good for you

Set in beautiful Mikindani Bay, with its blue waters and charming fishing town, Old Boma is a National Monument delightful heritage hotel, surrounded by lush tropical trees filled with birds and butterflies, with a swimming pool and sunset terrace overlooking the bay. One of our favourite hotels at The Good Travel Company, the Old Boma is a 100-year-old fort, beautifully restored into a comfortable hotel with modern facilities, whilst retaining its original features and charm. Nestled into a hillside overlooking the Indian Ocean, you'll enjoy breathtaking views from dawn to dusk. Mikindani lies in the very south of Tanzania, about a one-hour drive from the Mozambique border. The area is still wonderfully undeveloped, showing Tanzania at its un-spoilt best.

Visitors can enjoy an enormous range of activities here, making the Old Boma an excellent base for discovering this part of Tanzania. There are safaris to nearby game parks, boating, sport fishing expeditions, historic walking tours, trips to nearby Zanzibar with its wonderful mix of cultures and architecture, as well as scuba diving, snorkeling or simply relaxing on one of the nearby white sand beaches.

The food at the hotel is delicious, with local specialties like fish curry and grilled prawns forming part of a menu that demonstrated the rich cultural heritage of the area, with its Arabic and Asian influences - all accompanied by fine South African wines.

A stay at this place is a delight, to be remembered as a highlight on any trip to this fascinating country.

good for tanzania

The Old Boma at Mikindani is run by Trade Aid Tanzania, a non-profit charitable trust whose aim is to create sustainable employment. Any surpluses are used to initiate similar job creating projects in Mikindani.

The hotel building is a carefully restored national monument - a 100-year-old fort that once served as the office of the district commissioner. Trade Aid has restored it so that it can be preserved for future Tanzanians as part of their cultural history.

Some of the first ventures include an organic market garden supplying the Boma and a small community restaurant, Samaki, that was also established by Trade Aid to serve the local people. So far some 40 jobs have been created in the Boma, and a further 20 in the other ventures.

Old Boma and Trade Aid's commitment to community development goes hand in hand with its efforts to protect the environment. A nursery has been created near the hotel, with the aid of local schoolchildren, to grow trees that can be planted in the area to combat soil erosion - a serious problem created by people felling trees for much-needed fuel.

Rooms

Food

Guests are served fresh food made with organic produce grown in the Market Garden (a community development initiative supported by the hotel), along with herbs and spices, using a variety of coastal African, Arab and Asian flavours. Food is served on an outside dining terrace.

sample menu

breakfast:

Freshly baked bread and homemade preserves

Fried/scrambled eggs or omelette

Freshly squeezed fruit juice, tea or coffee

lunch:

Samosas with saffron rice and salad

Fresh fruit

buffet style dinner

Fresh vegetable soup

Your choice from an extensive buffet - grilled prawns, various curries, BBQ chicken and accompaniments

Fresh fruit or bread & butter pudding

Excellent South African wines and local beers are available.

Features & Facilities

There are many activities and excursions available in the surrounding area. Have a look in the 'Local Info' section.

available at the hotel

• Swimming pool
• Reception desk with telephone available for guests' use.
• Concierge service, happy to arrange any number of excursions in the area.
• Full restaurant service

Local Info & Activities

Mikindani Bay is a large, well-protected harbour in the south of Tanzania, within easy reach of superb beaches and a marine park. The hotel offers a wide range of activities, including game fishing and diving. Safaris to the Selous Game Reserve and trips to the island of Zanzibar, as well as into nearby Mozambique, are also available. Mikindani is a fascinating old town with winding streets and an exciting blend of African, Arabic and European architecture.

mikindani

Mikindani was an important trading centre as far back as the 15th century - David Livingstone quoted it in his diaries as being "the finest port on the coast". Since then its fortunes have fluctuated. The village still reflects its multicultural history and the mix of Arabic, African and European presence on this East African coastal village is still evident.

The Old Boma conducts five walking tours of the town, and the choice depends on your interest, with most taking in the main historical landmarks, including sites of worship and old colonial buildings.

fish and spice markets

With a view that stretches from the deep-water harbour, across Mtwara Bay and far out into the Indian Ocean, this area is worth a visit at any time, but the morning fish market on the beach brings the place to life with lots of colour and movement as fishermen land their catch and people go about the business of buying and selling.

After checking out the fish, head to the other market in Mtwara where spices, fruit and vegetables are on sale.

mikindani dhow trip

Sail a traditional dhow across the sheltered waters of Mikindani Bay to Pemba village and beyond. Dhows have been plying the waters of the Indian Ocean for hundreds of years, and you'll enjoy the opportunity to sail on one of these handcrafted vessels.

The journey across the bay can take as little as half an hour in favourable winds. As you cross, keep an eye out for wildlife - butterflies flutter in their hundreds over the water, occasional fish eagles patrol the outer bay and there has even been the occasional sighting of humpback whales.

mnazi bay marine reserve

Take an excursion to the white sands of Msimbati beach in the newly gazetted Mnazi Bay Marine Reserve. Msimbati was once known as the place to pick up dhow transport to Mozambique. Nowadays, visitors are motivated more by the miles of white sand and the presence of coral reefs close to the shore, which provide excellent snorkelling.

The beach shelves away deeply and swimming, even at low tide, is good. The many coral reefs, some of which are very close to the shore, provide for excellent snorkelling.

You cover the 35 miles to Msimbati in about 90 minutes with the Old Boma's guided tour. While a shaded seating area is set up you can explore the beach or take a swim.

The afternoon is yours to relax, perhaps visiting the deserted house of an eccentric Englishman who lived here for many years.

frangipani, fish eagles and flame trees tour

This is a fascinating opportunity to see the birds, botany and butterflies of this rich natural environment, accompanied by an experienced naturalist. The walks typically start at 9am or 3pm, but can be arranged to suit the convenience of the group and the habits of the birds. The Old Boma guides carry refreshments and there are many opportunities to rest in the shade. You will also make excursions by land rover to explore places and species further afield.

You will see flame trees, frangipani, jacaranda, African almond, coconut, banana, the magnificent baobab and many other species of tropical trees and plants. There is a wealth of birds in this part of the country, including the magnificent fish eagle with its black and white colouring. Tanzania is home to over 500 species of beautiful butterflies, including yellow pansy, short tailed admiral and many kinds of swallowtail.

fishing and boating safari

Take to the blue waters off Mikindani Bay on the Pepe. The possibilities are many - sport fishing, swimming, snorkelling, diving, or simply the chance to cruise the coastline.

The coastal waters in this part of Tanzania are rarely sport fished and the area has a good stock of pelagics, the predatory fish that offer fishermen the challenge they seek. Kingfish, wahoo and barracuda are common and there are other seasonal visitors such as marlin and tuna.

diving

A PADI dive centre operates in Mikindani, offering diving excursions from either a GRP dive boat or, for a slightly more exotic experience, from a wooden dhow. Diving takes place in Mikindani Bay or the nearby Mnazi Bay Marine Park. This stretch of coastline boasts some of the finest diving sites in East Africa, including spectacular outer reef drop-offs and walls.

rondo plateau

Take a trip back in time to the peace and solitude of the Rondo Plateau. The approach road, an adventure in itself, arrives at a Theological College and an octagonal church with magnificent stained glass windows.

Stay in the former Plantation Manager's home, a traditional cottage with fireplaces, hardwood floors and fantastic views from the edge of the escarpment.

Next morning an early start to the reserve with its primary forest and mature teak, mahogany and other hardwood trees.

mozambique

Journey south to the Mozambique border. The Ruvuma River, home to hippos and crocodiles, and Lake Chidya, excellent for bird life.

Going south, the Mozambique border is only a 11/2 hour drive away. The Ruvuma River has its origins to the east of Lake Nyasa. Its flow reflects the seasons, during the wet and spate a mighty river two kilometres across. In the dry, a canoe can cross in minutes.

This circuit focuses on the Southern border and starts by heading inland on the dirt road to Newala. Turning south after an hour, you pass through areas of cashew and shifting cultivation crossing a forested valley before the Ruvuma appears. From a good vantage point you can see along the Ruvuma and into the bush country of Mozambique beyond.

Sustainability

The Old Boma at Mikindani is run by Trade Aid Tanzania, a non-profit charitable trust whose aim is to create sustainable employment. Any surpluses are used to initiate similar job creating projects in Mikindani.

Some of the first ventures include an Organic Market Garden supplying the Boma and a Tree Nursery. A small restaurant, Samaki, has been opened to serve the local people.

So far some 40 jobs have been created in the Boma, and a further 20 in the other ventures.

Trade Aid Mikindani also oversees the Danish Schools Project. A group of Danish donors support the education of over 100 local children

market garden

The Old Boma Hotel requires a wide variety of vegetables to supply it's kitchen, many of which were previously unavailable in Mikindani. To solve this problem, local people have created an organic market garden, the seeds supplied by Trade Aid, along with advice on irrigating and growing a selection of vegetables. The produce of the market garden is sold to The Old Boma, the Samaki canteen and local buyers.

samaki

Samaki (Swahili for fish) is a small canteen operated by a woman's group with initial assistance from Trade Aid. Centrally located in the Old Slave Market in Mikindani it serves low cost, nutritious food to the village people. Previously there was no restaurant in Mikindani catering for local tastes and palates.

It has generated 3 jobs, but equally importantly, it has become a meeting place and social centre for the village people. The canteen is another customer for the Market Garden.

environment

Soil erosion is a major problem in Southern Tanzania as trees are taken for fuel and building without being replaced. Trade Aid is trying to prevent this by educating local people about why they should be planting trees to replace those they cut down. To help with this a tree nursery has been created near the Boma with the help of pupils from the local primary schools. Here trees are grown then transplanted into the eroded soils around Mikindani.

Six months after it was started there are now over 1700 saplings in the nursery. Some saplings have already been planted at a nearby school and others have been planted as part of the opening ceremony of the local dispensary. The local school children have proved invaluable in this process, as they have done much of the work to plant and look after the saplings. Now plans are being made for the next season to also grow ebony as it is becoming scarce due to its popularity for making carvings. By planting ebony trees we hope we will help the local carvers to sustain the raw materials they require to work.

Getting There

Most travelers will fly to Tanzania's capital, Dar es Salaam. British Airways offers non-stop flights from London. KLM, Gulf, Emirates, Swiss, Kenyan and Ethiopian Airlines also fly to Dar es Salaam.

Mikindani is in Southern Tanzania very near the border with Mozambique. The nearest big town is Mtwara which is just 6miles further south. From Dar es Salaam, it's Approx. 400 km on mostly poor dirt road, via Kilwa and Lindi to Mikindani. Many travelers will go to Mikindani as part of a longer trip to Mozambique.

by air:

There are flights from Dar es Salaam to Mtwara with Air Tanzania. Flight time one hour, cost £120 return. Transfers between Mtwara Airport and The Old Boma Hotel (approx 8 miles) are organized free of charge for guests.

by road:

Mikindani is accessible via the coastal road from Dar es Salaam to Mtwara (the nearest major town and regional capital which lies just 8 miles to the south).

From Dar es Salaam, it's Approx. 400 km on mostly poor dirt road, via Kilwa and Lindi. Rainy season may increase journey time. Buses run several times daily from DAR bus station. Cost approx. $10. Journey time 12-24 hours. Private vehicle may take 12 hours; but an overnight stop at Kilwa Masoko is recommended.

by sea:

This is probably the most enjoyable way to travel.

A weekly ferry service from Dar costing around $15 dependant on cabin type. Departs Dar Wednesday, arrives Thursday. Departs Mtwara Thursday and arrives Friday.

Visit our Transport section for flights, hybrid car rentals and train bookings.

Rates & Bookings

• All rates are in UK£

Blue Lagoon - VIP Suite - Superior Double + Single. Panoramic Coastal View.

Triple Occupancy: £125

Livingstone - Superior Double + single. Balcony with sea view.

Double Occupancy: £80

Triple Occupancy: £95

Chief Mkwawa - Standard twin. Garden View. £60

Von Lettow-Vorbeck - Superior Double. Balcony with sea view. £70

Nyerere Superior Double - Balcony with sea view. £80

Governor Damquat Standard Double with Pool/Garden View. £60

Chuma & Susi - Superior Double. Balcony with garden view. £70

Cairns - Standard Double. Verandah with pool view. £50

Yvonne - Standard single. Partial sea view. £40

• Breakfast
• All taxes

booking & cancellation policy

• A 10% non-refundable deposit is required to secure a booking. The remaining 90% is payable at the end of your stay.
• Cancellations made at any time will incur the loss of this deposit.
• Cancellations made near the time of arrival will incur further charges. Full information will be given before booking is confirmed.

Want to avoid cancellation fees? Visit our Insurance section for information on travel insurance.