Pole Pole Bungalows 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 a spectacular view of the Mafia Archipelago and the Indian Ocean. Seven luxury bungalow suites, elegant and spacious, are set among the coconut palms overlooking the bay. The rooms are furnished with carved and antique pieces. The large private verandas are furnished with a Zanzibari daybed, chairs and a coffee table. All bungalows are self contained, and all have ceiling fans to keep them cool.

The activities in the marine park are: scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing and visiting the local villages. Boat excursions and picnics to isolated islets, sandbanks or islands can also be organized, according to the tide.

The Diving Centre provides PADI Federations’ certificates. The excursions by 4×4 car take you right across the island through villages and changing landscapes up to the northern tip where a lighthouse stands.

The Mafia Archipelago and the delta of the Rufiji River form one of the most interesting marine ecosystems and coral reefs in the world. The area has a high biodiversity and is considered an important habitat for endangered species. There are over 400 species of fish. On land the rich vegetation is dominated by large palm groves, baobabs, mangroves and fruit trees. The wildlife is extremely varied; monkeys, small antelopes, wild pigs, bushbabies as well as a small colony of elusive hippos. There are also countless types of birds. The warm, safe waters of the inland bays and lagoons are a paradise for both expert and beginner scuba divers as well as those simply wishing to snorkel.

Note: Mafia Island marine park fee payable on arrival at the park entry gate, strictly by personal credit card only ($24 per person per 24-hour entry period).