Utende Beach, Utende, Mafia Island, Tanzania, Utende, Tanzania
#3 of 7 hotels in Utende
Guests' ChoiceBased on 43 hotel reviews
8.8Cleanliness
8.8
Comfort
9.1
Location
9.4
Facilities
8.6
Staff
9.5
Value for money
8.2
Free Wifi
7.2
Real Bookers. Real stays. Real opinions.
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Showing 1 - 25
Reviewed: March 29, 2024
Michael
United States of AmericaAmazing stay at Butiama Marine camp. For those visiting Mafia, would 100% recommend. Its location right on the beach is unmatched, excellent breakfasts and dinners, and fantastic staff. If you’re looking to dive, would recommend Mafia Island diving. Staff were much friendlier than those at Big Blu (dive shop at marine camp).
Stayed in March 2024
Reviewed: March 14, 2024
Nathalie
Germanyall good (wifi a bit spotty, but it’s a remote island)
I stayed in the tent which had a normal comfortable bed, an electricity outlet and a fan; the daily cleaning of the tent and common shower/bathroom were exceptional, Wifi was spotty at the same time you have free wifi on a remote island! Daily activities (whaleshark trip, diving etc) were nice and value for money; everybody is doing their best to make you feel welcome. Ask to see the local village/school otherwise you only see the beach and resort!
Stayed in March 2024
Reviewed: March 6, 2024
Tsubasa
JapanThe only reason I left this place was the park fee, which was not hotel’s problem. I think it was a great value if I excluded the park fee
staff very nice, food at the restaurant very good, and the facilities were really good as well. The owner was a great person, and he owns several businesses in this island which makes many things easier and smoother.
Stayed in March 2024
Reviewed: February 2, 2024
Jan
NorwayThe mosquitoes! Bring bug spray or you’ll regret it like I did. Also sunscreen, because there aren’t many shops nearby
Excellent for scuba diving and snorkling with whale sharks
Stayed in January 2024
Reviewed: January 29, 2024
Gaby
NetherlandsAll was fine only the toilets for the tents was not so clean
It was right on the beach and lounge was very nice also the food was good And we had 2 days of snorkeling, in spite of the weather that was a pity over the weather and rain quite a bit but still we had a good time
Stayed in January 2024
Reviewed: January 23, 2024
Nicholas
United KingdomThe set menu dinner wasnt my favourite, but was good value
Great location right on the marine park perfect for divers. The staff were super friendly and helpful. Breakfast was great. Very relaxed feel.
Stayed in January 2024
Reviewed: January 12, 2024
Katalin
HungaryThe tent is a bit uncomfortable for 2 people (no room to pack)
We liked everything. We booked tents. It was better than we expected. we had normal and clean beds, the washroom was near to the tent and very clear, cleaned regularly. The food was very good, and it has reasonable price.
Stayed in January 2024
Reviewed: January 9, 2024
Fiona
TanzaniaI am gluten intolerant and even though they tried to accommodate me, breakfast and lunch options were a bit lacking. The showers could do with having at least solar-powered warm water. After 2 very cold dives I could have done with a warmish shower. The dive centre attached to this resort is good, but in a busy period over New years, they seemed to be quite overwhelmed and very disorganised.
Value for money in the tents and we were surprised to find fans for each of the tents. Bathrooms and tents were cleaned daily. The food was good but served to us cold on a couple of evenings. The staff were very friendly and accommodating,
Stayed in January 2024
Reviewed: December 19, 2023
Rosca
South AfricaNothing.
Place is located on the beach. Nice chilled atmosphere and very friendly staff. You can get all your meals through the lodge and they host multiple activities.
Stayed in December 2023
Reviewed: October 26, 2023
Gianluca
MaltaNot much to criticise.
Location is excellent, close to a lot of marine activities and boat trips. Breakfast was excellent. The tents were really comfortable as well.
Stayed in September 2023
Reviewed: October 8, 2023
Pryor
United States of AmericaCould be a little more light in the bathroom
I had a wonderful stay. All the staff were very friendly and helpful. Diving was superb and made very easy by the staff. The food was great and my tent was comfortable. I felt right at home and hated to leave!
Stayed in October 2023
Reviewed: October 5, 2023
Amr
GermanyThe wifi connection Bit pricey For the tent renters no warm water in the showers Can be more clear about diving surcharges or fees
The staff and the manager were amazing and super helpful , top service! The lounge area very comfortable Felt like having a private beach with few guests The dive center was super helpful and very professional
Stayed in October 2023
Reviewed: September 29, 2023
Peimika
AustraliaFriendly staff, amazing location, great dives.
Stayed in September 2023
Reviewed: September 16, 2023
Brent
AustraliaI stayed in a tent and the setup was great however just note that there is no hot water.
If you are here for diving then this is the place to stay. It's right on the water and so quick to be out on the dive sites. The camp is large however it was very quiet during my stay. Very friendly staff and nice food in an amazing setting. The diving equipment was all in good condition and felt very safe with all the dive masters.
Stayed in September 2023
Reviewed: March 19, 2023
Nina
GermanyLocation is right by the sea. Cabins with aircon and warm shower. Staff very friendly and welcoming. The place feels like a harmonic community.
Stayed in March 2023
Reviewed: March 5, 2023
Helena
EstoniaSome of the diving gear could be newer.
Very comfortable, spacious, clean and also surprisingly quiet and fresh tents. We slept very well. The staff was excellent. The location is great for diving and snorkeling trips, for organising excursions to the nearby islands and sights and for walking to local beach restaurants and exploring the area. Breakfast was very nice. The diving center had great instructors with respect for and awareness of the natural environment, small groups and beautiful wooden boats taking you to the sites. Great experience both for accommodation and diving.
Stayed in February 2023
Reviewed: February 25, 2023
Iirr
PolandFriendly staff. Unbeatable location. Tasty and diverse dishes.
Stayed in February 2023
Reviewed: February 22, 2023
Jennifer
AustriaYou have to pay the marine park fee for each night your staying which would be perfectly fine if the beach and the surrounding area were clean. But you can see trash everywhere. The snorkeling and diving sights where clean at least.
You can book all your activities from there, staff is super friendly
Stayed in February 2023
Reviewed: February 19, 2023
Cherie
United Kingdomnothing
beach front location, fantastic staff, good food, free water and hot drinks, really clean
Stayed in February 2023
Reviewed: February 13, 2023
Paul
NetherlandsKeep in mind that when staying here, you also need to pay a daily marine park ferm. Another very minor thing is the coffee. Which is instant coffee, served in little plastic bags. Switching to French press would both improve the quality of the coffee enormously and also decrease the amount of plastic waste.
Great location, right at the beach. Staff (both for Big Blu diving and for the hotel) is very attentive and kind. We stayed both in the tents and in an apartment and both were well equipped and maintained. All in all a great accomodation at a superb location.
Stayed in February 2023
Reviewed: February 5, 2023
Emel
United KingdomThe bathrooms were always clean but could use a little bit of TLC and the WiFi was not the best at times but we were very remote.
The staff were friendly and helpful and all of the guides were extremely knowledgeable. We learnt lots about history and culture on the tours in addition to the information about sea life. The location was like paradise, right on the beach in a secluded bay. We had not dived before and did a try dive - our guides were extremely helpful and patient while we were learning, we are definitely keen to do it again now! The food was good with lots of vegetarian options - everything was made fresh for us. Our tent was clean and comfortable. We received a very warm welcome on arrival.
Stayed in February 2023
Reviewed: January 29, 2023
Rebecca
GermanyIt would be nice to have more dinner options at the restaurant (a la carte like the lunch menu which was nice) and also the possibility to have dinner before 19.30. Not a deal-breaker though ;)
I stayed in a tent which was quite comfortable even with light, fan, power outlet and a locker. The location is perfect for diving and on a budget. Nice restaurants to eat nearby at the beach. The manager Simon is always friendly. Loved the lounge area as well and everything was very clean. Would come back here.
Stayed in January 2023
Reviewed: January 16, 2023
Chiara_paps
ItalyThe bathroom could be cleaned better. No hot water in the shower.
The location is perfect, the staff is great. The diving center is right there and they offer multiple excursions, very comfortable. The meals provided at lunch and dinner were very good. Highly recommended!
Stayed in January 2023
Reviewed: January 12, 2023
Xander
Netherlandsserenity and space
Stayed in January 2023
Showing 1 - 25
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