Pole Pole lodge, Mafia Island

Poland Pole is located on the southeast coast – famous for its unpretentious and relaxed atmosphere and warm but discreet hospitality.

The exotic Mafia Island belongs to the so-called spice islands and has a rich history. It might be somewhat disappointing that the name Mafia Island actually has nothing to do with the word Maffia, but instead comes from the Arabic word morfiyeh, which means group of islands. Another explanation of where the name originates may be from swahili – mahali pa afya, which means “healthy place to stay”. Anyhow, this is a hidden gem that few tourists have found.

Stay in one of seven bungalows overlooking Chole Bay, the heart of Mafia’s Marine Park. The name Pole Pole embodies a cultural swahili concept (meaning slowly, slowly in Swahili) and guests easily adapt to the slow pace that characterises the environment of Mafia, hence the broken ancient bells in the rooms, which encourages us to forget about time and enjoy a new rhythm where the tide and the sun rule your days.

Every evening before dinner, Pole Pole’s activity partner comes to the lodge to inform guests about all activities at Mafia and help you arrange the next day’s plan. Most of the activities are weather and time-water dependent, so availability can not always be guaranteed.

If you are lucky, you will be able to swim with whale sharks. The hotel corporate with the professional company Kitu Kiblu, which operates under the International Whale Shark Code of Conduct. It aims to ensure secure interactions, non-disturbing and respectful activities around the whales.

Of course you can do snorkeling and diving trips many times. Feel free to visit Chole Island and explore the giant baobab trees and not the least ruins from the past. If you want to see more of the nearby community around Pole Pole, you can go on a city tour with one of the hotel’s employees and discover the local culture of the village of Utende.

Don’t forget to visit the hotel’s beautiful outdoor spa.