Pole Pole Bungalows

Pole Pole Bungalows (meaning "slowly-slowly" in Swahili) is a small, privately owned hillside eco-lodge overlooking Chole Bay within Mafia Island Marine Park. It's considered one of the most exclusive eco-lodges in the world, renowned for its great cuisine, unpretentious and laid-back atmosphere, warm but discrete hospitality, and peaceful private setting. The name reflects the laid-back pace of life experienced at this beachside ecolodge, perfectly blending barefoot luxury with authentic Swahili charm.

Rooms

The lodge offers 9 bungalow suites subtly blended into the surrounding tropical landscape of coconut palms, lush forest, and soft sands. Five are hillside Bahari Bungalows (suitable for 2 guests), two are Asali Family Bungalows elevated on stilts (ideal for families or 4 guests), and beachfront units include the Alasiri Family Suite and Alfajiri Suite (both with private plunge pools). The bungalows are set on stilts on a small hill overlooking the turquoise sea, hidden in foliage, with two occupying a beachfront position. They are elegant, spacious, and perfectly blended with the surrounding tropical garden overlooking Chole Bay's infinite palette of blues.

Accommodations are furnished with carved and antique pieces, large double or twin beds with muslin nets, ceiling fans, and en-suite bathrooms with brass fittings. Each bungalow is self-contained with a spacious and comfortable bathroom, air-conditioning, and Wi-Fi. Large private verandas are provided with handcrafted wooden furniture, comfortable chairs, tables, armchairs, and carved Zanzibari beds for afternoon relaxation. Twin and double beds are available, and extra beds can be provided. Family bungalows have two rooms separated by the bathroom and small corridor for privacy.

Activities

Activities include world-class scuba diving, snorkeling (excellent possibilities within the marine park), sailing, fishing, swimming with whale sharks, exploring tropical islands, and daily excursions. The resort is the ideal base for exploring underwater wonders of Mafia Island Marine Park, with magnificent diving and snorkeling opportunities. The garden's lazy tranquility is complemented by the Alasiri Spa in the pool area, offering massages. Guests can watch giant fruit bats arrive nightly from nearby Chole Island while enjoying sundowners on their private balconies immersed in nature.

The resort operates on a full-board basis including meals, tea, coffee, bottled water, laundry service, and one daily excursion from the activities list. The swimming pool is shaped by circles and set in a locally-sourced coconut wood deck, surrounded by gently swaying palm trees.

Pole Pole is a low environmental impact resort with a state-of-the-art phyto-purification plant for treating wastewater to prevent environmental pollution. Transfer to and from the airport is included in the accommodation cost. It's perfect for solo travelers, couples, families with older children, honeymooners, and ocean-lovers seeking relaxation after safari.