Come and experience true relaxation with us at Butiama Beach. Our unspoiled location in a tropical palm grove on the beach has everything you need to unwind, let go, and be yourself. Watch the whale sharks come to feed as the morning sun glints on the turquoise surface of the Indian Ocean. Sail to a pristine sandbank in a traditional dhow, snorkel and dive at some of the richest reefs in the world.
Msufini, Kilindoni PO Box 47, Mafia Island 0202020 Tanzania
Butiama Beach Lodge
377 reviews
Getting there
Car recommended
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Butiama Lodge has a lot of character and charm, it also felt very intimate. We came to Mafia Island for the whale sharks and the location couldn’t have been better as all the boats are leaving directly from the beach opposite the Lodge. We hesitated for our stay between the lodges located in Chole Bay like Pole Pole and Kinasi Lodge but so glad Expert Africa recommended us Butiama Lodge as I cannot see what could have been better and Butiama is definitely better value. The rooms are nice and comfortable, it felt so safe that we didn’t even bother locking up our room when we left. No insects in our rooms whatsoever though as it was rainy season there were quite a lot of flies during the day on the beach. The beach is beautiful and just next to the Marine Park. The food was really good and no issues to cater for my gluten free diet. Unfortunately the choice of wines and quality were not that great (though cheap) and I would have gladly paid more for better quality wines. Stunning cocktails. For the whale sharks we used Afro Whale Shark Safari which is literally next to Butiama Lodge. I am sure that the whale shark safari through Butiama is also nice but we choose Afro as they are the first to leave in the morning (around 07:30) so more time spent without any other boats and they are owned and run by locals. Sabrina their guide is amazing and we saw 9 whale sharks on that day. For the diving we used Big Blu Dive Centre, owned by Butiama, and it was really good. Besides the whale sharks we went to see the flying foxes (giant fruit bats) in the mangrove with a kayak (at our disposal by the Lodge). This is not to be missed and amazing, we felt like in a Attenborough documentary. Special thanks to William, the manager, and all the staff who were doing all they can for us to have a great stay and sort any issues out like our cancelled return flights.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
These reviews are machine translated from their original language. Show machine translations?
A beautiful resort! After an eventful (but also a bit strenuous) safari you slow down there immediately! It is fantastically laid out, everyone is very friendly and child-friendly. The food is great. Mosquito spray is ready (not so many were there) and the laundry is washed for free! An open-air massage directly on the beach finally relieves all tension. If you are lucky enough to see a whale shark (or several) and snorkel with them, then you are really in heaven on earth. The management tries everything to make you happy. I have to mention this again: because we had already seen a whale shark, but in one day 20 specimens were right nearby on the surface and ate... On request the crew then went to you again alone with us. It was really amazing. Thank you so much for making this possible!!!!
Read more
Automatically translated
Date of stay: December 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Nicht nötig, alles perfekt!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed at Butiama Beach Lodge for 2 nights after our long flight to Tanzania. The resort was only a short transfer from the airport. Butiama is a beautiful rustic beach front lodge that fits in sympathetically with the surroundings. There is a lovely beach bar, pool & dining room. They have darts, table tennis & pool on the bar. The rooms are decorated in a Tanzanian style with beautiful linen and decoration. Beach towels, a beach bag & insect repellents were all provided. The beach is long and both the sand and water were very clean. It was perfect for swimming. The resort was lovely and quiet, the perfect place to relax. One of the best things about the lodge was the staff. They were all so friendly & happy and would do anything to help. The food served in the restaurant and at the beach bar were of a very high standard considering the location.
The only cons I could mention were that I was bitten considerably by sand flies on the beach so kept to lying by the pool. Also, when it came to check out they couldn't take a credit card payment due to mobile reception. I did not have the cash so had to have my cc details emailed yo HQ in order to settle the payment.
Read more
Date of stay: June 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Apply insect repellents before hitting the beach!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
After a five day safari we went 5 days to Butiama Beach Lodge for relaxing, but also for wateractivities. We went snorkeling and diving with Big Blue a company that is related to the lodge. We were also very lucky that the whalesharks were still aroud. A magnificent experience! Everything is organized by the staff off Butiama Beach Lodge together with Big Blue Diving. That makes it very easy.
The staff at Butiama is very helpfull and the service is excellent and personal. We liked the food very much (although it was often too much), we had a wonderful lodge with an amazing view and the beach in front of the lodge is beautiful. The people were very friendly.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I had a lovely, relaxing stay at Butiama. The staff are kind and welcoming, it’s spacious, the beach is lovely, and there are lots of activities they will arrange for you if you’re in the mood to be adventurous—swimming with whale sharks, snorkeling, sand bar picnics, island tours, etc. You can also easily walk to the village and the island on the whole is very safe. The food is good and they also have free water!
If you are planning to spend a lot of time in the marine park for diving you might want to checkout their sister lodge Big Blu on that side of the island. Many people did a few nights there and then a few nights at Butiama.
Read more
Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip:Be aware that the island is majority Muslim, so cover shoulders and knees when in town
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed at Butiama Beach Lodge as part of our honeymoon trip in September 2022 in a sea view room, and couldn't have been more delighted with our stay! Everything was created for comfort, tranquility, and enjoyment of the stunning surroundings of the hotel. It felt like it was just us in the whole place and the activities offered were amazing - we did the whale shark snorkelling where we saw 5 whale sharks in not-high season, the snorkelling trip in Chole Bay and Discover scuba dive trips. All of which had knowledgable, friendly staff who made us feel very welcome. Highly recommend staying here if you're looking for an independent, boutique feel that's rich in beautiful beaches and marine life. The team at Butiama even put a beautiful surprise dinner together on our last night following a sunset cruise - bliss! Couldn't thank them enough, and we are already planning to come back in the future.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2022
Location
Service
Room Tip:Sea view rooms have more privacy.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A lovely holiday at Butiama. Excellent, service. Friendly staff. Peaceful and enjoyed our holiday. Lots of things to do, swimming with whale sharks, beach picnic, deep sea diving, snorkeling, back and neck massages on the beach, kayaking. Note, this is not a big commercial island, so everything is still primitive, on the island, but the stay at Butiama Lodge was great, and they catered for everything that we needed. Can recommend this lodge for quiet, peaceful holiday.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Don't pack to many clothes. Island life.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Remote, great food, friendly helpful staff. Great Room with AC on beach. Whale Shark snorkeling, sandbank picnic and just relaxing at Lodge was a Wonderfull experience. Seafood was very well prepared, do offer other options for non seafood lovers. Drinks well priced, wine a bit expensive for Rand, but good wines from South Africa. Will visit again forsure LEKKER
Read more
Date of stay: January 2025Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The hotel has beautiful Bungalows in front of the sea and have their own beach. The rooms are comfortable and nicely decorated with details such as mosquito repellant, bathroom amenities and extra fan. Its great to read in a good book in your own hammock of your bungalow! We have been welcomed warmly by all Butiama staff and enjoyed all meals. The kitchen is offering every day different dinner menus of fish or meat dishes which are great! We have enjoyed also great lunch snacks by the pool. The absolute highlight was the whale shark tour with our guide Amir, it has given us an unforgettable experience and cant wait to go back to Butiama again! Highly recommended for couples and family.
Read more
Date of stay: October 2020
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:ask for direct beach view bungalow
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Maura Cavallo, Owner at Butiama Beach Lodge
Responded 08 Oct 2020
Dear Franziska, thank you for your very kind words and we are truly glad that you had lovely time with us. We look forward to welcoming you again very soon!
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wonderful accommodation with an excellent chef and very friendly, welcoming staff. Spacious bungalows with nice furnishings. No windows, but frames with fly screens, so there is always good air flow. A fan helps against the heat in an emergency. The bar is well equipped. Leisure: great excursions, darts, billiards, table tennis. It is very quiet, ideal for relaxing. Romantic.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Genug Mückenspray verwenden, wir haben zahlreiche Sandfly-Bisse! Die Armut im Dorf darf einen...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There are more places to choose from in the Mafia Island area.
PRICE RANGE
R 7,587 - R 9,613 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
butiama beach hotel mafia island
LOCATION
TanzaniaPwani RegionMafia Island
NUMBER OF ROOMS
14
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.