Maisara Mafia Beach Lodge

Stunning view as lodges are literally right on the beach. We felt safe & well looked after. Lodges are comfortable and relaxing. There is quite a lot of litter on the beach & if you do not like to eat fish then you could have a problem - we didn't always get a choice of what we were eating for lunch/dinner ... and most of the time it was some kind of fish. Not a problem for us, but could be for others.

Mafia is a laid-back, remote island, often described as Zanzibar 10 years ago, making it a highly recommended destination for those seeking a serene and untouched paradise. We communicated with Hassan before arriving to arrange for transport from the airport - a quick 15 minute ride (definitely recommend doing this!). We were then welcomed by Abi and a delicious fruit juice. Our room was equipped with a king sized bed with mosquito netting, a large bathroom, AC, plenty of outlets (including USB ports which was great because we had brought the wrong adapter), beach towels, and a beautiful view of the beach. Having arrived in early June, we felt like we had the island to ourselves. The hotel offers a restaurant with delicious local seafood fare. Our first night we had a lovely and unexpected beachside dinner alongside a bonfire. The seafood was fresh and deliciously prepared. Abi was able to accommodate a couple of tours for us. On day 1, we snorkeled, went to the Blue lagoon, and had a private lunch on the beach. Our guides were so friendly and informative. On day 2, we hesitantly booked the whale shark tour. Our guide and captain were so patient with us, and encouraged us to get in the water - literally holding our hand in the water. We’re so glad they did, because the whale shark sighting was unbelievable. The hotel is right on the beach, which offers amazing views of the sunset. The staff at Maisara went above and beyond for us. They really made our experience at Mafia Island an unforgettable one. Pro tip: bring shillings for tips. The staff more than earn it.

Title: Untrustworthy Owner Ruined Our Stay Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ Review: Our experience at [Hotel Name] was nothing short of a nightmare. Not only were the accommodations and service below par, but the untrustworthy owner added insult to injury.