Good For You

In Swahili, the name Pole Pole means "slowly, slowly" which pretty much sums up the ethos at this luxury eco hideaway on the Indian Ocean. Run by a young Italian couple, the lodge combines the services one would expect from a five star resort with the principles of ecotourism.

There are just seven Italian-designed bungalows that sit amongst the coconut palms staring out to sea and over the neighbouring islands of Chole, Juani and Jibondo. They're a heavenly mix of thatch, muslin and mahogany with stylish en-suite bathrooms and hammocks big enough for two.

The restaurant sits in a larger version of the thatched bungalows and dishes up an unusual but delicious Italian-Swahili menu and the on site bar serves cocktails until the last guest has retired.

It's a laidback resort on a laidback island - perfect for kicking back and taking it very easy indeed.

Good For Tanzania

Mafia Island is located within Mafia Island Marine Park that was opened in 1995 and is backed by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). The Mafia archipelago forms part of the coral reef protecting the coast of Tanzania and is home to a vast variety of marine life - there are over 400 species of fish alone within the park. Pole Pole is committed to protecting this natural wonderland and recently launched the first every recycling program in the 325,000-acre Marine Park.

At the resort itself, wastewater is treated in a phyto-purification system and hotel profits fund local education initiatives. The staff are all local villagers and produce and supplies are bought locally where possible to ensure that the benefits of tourism return to the local communities.

Rooms

Food

Features & Facilities

• Restaurant
• Bar
• En-suite bathrooms
• Ceiling fans in bedrooms
• Diving
• Snorkeling
• Water Sports

Local Info & Activities

The island's main attraction - other than the sheer natural beauty of the place - is Chole Bay. Free trips are organised by Pole Pole to three destinations within Chole Bay on a daily basis and it's a great spot for swimming, snorkelling, walking or simply sunbathing. There is also a dive centre here for those who would rather scuba than snorkel.

Massage You can enjoy a relaxing body massage using essential oils either on the beach or in the comfort of your own room

Chole Island The oldest, still inhabited settlement in the archipelago, with the ruins of some Arab buildings used by the Germans during the First World War. The island is covered by extremely varied lush vegetation. You can visit a shipyard where traditional construction methods are still used to build dhows, the typical East African sailing boat. Among the island's curiosities are a number of trees containing colonies of Comoro bats, a protected species of fruit eating "flying foxes".

Pole Pole also organise a number of other day trips that last six to eight hours or even overnight. Guests are charged an additional fee for these trips.

Juani-Blue Lagoon

The southern point of Juani is bisected by a long channel linking the huge inland bay with the open sea. At the end of the channel is an enormous natural swimming pool whose level varies according to the tides. The area can only be reached by boat during high tide for a few hours a day, but those who decide to trek from Kua will witness a natural phenomenon only known to few people: during low tide the whole channel is drained of water creating an extraordinary sight with a view of the ocean waves breaking on the reef in the background. The entire area belongs to a special Archipelago project for the protection of its wildlife and vegetation. A number of basic structures are being built and will allow one- or two-night flying camps to be organised upon request.

Juani - Kua

On Juani, one of the largest and most characteristic islands in the archipelago, are the ruins of the ancient city of Kua, whose decline - as yet unexplained by archaeological and historical research - is the subject of many legends. The island's fauna is quite unusual and includes wild pigs, monkeys and small antelopes (blue duiker). Depending on guests' interests, the trip can either be limited to a visit to Kua or may also include a trek through the bush to the "Blue Lagoon".

Jibondo

The island of Jibondo is at about an hour's boat-trip from Utende and is characterised by the unique conformation of the western tip and the surrounding emerald-green waters. The village is mainly inhabited by fishermen whose fish and octopus drying and net-mending activities are of great interest to tourists together with the traditional shipyard, one of the most famous in Tanzania. The trip includes a break for snorkelling and lunch on a beach.

Kitutia

Kitutia is one of the archipelago's most beautiful coral reefs with two strips of fine white sand which remain exposed during low tide. The trip includes snorkelling and diving activities and allows time for walking along the reef, sunbathing or swimming in the natural pools formed around the sandbanks. Depending on the tides, lunch is served in Kitutia or on another beach en route to the reef.

Bwejuu

Considered by many to be the most beautiful island in the archipelago thanks to its position and its sandy banks, Bwejuu is less than two kilometres long and no more than two hundred metres wide at its widest point. Its position - halfway between the main island of Mafia and the delta of the river Rufiji - makes it a handy base for diving and snorkelling on the nearby Mange Reef (very similar to the Kitutia Reef) as well as for trips along the River Rufiji which sometimes go as far as Selous, a huge nature reserve covering over 50,000 sq. km. A small traditional fishing community lives on the island. Pole Pole owns over two hectares on the western point, which can be reached during both high and low tides, and where a number of basic structures have already been set up to make guests' stay more comfortable whether you are there on a day-trip or camping for a few days in a tent-site.

Ras Mkumbi Lighthouse

Situated on the west point of Mafia Island, the lighthouse can be reached by a three-hour car-journey taking you right across the island and its changing landscape. Wide stretches of savannah studded by baobab trees, small seaside villages, bush populated by monkeys and birds climax in a unique view of the open sea. Guests can go right to the top of the lighthouse, which is still operating, for an all-round view.

During the less dry seasons, the trip to the lighthouse or Chuwia can also include a short visit to places inhabited by a colony of hippopotamuses which are so small that they are known as "dwarf hippos". Their unexplained presence on the island is said by some to date back to distant times when the conformation of the Rufiji river delta and the tides made it possible for them to cross the strip of sea separating Mafia from the mainland. Others claim that their arrival is due to a light-hearted or utilitarian gesture (availability of a fresh meat supply) on the part of the Portuguese who were frequent visitors to these coasts several centuries ago. When the small pools where they live dry up the hippopotamuses move to a zone where you need a stroke of luck to find them.

Chuwia

An hour by jeep along a track passing through one of the most characteristic landscapes of the island and an easy trek though a stretch of virgin forest take you to one of Chole Bay's most inaccessible beaches. Guests can witness wildlife and vegetation untouched by human settlement and cultivation.

INSIDER TIP/S

Although the resort has a small shop selling such essential as shampoo and toothpaste it's worth bringing everything you need with you, including any medication you require.

October to the end of March are the best months for diving but for non-divers the months between May and October offer the best weather. January to March can be uncomfortably hot and humid. The heavy rains come in March and April, and lesser rains in October to mid-December.

The entire Tanzanian coast is at high risk from malaria and travellers should seek medical advice on anti-malarial medication prior to travel.

Sustainability

Mafia Island is located within Mafia Island Marine Park (MIMP) that was opened in 1995 and is backed by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). The Mafia archipelago forms part of the coral reef protecting the coast of Tanzania and is home to a vast variety of marine life - there are over 400 species of fish in the park. Pole Pole is committed to protecting this natural wonderland and launched the first every recycling program in the 325,000-acre Marine Park.

The Mafia Island Sustainable Aid and Development Agency Trust Fund was conceived in 1998 with the support of Pole Pole Resort and registered in 2000 to support community-based projects. The Trust is dedicated to ensuring that local communities benefit from eco-tourism development.

At the resort itself, wastewater is treated in a phyto-purification system and hotel profits fund local education initiatives. Through private fundraising from Pole Pole resort and responsible travelers, a primary school has been built in the Village of Utende, heart of the MIMP.

Getting There

The international airport at Dar es Salaam is serviced by a number of airlines including Air France, Air India, Air Tanzania, Air Zimbabwe, British Airways, Emirates, Gulf Air and South African Airways.

From Dar, there are daily flights to Mafia. You will be met at Mafia airport by staff from Pole Pole Resort.

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

Rates & Bookings

All rates are in US Dollars ($) and are per person per night sharing (full board).

• Luxury Bungalow $200.00
• High season supplement $30.00
• High season 1st – 10th January; 1st – 31st August; 20th – 31st December

End of the year: supplement 50$ per person on the 31st December (including special dinner and free drinks) and minimum 5 nights.

Rates are quoted per person per night in US Dollars ($) based on two people sharing.

Rates are per person per day and include three gourmet meals and early morning tea, daily excursions in Chole Bay and snorkelling, transfers to and from Mafia airport, tea, coffee and safe drinking water, use of private waiting room in Mafia airport and assistance, laundry (2 items per person per day).

Rates do not include Marine Park fees: 10$ per person per day (children 5$) to be paid cash at the Park’s entrance gate, drinks and extras

booking & cancellation policy

A non refundable 20% deposit is required within to confirm the reservation.

Full payment is due 45 days before arrival for a high season booking and 30 days before arrival at all other times.

Cancellation penalties are as follows:

44 - 30 days 25%

29 - 15 days 50%

14 – 7 days 75%

Under 7 days, no refund

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