Support us?!

It's hard work keeping up an internet presence, someone commented to me the other day, she wanted to know how I found the time. The truth is, at the moment I barely do. The business has only been up and running for just over 2 years and we are still at the point where we do pretty much everything. We do need to change this as we are both being stretched too thin and new projects are also on the boil. But we do appreciate all the support we're getting from friends, family and our lovely, lovely guests, it's what keeps us going, especially when we've just completed another 20 hour day and the baby will be awake in under 3 hours!



Want to support us? Ras Mbisi is active in the following places http://www.twitter.com/ as @RasMbisi so do follow, on http://www.facebook.com/ http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=8953691954 so please join, on http://www.flickr.com/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/47145710@N03/ do view, new photos being added. Those of you that have visited can show support by placing a review on http://www.tripadvisor.com/ http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g317083-d672607-Reviews-Ras_Mbisi_Lodge-Mafia_Island.html

how gorgeous is my girl - this is my beautiful eldest daughter Madeleine (Maddie)

When the guest says 'jump' ask 'how high?'

Imitation the most sincere form of flattery? Or the last acts of desperation………..

Something I/we have been pondering for a while now, there is an element on Mafia that appears to follow our every move, butting in on our conversations on social media sites, telling tour operators all sorts of bizarre nonsense about us, poaching our staff, posting misleading information on travel forums and other websites. This has stepped up since the publication of the latest Rough Guide to Tanzania which gave us a very good review. Perhaps there’s jealousy creeping in?

But here’s the thing; there is more than enough room on this Island for every one of the small number of Lodges/camps. Each offers something different, aimed at different types of client, ranging from extreme sport types to beachcombers and lovers! There’s also a range of prices to cover all types of traveller and holidaymaker. So why the need for any dirty underhand dealings? It may be that we are naïve in our approach to business. However, these activities don’t seem to achieve much and could be damaging to the reputation of the islands tourism industry. The biggest losers would be the islanders themselves, not the likes of us and the owners of most of the other lodges who always have choices if the going gets bad.

We’re all concerned with survival during these difficult economic times but surely it’s better to concentrate on providing the best experience for tourists and promoting this wonderful island in a positive manner?

Disasters & good news

Oh disasters how we love you! This time of year the weather is predictable in its unpredictableness – it is the rainy season, and the time of year the winds change from the north east monsoon to the south east monsoon. The south easterly is known in Kiswahili as the ‘kusi’, this wind is strong, so strong that it caused severe damage to our water tower and yep you guessed it came crashing down, note; a five thousand litre poly tank full of water does not bounce, it smashes into many pieces (see picture)

So, good news is there any? For us yes, busy full house this weekend, we aren’t really open until mid-June, but happy to do so for a reasonable amount of people, weather has improved and has been lovely and sunny, the sea is calm and clear so why not!

Congratulations to Giulia for winning the 10th Anniversary Dar es Salaam Charities Goat Races Members Enclosure ticket raffle – a break for two Full Board at Ras Mbisi, we look forward to welcoming you to Mafia very soon.

Slower pace of life - really? when?

Well the Lodge might be closed for the annual 'long' rains, but life here goes on. We are busy renovating, updating and renewing everything ready for the new season in June. So much to do, so little time. The boat being built is actually to become our new buffet table - trust me it'll look ace............I hope!

We've managed a short break in Dar, lots of running around getting 'things' for the lodge that are not available on Mafia (that'll be everything then), celebrating birthdays and anniversaries. Having real family time back on the Island has been lovely.

We are looking forward to the new season, welcoming back past guests, and greeting new ones, it looks like being a busy time for which we are thankful although I bet I'll be moaning by September!

Exciting times in the Kitchen, Daudi is back from his training in one of Dar es Salaams top 5 star hotel kitchens, he's full of enthusiasm which is fab. He's one of our real success stories, having started 2 years ago as a general labourer, he moved on to be kitchen assistant and dishwasher. He is now my right hand in the kitchen. We also may be having a Michelin Chef staying this season, he has offered private cooking lessons which Daudi and Masiku are VERY excited about. Those of you who have stayed with us will remember Rashidi, as our bar man he knew before you did that you were ready for your next drink! He is now stepping up to become our Guest Relations and Events Manager.

Off now to start working on the new seasons menus, we have lots of new taste sensations in store for you all!

We like nice reviews!

It has been a particularly nice week for reviews, one on TripAdvisor which was glowing and then on in the new Rough Guide to Tanzania which I re-produce below for you. I've always been a fan of the Rough Guide series, and now my love knows no bounds!!!


Ras Mbisi Lodge16km northeast of Kilindoni T 0754/663739 or 0734/284397, W www.mafiaislandtz.com. No question about it: this British owned lodge, an hours drive from Chole Bay, is one of the best along any stretch of Tanzanian coastline. Situated in a remote location on an ever-so-sweet beach, complete with swaying palm trees, this sustainably built place has an intimate vibe, friendly staff and a swimming pool, so it’s great for families as well as smoochy couples. The accommodation isn’t half bad either: the nine beachside bandas are all made from coconut wood, coconut poles and thatch. The food is fabulous, and its ethics are more than just words, with bio-gas powered electricity, extensive use of coconut wood, solar heated water and good local relations. Activities (at an extra cost) include snorkelling, diving, sunset cruises, canoeing and various land excursions. Rates include transfers. Closed April and May. FB