Paradise Mafia Island Fishing And Diving

We have founded the Mafia Channel Fishing Club and have hosted two fishing tournaments for visiting boats in Mafia. In one tournament 34 sailfish were hooked and released in a single day.

Fishing from Kinasi Lodge
Since 1995 the Marine Park was established in Mafia Island the game fishing was not encouraged. At present from Kinasi in Chole Bay we can only offer light sport fishing (trolling or casting) from our two dhows, which are equipped with 25 hp outboard engines, as Kinasi is located in a Marine Park.

Also, night and day-time bottom fishing trips can be arranged as well as trips accompanying local fishermen on their boats.

Mafia Island and its reefs are renown as an excellent, World-class diving destination. Scientists have confirmed that Mafia has some of the richest reefs in the World, with an unparalleled variety of hard and soft corals and diversity of tropical fish. We have identified fabulous dive sites from Mafia to Kilwa offering shallow reefs of immense beauty and richness, bommies, channels, walls and caves, drift and night dives. These are new sites and we have years of exploration to do.

All of the local fishermen and water 'taxis' use sails in Mafia. These are made of madrouf, a rough trade cotton. Kinasi also uses sailing dhows for diving, snorkelling and excursions. We also make sunset cruises in our dhows and this is a wonderful way to watch the sun go down in a spectacular tropical display over Chole Bay.

Paradise Mafia Island Fishing And Diving - Kinasi faces to the south-east. Looking out from Kinasi you will see Chole Island in the left foreground, with Juani island behind - separated by a narrow channel that is not visible, and Jibondo island in the distance, to the right of Juani. You can see the geography of the Bay and disposition of the islands on our map next to the Cocktail Bar. The Admiralty Map at Reception covers Mafia and a larger area of the Tanzanian coastline. Chole Bay and the outer reefs from Kifinge (Forbes Bay) in the north-east to Kitutia in the south and Ras Kisimani and Bwejuu island in the west are now encompassed by the Mafia Island Marine Park, gazetted in 1995.
The beach at Kinasi is tidal so check the tide tables in the Cocktail Bar for best swimming times. Swimming is possible at all times at Utende Beach, about 400 metres from Kinasi along the foreshore.

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. Our rooms not air-conditioned but one 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, made for us to our own designs. The dining room is appointed with crockery and hand-blown glassware made specially for us and there are original works of art by East African artists.

Our catering is based upon local seafood: fresh fish, prawns, crab, lobster, octopus and calamari, with fresh vegetables and fruit flown from the mainland. Our 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 our 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 we wish our guests to feel - as if they are in their own home. So enjoy Mafia and this little retreat we have created with all its 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 and let us take care of you.

For prices and availability as well as itineraries and additional details on a vast array of activities and facilities.