Didimiza Beach Guest House

If you are dreaming of tranquil holidays in a private chalet with a view on palm trees and the sound of the ocean, if you enjoy the bustling activity of an African community coupled with the warmth of the Didimiza Team, then Didimiza Beach Guest House is definitely what you are looking for.

Located in one of Africa’s most beautiful Marine National Parks at the Southeast part of Mafia Island lies the familial budget lodge – separated from the Indian Ocean only by a few Mangrove Trees and 100m to the quiet beach at Westside

Open for guests since the beginning of 2010, Didimiza Guest House is one of the very few budget options on this beautiful remote island where you will otherwise only find top end lodges.

Surprisingly, Mafia Island is still off the beaten track and largely undiscovered by mass tourism.

However, white beaches, palm trees and the turquois water of the Indian Ocean await you and compared to its neighbours Zanzibar and Pemba, Mafia Island will guarantee you exclusiveness.


Their Chalets

At present, Didimiza Guest House has three chalets all with private bathrooms, double beds and mosquito nets. One of the chalets contains two separated but connected rooms and can perfectly accommodate a family. All the chalets have verandas from where you can enjoy the breeze of the ocean, a sundowner or relax after a day exploring the stunning underwater landscape of the Marine National Park.

All double rooms are at 35 USD/day including breakfast and at 30 USD/day if booked as single.

NOTE: Every guest has to pay Marine Park Fees which are 20 USD per person per day; children under 15 years pay half the price.

The Restaurant

All rates at Didimiza Guest House include full breakfast for a perfect start in the day. The offer varies according to season but be assured that the cook tries his very best to provide you with fresh fruits and a mixture of local and international breakfast options.

They also offer lunch (10 USD) and dinner (15 USD). The chef, who is said to have been trained on Zanzibar and worked for different top end lodges on Mafia Island, will prepare a three-course menu for you that once again combines international dishes with what he finds on the local market and in the nearby ocean.


How to get there

The easiest and most convenient way to get to Mafia Island is via air. Two aviation companies are operating on the route between Dar es Salaam and Mafia: Coastal Aviation and Tropical Air

Didimiza offers airport pick-up from Kilindoni Airstrip for 30 USD per vehicle each way. The vehicle can easily fit six people with luggage.


What to discover on Mafia Island

Without any doubt the Marine National Park is the biggest attraction of Mafia. Being the largest Marine Park in the Indian Ocean it shelters a unique complex of estuarine, mangrove, coral reef and marine-channel eco-systems with more than 400 different species of fish.

The best way to explore the park is of course through a diving mask. Whether you prefer snorkeling or scuba diving, the under water landscape and variety of coral reeves and under water life is overwhelming.

Although we do not operate as a diving center, there are different well-equipped and professional centers in nearby Utende village has assisted us to find the activities you are looking for. Scuba diving, PADI diving courses, snorkeling, swimming with whale sharks, trips to a nearby sand banks or to other places on the island are easily arranged with these centers on short notice.

Right across the bay from Utende village lies Chole Island, a very small and untouched island with only one tourist accommodation.

One of their staff grew up on Chole and was happy to show us around and make us familiar with the way people live on the island and how they build the famous Tanzanian dhows.

You can also explore the ruins of … while enjoying a great view on Mafia Island and the surrounding Chole Bay.