Butiama Beach Lodge

We were there in January. It was very windy, unpleasantly windy. Too windy for the beach (which is covered in smelly seaweed anyway). Too windy for water activities (our whale shark trip was a nausea-inducing voyage that yielded zero sightings). Apparently that weather isn't unusual this time of year. The food was fine, the rooms are nice, the pool is pleasant. It's a pretty short drive from the airport. But if I knew then what I know now, I wouldn't have gone to Mafia Island in January.

Remote, great food, friendly helpful staff. Great Room with AC on beach. Whale Shark snorkeling, sandbank picnic and just relaxing at Lodge was a Wonderfull experience. Seafood was very well prepared, do offer other options for non seafood lovers. Drinks well priced, wine a bit expensive for Rand, but good wines from South Africa. Will visit again forsure LEKKER

After a tiring but exciting week touring Uganda, this was the perfect place to finish. Mafia is like Zanzibar was 25 years ago in terms of the lack of crowds and the tranquil setting. Butiama Beach Lodge is a real gem. The rooms are spacious and kept very clean. The food is simple but extremely well cooked: one fish main course we had counts as one of our most memorable meals ever. The staff are hardworking and cheerful. One of the main attractions is the opportunity to swim with whale sharks, which we did. It is surprisingly active, involving multiple jumps off the boat and ungainly attempts to get back on!

Amazing peaceful spot with a fantastic staff that takes care of all of your needs. Good was good and massages were excellent. The room was very private - we were in unit 1. The snorkel trips with the whale sharks was the best part - we had multiple encounters with these gentle beasts.

A lovely holiday at Butiama. Excellent, service. Friendly staff. Peaceful and enjoyed our holiday. Lots of things to do, swimming with whale sharks, beach picnic, deep sea diving, snorkeling, back and neck massages on the beach, kayaking. Note, this is not a big commercial island, so everything is still primitive, on the island, but the stay at Butiama Lodge was great, and they catered for everything that we needed. Can recommend this lodge for quiet, peaceful holiday.

I had amazing 5 days by them, where I felt like a family! All the team was simply amazing, very friendly and made me feel home from the first moment. The diving was also super good, nice spacious boats, the diving team is very well trained and look after safety. I really enjoy my time there. Thank you especiallh to Hassan, Moudy and Aisha for the amazing time that we have spent together! Asante sana and see you soon again!