Pole Pole

Pole Pole is located in the Chole Bay area, near Utende village on the southeast coast of the Mafia Island Marine Park. It lies on the beach, within a tropical garden, overlooking the Mafia Archipelago and the Indian Ocean.

Seven 'Luxury Bungalows Suites', elegant and spacious, are set among the coconut palms overlooking the bay. The rooms are furnished with carved and antique pieces. Twin and double beds are available and an extra bed can be added if needed. Two of the bungalows are suited to families as there are two rooms separated by the bathroom and a small corridor.

The large private verandas are furnished with a Zanzibari bed, chairs, table and an armchair. Each bungalow is self-contained and the bathroom is spacious and comfortable. There are two ceiling fans, one on the veranda and one in the bedroom above the bed. Pole Pole is a 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.

The lodge

The cuisine is a combination of diverse culinary traditions and cultures, with an Italian touch of class. Swahili dinners are served once a week, or upon request. The resort caters for special dietary requirements whenever possible. Most of the food served is organically grown and bought on the island to help fishermen and farmers benefit from tourism development.

The swimming pool is shaped by a series of circles and set in a beautiful locally-sourced coconut wood deck. Its design is reminiscent of a traditional Arabic sailing dhow, with weathered parts of old sailing boats integrated into its features. It is partially shaded by a dramatic dhow sail rigged up on old masts, and a bar area and shaded seating area are also incorporated into the surrounding garden for your comfort and convenience.

Activities at Pole Pole

There are different types of activities or excursions (at a supplementary cost) - by boat, by 4x4 car or walking and light trekking. The activities in the marine park are scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing and visiting the local villages.

The Diving Centre provides PADI Federations' certificates (medical certificates are mandatory to do a beginners course). The excursions by 4x4 take you right across the island through villages and changing landscapes up to the northern tip where a lighthouse stands. Guests may also experience the excitement of swimming with the whale sharks. Pole Pole organizes boat excursions and picnics to isolated islets, sandbanks or islands every day, according to the tide.