Serengeti Under Canvas
In Swahili, pole pole means slowly slowly and that is just what you will do at Pole Pole Resort , have some well-earned chill time. Located on little touristed Mafia Island, the resort has five bungalow suites with twin or double beds as well as two additional bungalows which can sleep four guests. Combining barefoot luxury with tasty cuisine and a fun list of activities, this is the perfect spot to unwind after your East Africa safari. Here you can have a pristine Indian Ocean experience without the hustle and bustle of Zanzibar or the Kenya Coast.
Located 160 kilometers from Zanzibar Island, Mafia Island is mostly untouched by development and mass tourism. The green forests are home to monkeys and antelope while its azure waters are protected by a Marine Reserve. Underwater enthusiasts will love the experience here. You can also play on the white sandy beaches, visit the local village and explore interesting ruins and colonial-era buildings. Committed to the environment and proud of its low-impact design, Pole Pole also gives back to the local community.
Bahari Bungalow
Ideal for Couples (1-2 pax)
Elegant and spacious, are set among the coconut palms overlooking Chole Bay.
Tastefully furnished with carved and antique pieces.
Large private verandahs are furnished with a Zanzibari bed, chairs, table and an armchair.
Low environmental impact resort with a state-of-the-art Phyto-purification plant which is a special process of treating wastewater to prevent environmental pollution.
Both double and twin configurations are available.
Alfajiri Suite
Ideal for couples (2 pax max)
Spacious suites with a private pool located on the beachfront. Elegant and spacious, are set among the coconut palms overlooking Chole Bay. Tastefully furnished with carved and antique pieces. Large private verandahs are furnished with a pool, Zanzibari bed, chairs, a table, and an armchair. Low environmental impact resort with a state-of-the-art Phyto-purification plant which is a special process of treating wastewater to prevent environmental pollution. Air conditioning, fans, hot water, and wifi.
Asali Family Bungalows
Ideal for families or larger groups (4 pax max)
Elegant and spacious, are set among the coconut palms overlooking Chole Bay.
A double room and twin room separated by a corridor. Perfect for 2 adults and 2 kids.
Tastefully furnished with carved and antique pieces.
Large private verandahs are furnished with a Zanzibari bed, chairs, table and an armchair.
Low environmental impact resort with a state-of-the-art Phyto-purification plant which is a special process of treating wastewater to prevent environmental pollution.
Extra room furnished with a massage bed, which is separated from the bedroom by a bathroom and a short corridor.
The extra room can be converted into a second bedroom.
Diving the Marine Park
Shore Diving & Boat Dives on Chloe Bay
Almost all of Mafia's diving is at depths of less than 30 m. making it a paradise for all diving levels! The reefs of the archipelago are home to an impressive diversity of underwater marine species from 5 species of turtle to over 400 different types of fish. The excellent condition of Mafia’s underwater world stimulated the creation of the Mafia Island Marine Park; Tanzania's first. The abundance and variety of animal and plant life is hard to match, granting it the title of the ‘best diving destination’ in East Africa. All dives are extremely tide dependent and therefore departure times change slightly with every day. All the dive trips take place from traditional dhows, the signature vessel of the archipelago. Wind allowing the sail is hoisted, and divers return home at the mercy of the age-old trade winds, which is an experience in itself!
Here in Mafia we have 5 types of diving to offer Just a stone's throw away from the dive center, we have the opportunity to explore macro paradise. Every inch of the seashore is rich with the weird and the wonderful. A variety of topographies and flora, home to a range of critters from cuttlefish to seahorses, you name it. With over 100 different nudibranch species so far identified and a variety of crabs, shrimps, and strange fish- these dive sites are unusual and special and definitely worth a wander. Outside the safe confines of Chole bay, Mafia offers a small variety of deeper dive sites for those experienced divers looking for something a little more challenging. Diving is great year-round, but if you come Oct-Mar, you’re likely to encounter Whale Sharks!
Sunset Cruise
The sunset cruise is a beautiful option for couples, families and friends to sit back and relax with a drink in hand and not a care in the world.
Snorkeling
Snorkel in the waters surrounding Mafia Island that offer an extraordinary variety of marine life and provide some of the most spectacular coral reefs on the East African coast.
Beach Picnics
The Marimbani sandbank is a beautiful half-moon shaped piece of sand which can be discovered only by low tide. After a day of snorkeling, wind down with a bbq on the sandbank.
Turtle Hatching
June-end August/ Mid Dec
Sea turtles have been nesting on Tanzanian beaches for over 150 million years. Between June and September hundreds of baby turtles make their instinctive scramble from the white sandy beaches to the warm Indian Ocean waters.
Dhow Sailing
One of the simplest, most relaxing and picturesque excursions - a gentle sail around Chole Bay. The dhow is a traditional boat and the preferred vessel in East Africa for hundreds of years.
Humpback Whale Watching
During the months of September and August we experience the Humpback Whale migration in the south of Mafia as they head for warm waters with their calfs. These magical creatures can grow up to 14 meters long and weigh a whopping 40 tons!
Beach Hikes
Ras Kisimani is in our opinion home to the most beautiful beach you can find on Mafia Island. It takes a short 45 minute journey from your hotel by car or bajaj if you are feeling adventurous to this sleepy fishing village. The journey itself is a highlight as you weave through palm trees, dusty roads and over a beautiful, wooden bridge.
Chloe Walk
The oldest, still inhabited settlement in the archipelago, with the ruins of old Arab buildings used by the Germans during the World War I. The island is covered by extremely varied lush vegetation.
