Travel reviews by The M family from Herts

"n/a"

"Really friendly small lodge. Only 6 rooms. Simple but stylish. Terrific pool overlooking the sea (not many pools on Mafia) where you can have an intro to scuba before you go in the sea. The owner, Marco, is infectiously enthusiastic about diving so we thought we would give it a go... and were so pleased we did. The whole family really enjoyed the experience as Mafia is a fantastic place to dive (and snorkel).

No beach but you can easily walk to one just beyond Pole Pole if you do need (the tide is often a long way out so pool is often better than beach anyway). They also take you out to a sand bar for a picnic if you want which is fantastic. We were also lucky to see turtles hatching on a nearby island.

They employ a lot of locals and seem to be actively involved with the community. Staff extremely friendly and helpful.

We find that the websites of places we travel to often flatter (no surprise). However Shamba is much better than it appears on their site. If small, friendly is your thing and you don't need Four Season's style glitz this is highly recommended."

"The whole family loved it. Very different experience sleeping in simple open tree houses in the mangroves. Drop toilets on the ground are a little way away from the rooms. Open air showers worked well despite the need to light a cup of parafin to get them going (good fun). Fantastic trips out to sandbars and extremely atmospheric dining by candlelight amongst the old ruins now covered in strangler figs.

Lyndsey now manages Chole and does a terrific job. Very friendly, organised and helpful.

Highlight is a guided trip round the village which the lodge helps support.

Overall highly recommended for something completely different if you are ok with no running water or electricity in your room."

"Small and friendly. Run by owners, Maura and Moes, who are extremely helpful and charming. Nothing is too much trouble. Rooms simple and stylish. Great food. Fantastic snorkeling on reefs and wonderful picnic on totally deserted beaches.

Great fun deep sea fishing. The highlight was an amazing experience swimming with whale sharks. Unusual for them to be around in August so we were very lucky. One of the best things we have done on any holiday anywhere.

Would have marked excellent were it not for the fact the lodge is not too far from Kilindoni so doesn't feel that remote or secluded. However, this is an advantage if you want to see something of the town...great fun, very friendly, and untouched by tourism.
Definitely recommended."