This is a sustainably-built lodge on the west coast of the beautiful island of Mafia, Tanzania. Ras Mbisi offers you ‘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 the lodge there is ready 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. Ras Mbisi has a commitment to preserving this beautiful place, and protecting its natural resources. 

Despite our environmentally sustainable approach, the focus of the lodge is on relaxation and the provision of a high standard of accommodation, food and service. 

ACCOMMODATION

Built from local sustainable coco-wood, by local artisans, the accommodation comprises nine spacious ‘open tent’ bandas/rooms. This design erases boundaries between the lodge and the natural splendour of Ras Mbisi.  Each room has a private, luxury bathroom and a balcony to make the most of the views.  Furniture is produced from coco-wood, like the bandas themselves, and are made by local craftsmen. 

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.

ACTIVITIES

Ras Mbisi takes the idea of barefoot luxury seriously, and the aim has been to provide a piece of island paradise for guests to unwind and relax in. So you can do as much - or as little - as you wish.

The lodge offers sunset cruises to help you unwind, and excursions so that you can experience all that Mafia Island has to offer. Visits to Chole Island, Chungaruma lakes and the Mlola Forest are well worth the visit, as are outings to Kilindoni, Ras Kisimani or the Marine Park in the Chole Bay area.

For the more adventurous, they can organise fishing trips, and trips to nearby islands where you can snorkel from our locally built dhow. There is also sea kayaking and dug-out canoe trips along nearby mangrove creeks, or perhaps you might like to learn to sail n’galawas with lodge boatmen.

Ras Mbisi also offers scuba diving courses and trips, so that you can experience the Indian Ocean from a different perspective.