Location
Pole Pole and its bungalow suites are located on Chloe Bay to the south of Mafia Island. The Bay is regarded the core of Mafia Island Marine Park, and the lodge itself is adjacent to the park headquarters. The beach itself is beautiful but is not ideal as it is fringed by mangroves and the tides make it unswimmable at times throughout the day. There are other beaches, better for swimming, within walking distance.
Layout
The main area at Pole Pole is fitting with the bungalows, as its high ceiling is thatched, and the open-plan lounge and dining area is simply decorated with a rustic and African design. They have a curved swimming pool and its position set back from the beach is to protect guests from the breeze that the open beach can bring. The thatched bungalows are sat further back from the beach, and their position up on a hill offers a sea view for guests.
Rooms
Pole Pole has seven thatched bungalow suites - five luxurious suites and two additional Asali suites which are larger in size and can host 4 people per suite. They are all positioned along the beach front, and each of the rooms feature their own private veranda furnished with a Zanzibari day bed, chairs, table and an armchair. The rooms are tastefully decorated with an African influence, with soft wooden furnishings, hand-woven makuti mats and delicate and comfortable bedding.
Activities
Located in Chole Bay, the activities that Pole Pole offer is extensive and varied. These include guided mangrove walking, snorkeling trips within Chole Bay, traditional dhow cruises and of course, diving. A PADI-certified diving centre is located 5 minutes from the lodge and offer equipment, dive courses, excursions and boat trips.
