Pole Pole Lodge

A quiet castaway retreat

Country

Tanzania

Regions

Mafia

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Written request

01 77 37 03 10

À vivre

Pole Pole ... its name means “slowly” in Swahili.
This charming address is a fine eco-lodge on Chobe Bay, near the village of Utende on the southern coast of Mafia Island Marine Park. A small pocket of tropical paradise, still unspoilt, a well-kept secret blending a Robinson Crusoe way of life with attentive service.
Life at Pole Pole is meant to be gentle and quiet.

Layout

Pole Pole Lodge comprises seven very spacious and charming bungalows, including 2 family suites, tucked away in a lush garden of coconut palms and hibiscus. The rooms are decorated with antique furniture and pieces made by local craftspeople.

The lodge serves organic, local cuisine to help fishermen and farmers benefit from the growth of tourism on Mafia Island.
It is a cuisine shaped by multiple influences — African, of course, but also Indian and Italian.
A Swahili meal, based on grilled fish and meats, is served once a week.

A large pool completes the setting, and a massage area is set up on the beach.

Rooms

Amid coconut palms and with a magnificent sea view, the seven spacious bungalows, set within tropical gardens, were built by local craftsmen using wood sourced from the island. Each raised unit has its own private veranda, with a typical Zanzibari bed for essential afternoon naps.
Each bungalow is independent, with a spacious and comfortable bathroom. There are two ceiling fans, one on the veranda and one in the bedroom above the bed.

SPA

You can enjoy a relaxing body massage using essential oils at the peaceful massage centre overlooking the beach. The masseuse is trained in holistic massage based on aromatherapy.

Activities offered

Diving and snorkelling safari escape in the marine national park.
Swimming and relaxing on the beach or by the pool, in the shade of coconut palms.
Other activities: essential oil massages (lymphatic drainage and aromatherapy) and wellness treatments at the Alasiri Spa, boat excursions, 4x4 outings, hiking and light trekking, scuba diving (PADI dive centre).

Diving enthusiasts should travel between October and March to dive alongside whale sharks.

Seasons

Our seasonal advice

Mafia Island's dry season runs from June to October, with cooler temperatures in June and July that begin to rise again from August onward. From July to mid-August, the Kuzi, a south/south-easterly wind, sets in.
From October through to March, some rain can be expected along with higher humidity and temperatures. In April and May, most lodges close for the rainy season.

That said, the best time depends on your interests:
- To dive with whale sharks, October to March is the period to favour. October is also an excellent month for the reefs, as the sea is often very calm.
- To see whales, August and September are the best months.
- To observe sea turtle hatchlings, June and July are more favourable.

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Season not possible
Season to avoid
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Optimal season

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