Basecamp Mafia Island

Basecamp Mafia Island is a small slice of tropical paradise nestled among tall palms of Chole Bay in the Indian Ocean, located 16 miles off the coast of Tanzania (30-minute flight from Dar es Salaam). The resort boasts a welcoming, relaxed, and laid-back atmosphere and is situated within the Mafia Island Marine Park on the south coast near Utende village. Despite its name, it's very much a resort offering comfort, thoughtful design, and excellent amenities, blending warm African hospitality with contemporary comfort.

Rooms

The resort features 27-40 comfortable, airy, and spacious rooms set among swaying coconut palms, with options including 14 Standard Rooms, 9-10 Superior Rooms, 4 sea-view Family Suites (recently renovated with two connecting rooms sleeping up to four), and 2 suites with large living rooms. Each room has a private veranda with garden or sea view, spacious en-suite bathroom with sitting area, air conditioning, and outdoor veranda. Rooms are beautifully appointed with plenty of electrical outlets and USB ports for charging devices, and hot and cold water available 24 hours.

Restaurant

Dining is a relaxed and leisurely experience at the open-air restaurant serving fresh, local dishes from breakfast through dinner, with views of the Indian Ocean. The cuisine is continental with emphasis on seafood, featuring fresh fish and lobster from the island. Breakfast includes a well-executed buffet combining Western options and local specialties. Snacks, sandwiches, and beach bar snacks are available, and the chef can accommodate requests. Three-course meals are served in addition to buffet options.

Bar & Beach Facilities

The beach bar is the perfect place to sip cocktails while watching the sun set over Chole Bay shores, with music and local boats visible. A selection of alcoholic drinks, wines, beers, juices, and soft drinks is available at the bar. The resort is directly on the beach (1-minute walk to sea), with a small amazing beach at the resort featuring local boats, great bay views, and music from the beach bar. Traditional dhows are available for excursions.

Activities 

The warm, colorful waters of the Indian Ocean make it ideal for divers, whether deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, or whale shark experiences. The Mafia Island Marine Park contains over 400 fish species, including dolphins, giant reef rays, octopus, seahorse, crocodile fish, and many more. Activities include whale shark trips, snorkeling, scuba diving on nearby reefs, and traditional dhow excursions to dive spots suitable for all experience levels (from beginners to advanced open water divers). Non-diving guests can relax on sandy shores with books.

Basecamp Mafia Island is ideal for those seeking peace and relaxation and divers wanting to explore the marine park. It's a great destination to add onto a safari holiday for the ultimate game drive and dive combo. The resort is comparatively affordable with beautiful location, offering comfortable accommodation, excellent amenities, friendly staff, and great food in a peaceful setting within the Marine Park and Reserve.