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  5. Reviews of Butiama Marine Camp

Reviews of Butiama Marine Camp

Utende Beach, Utende, Mafia Island, Tanzania, Utende, Tanzania

Review score

Based on 43 hotel reviews

8.8

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    8.8

  • Comfort

    9.1

  • Location

    9.4

  • Facilities

    8.6

  • Staff

    9.5

  • Value for money

    8.2

  • Free WiFi

    7.2

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 29 March 2024

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Amazing 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: 14 March 2024

    10
    great recommendable stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Tent
    • Stayed 6 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    all 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: 6 March 2024

    10
    it was a great stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Tent
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The 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: 2 February 2024

    8.0
    Fun staying in a tent and great place for scuba diving and snorkling with whale sharks
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Tent
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The 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: 29 January 2024

    8.0
    All in all, we had a very good stay
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Tent
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    All 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: 23 January 2024

    9.0
    Perfect Spot for diving
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 3 nights

    The 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: 12 January 2024

    10
    Pefect plane in Mafia Island
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Tent
    • Stayed 4 nights

    The 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: 9 January 2024

    8.0
    Great place for diving, snorkelling and whale shark spotting.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Tent
    • Stayed 4 nights

    I 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: 19 December 2023

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Tent
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing.

    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: 11 December 2023

    10
    Perfect Spot
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Single Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    Butiama Marine Camp is the perfect place to stay in Utende. There are so many activities, Meals are amazing, and the Beach is very walkable and quiet. Would absolutely recommend to all. While it can be a bit pricey with Marine Park fees, it is absolutely worth the convenience and comfort.

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: 26 October 2023

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Tent
    • Stayed 1 night

    Not 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: 8 October 2023

    9.0
    Good fun at Butiama
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Tent
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Could 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: 5 October 2023

    8.0
    Amazing people doing the best to make our stay perfect
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Tent
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The 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: 29 September 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Tent
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Friendly staff, amazing location, great dives.

    Stayed in September 2023

  • Reviewed: 16 September 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Tent
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    I 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: 19 March 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Location 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: 5 March 2023

    9.0
    Great stay for a beautiful marine holiday
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Tent
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Some 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: 25 February 2023

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Tent
    • Stayed 6 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Friendly staff. Unbeatable location. Tasty and diverse dishes.

    Stayed in February 2023

  • Reviewed: 22 February 2023

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Tent
    • Stayed 8 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    You 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: 19 February 2023

    9.0
    fantastic place to stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Tent
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    nothing

    beach front location, fantastic staff, good food, free water and hot drinks, really clean

    Stayed in February 2023

  • Reviewed: 13 February 2023

    9.0
    Paradise in Tanzania
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Single Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Keep 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: 5 February 2023

    9.0
    Amazing stay with big blue!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Tent
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The 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: 29 January 2023

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Tent
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    It 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: 16 January 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Tent
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The 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: 12 January 2023

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Tent
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    serenity and space

    Stayed in January 2023

Showing 1 – 25

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