Hotels in Mafia Island

There are only six options; the four best are reviewed here. If you are on a budget, you may want to look at the 1970s government-built Mafia Island Lodge (www.mafialodge.com), but I suspect you'll find much better value for your money on Zanzibar. Located on Utende Beach (a 10-min. walk from Pole Pole and Kinasi), it was the first to open on Mafia, and although the airy double-volume public lounge/bar has stood the test of time and remains a great space, the same is not true of the rooms. It's also set too far back from the beach, regardless of the tide -- by the time you've reached the lodge, you are perspiring and ready to turn around and head back to the water (admittedly, there is a beach bar to quench your thirst while there). Despite the fact that it is quite a bit cheaper than the other options (126€-150€ double standard room, full board) I don't think these rates fully reflect its inferior position.