Where to stay in Mafia Island?

Mafia Island, a small Tanzanian island located in the Indian Ocean is a little paradise for all travelers to the search for tranquility and beautiful landscapes. 

Contrary to what some may think, Mafia Island is not part of the Zanzibar Archipelago. The locals say that Mafia Island is what Zanzibar was 10-20 years ago. 

Mafia Island is therefore a heavenly place to come and spend a few days of vacation away from the tourist crowds of Zanzibar.

 

Pretty wild beach at Mafia Island

I had the chance to pass 10 days on the island of Mafia at the end of May and this little getaway was my heart stroke ! There are many activities to do in Mafia, believe me, you will not be bored!

Mafia Island is a small island, still remaining very wild in certain places. To find a housing there is mainly two villages:

  • Kilindoni : which is the "capital" of Mafia and which is located on the southwest coast
  • Utend : which is the second largest village located on the South East coast. This village is located inside the Mafia marine reserve.

Note that compared to Zanzibar, there are fewer accommodation options on Mafia Island.

 

 

Where to stay in Kilindoni on Mafia Island?

 

Kilindoni is here " capital From Mafia Island. It's about biggest village but it is also here that are located airport and port. Therefore, when you arrive on the island, whether by boat or by plane, you arrive in this village

About the activities taking place from Kilindoni, there is in particular the famous excursion to swim with whale sharks. This tourist activity is probably one of the best known on this island. 

Also, from Kilindoni, you have the possibility de to rent of Bicycle or one motorcycle (boda-boda) for the day to go and visit the island independently. 

 

 

 

A number of hotels can therefore be found in Kilindoni.

 

Where to stay in Kilindoni in Mafia on a small budget (5 € to 30 € per night)?

 

For solo travelers or those with a tight budget, you have the possibility to stay in one of these hotels: 

Hotels Price 1 pers./night Price 2 pers./night Hotel rating
Kilindoni Sea Views Bungalows Approx. 11 € for private room Approx. 30 € for private room 8/10
Mgeni Homestay Approx. 6 € for private room Approx. 6 € for private room 9.5/10
Ibiza Inn Approx. 27 € for private room Approx. 30 € for private room 8.5/10

 

Where to stay in Kilindoni in Mafia on an average budget (30 € to less than 100 €)?

 

If you want to treat yourself while staying in a correct budget, I suggest the following hotels:

Hotels Price 2 pers./night Hotel rating
Afro Beach Bungalows Mafia Approx. 44 € 8.7/10
Juani beach bungalows Approx. 54 € 8.8/10
Bustani B&B Approx. 94 € 8.9/10
Blue Ocean Lodge 3 * Approx. 94 €  

 

Where to stay in Utende on Mafia Island?

 

The second possibility for you who come to visit the island of Mafia, you can go to stay in one of the hotels located in Utend.

Utend and the starting point for most excursions de snorkeling as well as diving around Mafia. Also, other excursions are possible from Utende in order to go visit the small islands located a few kilometers from Utende.

Be aware that Utende is located inside the maritime reserve by Mafia which spans 820km2 in the south of Mafia Island. It also means that entry into this national reserve is chargeable. Indeed, you have to pay approximately US $ 23 for 24 hours in this reserve. Therefore, being aware that these entry fees of US $ 23 is to be added to the price of the accommodation. 

 

Where to stay in Utende à Mafia on a small budget (5 € to 30 € per night)?

 

For budget, I recommend one of the following hotels:

Hotels Price 1 pers./night Price 2 pers./night Hotel rating
Mangrove Beach Bungalows Approx. 18 € for private room Approx. 24 € for private room 8.9/9
Big Blue Diving Resort Approx. 28 € for a tent Approx. 50 € for tent 8.9/10
Mafia Neptune Villa Approx. 15 € for private room Approx. 16 € for private room  
New Utende Hostel Approx. 20 € for private room Approx. 25 € for private room 7.6/10

 

Where to stay in Utende à Mafia on an average budget (30 € to less than 100 €)?

 

Travelers with a higher budget can indulge themselves by choosing one of these hotels:

Hotels Price 2 pers./night Hotel rating
Mafia Kivulini Lodge Approx. 66 € 9.7/10
Merementa Lodge Approx. 53 € 9/10

 

Where to stay in Utende à Mafia on a big budget (over 100 €)?

 

Finally, the tourists with the most big money will be able to afford luxurious services in one of these magnificent hotels:

Hotels Price 2 pers./night Hotel rating
Kinasi Lodge 4 * Approx. 315 € 9/10
Mafia Island Lodge Approx. 182 €

7.8/10

 

 

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