Kinasi Lodge

Kinasi Lodge is a small but stylish lodge located towards the south of Mafia Island in Tanzania. It is situated on Chole Bay, in the centre of Mafia Island's Marine Park, one of the most important ecosystems in the Indian Ocean. Kinasi Lodge is sculpted into the hillside of the Bay, and each room is a separate, en-suite bungalow with vast, shaded veranda; all set in tropical gardens which are dotted with coconut palms and cashew trees. There is all-day mains electricity and hot and cold water supply from three permanent wells on the property.

Dining

There are two restaurants: the formal dining room and an alfresco pool bar and grill for lunches and seafood barbecues. Fresh fish is served every day, often barbecued, with fresh vegetables and fruit flown in from the mainland. Bread, rolls, pizzas and a range of yoghurts, preserves and sauces are all home-made, from traditional recipes.

To make full use of excellent South African and European wines the owners have designed and built a temperature-controlled wine cellar and wine-tasting terrace that leads into the evening Cocktail Bar. The lounge area is sculpted in tiers that provide space and warmth, yet maintaining homeliness and style. Lovely fabrics provide a classic decorating finish.

Spa at Kinasi

The most recent development at Kinasi Lodge is a beautiful spa, completed with modern ceramics and tilework, fine antiques and an Egyptian theme, celebrating ancient Egypt's invention of aromatherapy. The spa offers three separate rooms and a range of essential therapies; the facilities include a hot hydrotherapy bath with massaging micro jets, a dedicated massage therapy room with pedicure/manicure facilities, and the magnificent Pharaoh's Bath for couples. The rooms are air conditioned and an outdoor massage overlooking the sea is also available.

Lodge activities

Kinasi has a swimming pool with its own bar where you can relax with a cool drink and take in the wonderful views of Chole Bay. The well-equipped PADI water sports centre can cope with twenty divers and thirty snorkellers. The reefs close to Kinasi Lodge offer great diving and snorkelling in beautiful clear waters, whilst little islets, beaches, lagoons and coves provide many stunning swimming and picnic spots. The beach at Kinasi is tidal so at certain states of the tide the sea will be a long way out. However, swimming is possible at all times at Utende Beach, about 400 metres from Kinasi along the foreshore. Chole Bay, close by, is ideal for windsurfing and laser sailing. The tidal flats teem with coastal and sea birds and there are many colourful woodland and forest species to be seen.