Ras Mbisi is the first bespoke, sustainably-built lodge on the west coast of the beautiful island of Mafia, Tanzania.

Ras Mbisi provides you with ‘barefoot luxury’: a retreat that is effortless, stunning and relaxed. It combines good food, striking accommodation and outstanding natural beauty in this untouched part of Mafia Island, to give you a taste of an informal, but luxurious, piece of paradise.

From Ras Mbisi you have easy access to some truly astounding wildlife in season, including whalesharks and humpback whales

The area also has a rapidly regenerating reef, and a wealth of marine life. This is reflected in Mafia’s Marine Park in the Chole Bay area; the largest marine protected area in East Africa.

Accommodation

Nine spacious ‘open tent’ bandas nest just metres from the white powder beach. Sunrise and Sunset will never seem the same again!

The rooms have been crafted from local sustainable coco-wood, by local artisans. The design erases boundaries between the lodge and the natural splendour of Ras Mbisi.

Each room has a private bathroom and a balcony to make the most of the views. Furniture is produced from coco-wood, like the bandas themselves, and is made by local craftsmen.

Facilities

Venturing outside your room, you are welcome to enjoy the beach-front restaurant and roof-top bar area, where you can enjoy our excellent food and hospitality. When you can tear your gaze away from the views, the Indian Ocean is at your feet or, as an alternative, you can relax in the pool.

The cuisine at Ras Mbisi mixes traditional Swahili dishes with international flavours:

Fresh fish and seafood are dominant fixtures on the menus, bought from local fishermen, fresh from the Indian Ocean on our doorstep.
Breakfasts are generous with both a buffet table groaning with fresh fruit, cereals and pastries.
Cooked to order hot ‘full English’.
Lunches with an emphasis on fresh vegetable and seafood salads and fruit.
Fresh homemade cakes and biscuits
Hot bar snacks arrive with sundowner drinks.
Evening meals range from Swahili buffets and barbeques to three course meals.
Fresh produce is sourced locally from our neighbours and the Ras Mbisi community. Many of the vegetables that grace our plates are grown in our garden, and we gather eggs from our own chickens.

Other Activities

At Ras Mbisi Lodge, you can do as much – or as little – as you wish…

Sunset cruises to help you unwind

Excursions so that you can experience all that a Mafia Island

Outings to Kilindoni, Ras Kisimani or the Marine Park in the Chole Bay area.

For the more adventurous, you can also enjoy…

Fishing trips

Trips to nearby islands and reefs where you can snorkel from the locally built dhow

There are also sea kayaks and dug-out canoes available free of charge or sailing in n’galawas with local boatmen.

Scuba diving courses and trips

Environment and Local Community

Ras Mbisi Lodge doesn’t exploit the local area, but contributes to the lives of local people and helps to protect the beautiful area:

The abundant local and sustainable coco-wood is put to good use; the principle building material.
The power is supplied by a biomass gasifier that is fuelled by waste.
The tropical sun provides solar heated water.
The soap, available in all rooms, is made locally from virgin coconut oil.

The friendly staff are also local, and trained at Ras Mbisi.

A current community project is underway to raise money for desks at Chungaruma school.

Would you like some advice?

If you have travelled with us before you will know we love nothing more than creating bespoke safari adventures across Africa and beyond. If you’re yet to do so please get in touch, we’re here to help.

Call: 01227 753 181

Price Promise: We guarantee that booking with us is the same or better than with the property direct.