homepage   |    about mafia   |    history & culture   |    nature   |    kinasi   |    activities   |    excursions   |    doing nothing   |    logistics & services Home :: Kinasi :: Accommodation   Accommodation Furnishings   Kinasi has grown out of the goal of creating a lodge-home on Mafia that offers all the freedom of a personal holiday residence with the needs of paying guests.   The room designs, furnishings and finishes are eclectic, combining elements of coastal Tanzania, African, Indian and Arab cultures into a historically accurate "Shirazi" style that is unique to Kinasi. For example we have borrowed from the 12th Century style of embedding fine ceramic bowls and dishes in the walls of houses and mosques, first seen in Kilwa.   We have also collected on Mafia old furniture and bric a brac and restored these items to furnish Kinasi, to prevent these leaving the island, as they are part of its mixed historical heritage.   Stunning materials from Spain (of Moroccon origin and design) have been used to refurbish the rooms and we have made all our own furniture and fittings to suit the needs and practicalities of being on the seashore - the damage of salt air, rain, wind and sun and the casualness of the lifestyle.   We do all our own building and extensions and keep adding new ideas and touches all the time.   Cottages   Accommodation at Kinasi is provided in separate cottages that are widely spaced for total privacy.   We are able to accommodate 28 guests as follows: a suite with upstairs bedroom, air conditioning, stereo, mini-bar and lounge, verandahs and terraces a family bungalow with two bedrooms sharing a bathroom (also suitable for triple or two singles) eight cottages with very large double beds ten cottages with large single beds (twin/double, as beds can be moved together) All cottages are ensuite with hot water and have ample hanging space, a desk and chair, verandah chairs and table, double chaise (for full relaxation), full-length mirror, ceiling fan for cool air and power outlets in the bathroom for hair dryers and electric shavers. The cottages have walk-in mosquito nets that cover the beds completely, and have been designed for through-ventilation and coolness in all seasons.   Your room   This is a short description of what you will also find in your room:   Safe drinking water is provided in the thermos on your table; do not drink the tap water although it is from our own wells. All the water and ice in the bar and dining room is safe to drink as it has been treated by chlorination and Katadyne filters.   The main switch for the shower hot water heater is to the right side of your mirror; put it on when you want to have a shower and please switch it off afterwards. The hot water comes on automatically when you switch on the single tap in the shower, and temperature is regulated by the dial on the top of the shower heater.   The fan switch is conveniently placed behind your bed and can be controlled from within the net.   The room staff will remove the bed cover and set your mosquito net in the early evening, and put on your bedside light. They may also light a mosquito coil which we ask you not to put anywhere near your net. When retiring to bed make sure the velcro tabs on your net are in place, to hold it securely closed.   There is a laundry bag in the bathroom for your clothes. In the bathroom you will also find two beach towels for your use on boats, beach or at the swimming pool (rather than the room towels). Just hang wet clothes, beach towels, etc. over the verandah railing to dry in the evening. Hang wetsuits under the side eaves to avoid direct sunlight.   Next to the toilet there is a small bucket receptacle for sanitary towels and similar non-biodegradable disposables. Please use it as our septic system is designed to pump all sewage to soakaways (for environmental reasons) and will be blocked by these items if flushed down the toilet.   In bad weather the blinds on your verandah will be let down by the staff; this may happen at night so do not be alarmed if you hear them at work. [ Top of page ] a kinasi bungalow [+]   the shirazi room [+]   the bathroom [+]   bungalow verandah [+]   verandah view [+]   Where is Kinasi Gallery CONTACT US Prices and Special Offers Enquiries & bookings Useful Web Links SIte Map