MAFIA ISLAND LODGE

A large hotel recently acquired from the government and currently undergoing renovations located in Chole Bay in Mafia Island Marine Park. The cheapest option in Chole Bay.

THE ACCOMMODATION

40 small rooms all with en suite shower/toilet and hot water. The rooms are built in blocks. Rooms are air conditioned and have a small verandah facing the sea. The rooms are currently being renovated with brighter design and new makuti thatch roofing.

THE FACILITIES

The big central restaurant and bar area serves snack menus and set dinner meals. There is a pool table in the bar and internet cafe.
The large open grounds lead down to the best swimming beach in Chole Bay where there is a beach volleyball court.

THE ACTIVITIES

The resort has a fully equipped dive centre offering PADI and NAUI dive courses and there are a wide variety of good diving and snorkelling sites in Mafia Island Marine Park. Dives are conducted from dhows.
Full ($450) and half ($250) day sports fishing trips are organised from the resort
Several sailing trips by dhow of different duration are offered to outlying islands and sandbars and shaded picnic areas are set up on these ‘desert islands’.
A cultural visit to Chole island is also organised from the resort.
Land excursions on Mafia island include trips to the north of the island and to local markets.

THE VERDICT

Mafia has until recently been beyond the budget of mainstream tourism but the reopening of Mafia Island Lodge has changed all this. The lodge is basic but at this price cheap and cheerful so should appeal to divers who have been itching to get the chance to dive the superb reefs in the marine park but previously been excluded by budget. A real bargain in a great location but don’t expect the trimmings you will get at the other hotels in Mafia.

COST – From $95 p.p. BB in original style rooms, $95/room in renovated rooms with high season supplements over Xmas/New Year