Butiama Beach is a relaxed, simple beach lodge on Mafia Island's unspoilt west coast with a very chill, laid-back atmosphere. Named from Swahili "lala" (sleep), it offers all the relaxation you could wish for in exotic surroundings. The deliberately simple East African-style lodge has sand floors, handcrafted furniture from retired dhows, and colorful kikois for decoration—perfect for relaxing after a safari.
Location
Set on a long sandy beach beneath coconut palms with no other resorts nearby, the lodge is 10 minutes from the airport, 1 km from Kilindoni town, and 25 minutes from Big Blu Dive Centre. It's the only lodge on the western side of Mafia Island, offering unspoilt beach views and sunset watching.
Rooms
The lodge has 13 bungalows (double, twin, and family) accommodating up to 32 guests, set back 50 meters from the sea. Each features polished cement floors, high thatched roofs, hand-crafted dhow furniture, mosquito nets, fans, and en-suite bathrooms with walk-in showers. All bungalows have spacious verandas with hammocks for sunset relaxation.
Dining
Breakfast includes muffins, pancakes, cereals, yoghurt, fruit, bacon, and eggs in the thatched open-sided dining area. Lunch offers light dishes at the Chiringuito beach bar, and evening features a full 3-course dinner. Cuisine emphasizes local seafood, and the chef accommodates requests.
Activities
The wave-lapped beach bar is perfect for sunset cocktails. Activities include kayaking (4 free kayaks), snorkeling (guided tours), scuba diving (daily transfers), fishing, dhow cruises, and swimming with whale sharks (November-March). The lodge has a good pool near the beach with sunken lounge area.
Perfect for families (reasonably priced), rest and relaxation, post-safari beach retreats, and those seeking peaceful, authentic East African lodge atmosphere without tourist crowds.
Destination
Tanzania Safaris
Style
Hotel
