Let's help you plan

Joanna - Travel Consultant
Johnny - Travel Consultant
Eve - Travel Consultant
HeartHeartHeartHeartHeart
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars on Feefo

4.9/5 (1001 reviews)

Shamba Kilole Lodge, Mafia Island | Timbuktu Travel
Mafia Island

Shamba Kilole Lodge

Travel and Leisure Worlds Best Awards for number 1 tour operator in the world 2024 and number 2 tour operator in the world 2025
We're one of the World's Best Tour Operators!
Named three years running in Travel+Leisure World's Best, including No.1 in 2024

About Shamba Kilole Lodge

Feel welcome and taken care of in this island paradise getaway
Shamba Kilole sits amidst a five hectares plot that rises above the shores and mangroves of this spectacular island Archipelago. Mafia is the largest of the islands, often not the easiest or cheapest to get to, but well worth the adventure once you arrive. Home to some of the best diving in Tanzania along with once in a lifetime whale shark and manta ray sightings as well as Flying foxes and ancient ruins that are dotted amongst the villages. Breathe easy at Shamba Kilole, leave the bright lights and city bustle for spacious views over Kilole Bay and beyond.
Mafia Island , Tanzania
From $330 per person/per night
Beach
6 Rooms
Open Map
Static map

Property details

The property

A centre that exudes warmth and comfort in equal measure, Shamba Kilole invites you to relax. A very homely atmosphere permeates the wooden dhow shaped bar where brightly patterned traditional wax shweshwe fabric cover large and inviting wooden lounge chairs and an upstairs hideaway nook- perfect for the nightly storytelling. The open sided lounge area, with its swaying white fabric curtains faces a large and inviting swimming pool and manicured gardens with pleasant views over the bay.

The rooms

Only 6 bungalows are scattered along the sand pathways that lead around the property. The three suites and three chalets are each decorated in their own distinct patterns and styles, but they all generous in their size and comfort. Beds are enormous, rooms are light and bright adorned with Swahili styled wooden beds, traditional artefacts and doors that fold out to quaint patio seating outside facing the mangroves and gardens. The Honeymoon suite and chalet are divine.

Activities

Do as little or as much as you desire. With such a passionate and dedicated dive master onsite you are going to be hard pressed to not be tempted into the wonderful diving waters of the Chole Bay. There are beach picnics, visits to towns and ruins, sailing in the bay at sunset or (in season) swimming with whale sharks and watching the turtle hatchlings break out of their nests to head to the ocean.
Trips

Mafia Island Tours & Trips

Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch

Remote bush & beach in southern Tanzania
Tanzania

Remote bush & beach in southern Tanzania

11 nights from $6.6K per person

Create custom trip icon
Design a Custom Trip
Plan your stay

How to book Shamba Kilole Lodge

How do I book Shamba Kilole Lodge?

Shamba Kilole Lodge can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Tanzania trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Tanzania trips featuring Shamba Kilole Lodge or get advice and suggestions from one of our Tanzania specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.

How much does it cost to stay at Shamba Kilole Lodge?

Stays at Shamba Kilole Lodge start from around $330 per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

Shamba Kilole Lodge

Tanzania

Mafia Island

A barefoot beach break with some of the world’s best diving and a good selection of eco-chic lodges.