Pole Pole
Mafia Island
Accommodation
Pole Pole offers seven bungalow suites spread along a tropical bay with views of the Indian Ocean and Mafia Archipelago. Featuring two bedrooms separated by a bathroom, two of the suites are built with families in mind (Asali Suites No. 6&7). The bungalows are made of local woods and furnished with antique furniture. In addition, there are two luxury bungalows with private beachfront pools, the Alasiri No. 8 for a family of 4 (2 adults and two children) and the Alfajri No. 9 for 2 pax.
Pole Pole is nestled on the very edge of a small pristine beach that is cut off at either end by outcrops of mangroves during high tide. At low tide when the water recedes, it is possible to venture out further and stroll along the shore. Guests, should they wish to swim in the ocean, usually take a dhow to get to a sandbar and swim from there. Having said that, Pole Pole does offer a swimming pool.
The main area consists of the reception, where you are welcomed on arrival, an open-plan lounge and dining area with bar, and an area called the daura, which is used for private dinners in the evenings and as outdoor lounge during the day. Next to the pool Alasiri Spa offers treatments and pedicures.
Location
From the airport at Kilindoni, it's roughly a 30-minute drive across the island to Pole Pole. You will stop at the gate for Mafia Marine Park on route to pay the park fees; these must be paid locally and by credit card (cash not accepted).
Pole Pole is located on the south-east coast of Mafia Island in Chole Bay. The lodge is situated directly on the beach in a natural tropical garden. It is only a five-minute walk to its neighbour Kinasi Lodge, and 15 minutes by boat to Chole Mjini on Chole Island.
Wildlife
Mafia Island Marine Park was the very first marine park in Tanzania. The aquatic and island biodiversity is rich and varied and includes whale shark, dolphin and monkey, bush pig, large palm and baobab.
Mafia is a paradise for divers and snorkelers and offers the chance of seeing whale shark. Great snorkeling is available at all times. SCUBA diving is best after the tradewinds switch in September or October. Turtle hatchings peak earlier in June /July but there are still a few nests to visit throughout the year. The whale shark season runs from the beginning of October to February, sometimes up to March. The rainy season starts mid March.
Activities
The lodge offers diving for beginners and experts, snorkelling, sailing, a village visit, boat trips, an island tour in a 4x4, laid-back walks and a sandbank picnic.
Mafia Island Diving, the PADI diving centre that is used by the lodge, is about five minutes' walk down the beach. The diving professionals usually come by in the evening to discuss the programme for the next day.
Good to know
The water can receide quite far from the beach at low tide. This is normal at most places in the archipelago.
Pole Pole on the map
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