and relaxation perfectly.
The Basecamp’s open-air restaurant serves a delicious buffet breakfast and international dishes, focusing on Italian cuisine made with fresh Tanzanian ingredients. On the beach, lounge on handcrafted sunbeds under umbrellas for ultimate comfort. The beach bar offers snacks, drinks, and cocktails by the water, while the dive centre is ready to start your next scuba adventure. WiFi is available in hotspot areas to keep you connected in paradise.
The hottest time to travel is from October to March and the coolest, from July to September. The lodge is closed annually in May during the rainy season. This is a great choice for those looking to unwind and get away from the world. It's possible to twin centre a stay here with a few days on safari in the Selous Game Reserve.
Travel to the lodge is a 35 minute light aircraft flight from the mainland and a 20 minute drive on arrival to Mafia island.
Located on the beachfront, this PADI 5-star dive centre offers shore and boat diving as well as a wide range of courses, available in several languages.
Daily boat dives, from a traditional Dhow, operate to the sheltered, shallow waters of Chole Bay. Here, divers can enjoy some of the richest reefs in the world with a fascinating variety of hard and soft corals and diversity of tropical fish. It's a photographer's dream at the nearby shore sites of Nudi City and Frogfish Town where you can expect to see seahorse, ghost pipefish, rays, octopus, gunards and all kinds of critters living on the bommies, soft corals and sandy seabed. Larger marine life can be found at Kinasi Pass with its resident grouper, rays and schools of colourful fish found by its pinnacle, which resembles a chicken.
Outside the Bay, there are diving opportunities along Dindini and Juani walls where experienced divers can observe sharks and turtles cruising by. If conditions allow, it's possible to take a day trip to Southern Sandbanks where plenty of fish and rays can be seen on its gentle sloping reefs.
The average water temperature is 26C, visibility up to 30m and the best months for diving are September through to March. This is a fantastic choice for groups. Snorkellers are welcome.
A week exploring the vibrant reefs of Chole Bay in the heart of a marine park. The marine highlight is undoubtedly the annual whale shark aggregation where small males can be seen feeding in the channel. Find Out More about Dive Mafia Island
A sleepy backwater and remnant of the old Swahili coast, Mafia Island is reminiscent of the Zanzibar of thirty years ago. Chole Bay’s clear waters offer wonderful snorkelling, sailing and swimming, while outside the bay are some of the richest reefs in the world. Find Out More about {acc:title}
