Butiama Beach Lodge
Butiama Beach Lodge Is A Small Lodge Set On A Long Sandy Beach On The Western Side Of Mafia Island
Butiama Beach Lodge is a simple little hideaway located near Kilindoni, the main village on Mafia island. Whilst Mafia is better known for its superb diving and whale shark viewing rather than it beaches, Butiama offers the best of both being set under palm trees on a lovely stretch of beach while being a short drive from world class diving on the other side of the island. It is also perfectly placed for whale shark encounters between October and March. The lodge offers a no-fuss, laid-back stay, and is suitable for anyone looking for a casual beach escape to relax and unwind.
Rooms
Accommodation for around 30 guests is provided in 13 spacious makuti-thatched bungalows (this includes two family bungalows). Each bungalow has a large ocean facing furnished terrace (some of the rooms are set back and do not have as expansive a view). En suite facilities include a basin, toilet and shower. The family bungalows comprise two interconnecting rooms with a shared terrace to the front.
Central Areas
The main reception areas are set on the edge of the beach and include a small library and a spacious bar (where light lunches are served), and a few steps away, the restaurant (where breakfast and dinner are taken). There is also a massage ‘banda’ and a lovely swimming pool.
Facilities
Wi-Fi – Yes
Power for Charging – Yes
Swimming Pool – Yes
Habitat and Wildlife
Mafia Island lies to the south of Dar es Salaam (opposite the mouth of the Rufiji River) and is an unspoilt, little visited alternative to Zanzibar. The archipelago is actually made up of four major islands, Mafia itself, Chole, Jiobondo and Juani, and is better known for its fantastic scuba diving and whale shark snorkelling, rather than its beaches. In comparison to Zanzibar, it is extremely poor with little infrastructure aside from the few beach properties.
Most of the diving takes place in the Chole Bay area which is a protected marine park with a good diversity of corals (over 48 genera) and reef fish (some 400 species currently identified). All of Mafia’s reefs are at depths of less than 30 metres, making it a great location for all levels of divers and snorkellers. Diving in the bay area is available in most weather conditions but is better between mid-September and mid-March when the winds are calmer. The Kinasi Pass (6 to 26 metres) is a well-known dive destination a short boat trip away where the sea enters Chole Bay. Other sites within the bay include the Kinasi Wall (8 to 21m) and its extension, the Chole Wall (up to 15 m), the shallow Coral Gardens (also good for snorkelling) and The Pinnacle (up to 24m). Outside the bay, the Dindini Wall, Jina Pass, and the Mange and Kitutia reefs can also be visited.
Between September and August humpback whales can be seen in the waters to the south of Mafia. Between around October/November through to March whale sharks grace the waters off the west coast of Mafia and a number of operators organise boat trips to swim with these gentle giants. Please be aware that there have been instances where operators have not conducted whale shark trips with ethical responsibility to the marine environment – please ensure you are booking with a reputable operator who can offer responsible marine encounters.
Activities
The lodge offers a range of activities including the use of sea kayaks (FOC), as well as snorkelling, dhow sailing, and a selection of motor boats for diving (they do have a PADI dive centre which is located at Chole Bay on the east side of the island) and fishing. From November to March, whale shark sightings are reasonably common and boat trips can be booked to swim with whale sharks. Please do your research before travelling and ensure you book with an operator that can offer a responsible whale shark encounter experience.
Seasons
Butiama Beach Lodge is open from June until March. Late June to October are the driest months to visit so ideal if relaxation is your main priority. The best diving conditions are between mid-September and mid-March when the winds are calmer and the whale shark season is from around October/November until March.
Children of all ages are welcome and there are flexible family rooming options with the two bedroom family bungalow or triple bungalows. The lodge is very relaxed and welcoming for families, but as it’s a small property with the focus on relaxation (or exploring the ocean), those with younger children may be better suited to a resort on Zanzibar with more facilities and activities geared towards children.
Each guest staying at Butiama Beach Lodge pays a daily fee for staying in Mafia Island Marine Park. The establishment of the park has played a crucial role in conserving and sustaining this fragile and biodiverse ecosystem whilst supporting the local economy and enabling local communities to maintain their traditional lifestyle. Conservation work includes research and monitoring, community-led conservation efforts, including the sustainable use of resources, and educational programmes raising awareness about marine conservation for both local communities and visitors.
