Mafia Island, Tanzania, lies off the mouth of the Rufiji River in Southern Tanzania. It is one of the least developed parts of an undeveloped country, yet it has been, and continues to be, part of important historical processes. Although its spectacular marine life is becoming increasingly well known, especially since the setting up of the Mafia Island Marine Park, little other information is widely available.
Mafia, along with the other islands lying off the east coast of Africa, has shared in the long and interesting history of the area. The East Coast forms a part of the Indian Ocean littoral, and the peoples of this region have been traders and sea-farers for centuries. It is an area exceptional in Africa because it is mentioned in written accounts which go back as far as two thousand years.
Mafia's infrastructure is poor: it has electricity only in the district capital and in Utende, the main tourist area. There are few houses which have running water. Travel to the island is either by small aircraft from Dar es Salaam, at a cost which is beyond the reach of most islanders, The few roads on the island are in poor condition and there is a paucity of vehicles, which means local people rely primarily on bicycles or walking. Telecommunications until recently have been minimal with only a few radio-linked lines to the mainland and beyond. . The major cash crop, coconuts, While fishing has become increasingly important over the last couple of decades, it is restricted in the south of the island within the boundaries of the Marine Park
The oldest ruins on Mafia are located at Kisimani Mafia near to Kilindoni. Many of them have now been washed into the sea, but, according to the archaeologist Neville Chittick, who conducted excavations there in the 1950s, the earliest strata of mosques date from around the tenth and eleventh centuries. Another British archaeological expedition on Juani island in the 1950s uncovered coins dating from the thirteenth to the fifteenth centuries (Freeman-Grenville 1957). Some archaeologists consider Kua was built before that, while others attribute a later date.
KINASI is a small, private lodge situated in a coconut and cashew plantation facing Chole Bay on Mafia Island. It provides a high standard of accommodation in only lanteen bungalows (one is a family unit with two bedrooms), each with a large verandah and ensuite bathroom. The bungalows have been constructed in rendered concrete block, with palm-leaf (makuti) roofs, and concrete foundations and floors. There is all-day mains electricity and hot and cold water supply from three permanent wells on the property. Rooms are not air-conditioned but are cooled by fans and the large shutter doors and windows.
The intention has been to create a resort that is relaxing and stylish, with a very personal feel. KINASI is beautifully furnished with antiques and hand-crafted furniture. The dining room is appointed with crockery and hand-blown glassware made specially as original works of art by East African artists.
The intention has been to create a resort that is relaxing and stylish, with a very personal feel. KINASI is beautifully furnished with antiques and hand-crafted furniture. The dining room is appointed with crockery and hand-blown glassware made specially as original works of art by East African artists.
Catering is based upon local seafood: fresh fish, prawns, crab, lobster, octopus and calamari, with fresh vegetables and fruit flown from the mainland. Breads, rolls, pizzas and variety of yoghurts, preserves and sauces are all home made, from traditional recipes. Seafood barbecues and Swahili cuisine are established KINASI customs.
Most of all there is tranquility and privacy in beautiful, natural surroundings, and friendly staff will do their best to look after you with service to your rooms, morning tea and coffee with fresh biscuits and cakes, sundowners and cocktails, delicious food and attention to any requests you may have. KINASI started as a private home, and that is how guests should feel - as if they are in their own home. So enjoy Mafia and this little retreat with various activities; the swimming pool, gardens and beach, and the relaxed atmosphere and good company.
Mafia Island is in the true sense an island paradise for the active beachcomber who is serious about enjoying the sea and islands, adventure divers, game fishermen, bird-watchers or just for simple feet-up relaxation. Be as active as you wish...or simply relax and do nothing.
Most of all there is tranquility and privacy in beautiful, natural surroundings, and friendly staff will do their best to look after you with service to your rooms, morning tea and coffee with fresh biscuits and cakes, sundowners and cocktails, delicious food and attention to any requests you may have. KINASI started as a private home, and that is how guests should feel - as if they are in their own home. So enjoy Mafia and this little retreat with various activities; the swimming pool, gardens and beach, and the relaxed atmosphere and good company.
Mafia Island is in the true sense an island paradise for the active beachcomber who is serious about enjoying the sea and islands, adventure divers, game fishermen, bird-watchers or just for simple feet-up relaxation. Be as active as you wish...or simply relax and do nothing.
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The Mafia Island Lodge stands amidst tall palms on a sandy beach in Chole Bay, in the heart of the marine park near Utende village on South coast of Mafia. The main lodge has a relaxing atmosphere with a large open restaurant, bar and lounge area. Board games, table tennis and volleyball are also available. Other facilities include a gift shop, laundry service, excursions, snorkeling, sailing and scuba diving. 34 comfortable rooms are set among the coconut palms with their own veranda overlooking the bay. They are all self-contained with air conditioning. Twin and double beds are available. Among the 35 rooms there are 2 family rooms with a living room. Hot and cold water is available 24 hours a day. |
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