Experience barefoot luxury on Mafia Island, Tanzania

Pole Pole is located on the southeast coast – known for its unpretentious and relaxed atmosphere and warmth, yet discreet hospitality. Balancing luxury with respect for local culture and environment, it is the perfect place to relax and the perfect base from which to explore the beautiful world of the sea.

The exotic Mafia island belongs to the spice islands and has a rich history behind it.
The somewhat frightening name Mafia Island actually has nothing to do with the word Mafia, but instead derives from the Arabic word morfiyeh, which means group or archipelago. Another explanation for where the name comes from could be from Swahili – mahali pa afya, which means “healthy place to live”. 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 forms a cultural Swahili concept (meaning slow, slow in Swahili), and we see our visitors adapt to the slow gentleness that characterizes the mafia environment, hence the ruined antique bells on the premises that encourage us to forget time and take part in a new rhythm where the tide and the sun control your days. Here there is a calm and relaxing atmosphere, without music, no TV, no internet, telephones are used sparingly in your room but not in the restaurant or other public places.

Every night before dinner, a member of Pole Pole’s activity partner comes to Poland to inform guests about all the activities available at Mafia and help arrange the next day’s plan. Most of the activities are weather and time-water dependent, so availability cannot always be guaranteed. In addition to just being, we recommend doing a half-day trip to swim with the whale sharks, something that should be extra possible in the month of November (seasonal). The hotel uses the renowned and professional company Kitu Kiblu which operates according to The International Whale Shark Code of Conduct. It aims to ensure safe interactions, non-disruptive and respectful activities around the whales.

Of course, snorkeling and diving can be done many times. Visit Chole Island and see the giant baobab trees and not least the ruins of bygone times. To see more of the nearby community around Pole Pole, take a village tour with one of the hotel’s staff and discover the local culture of the village of Utende. We definitely think you should enjoy a sunset sail. We should also not forget the hotel’s beautiful outdoor spa… and to have time to sit and enjoy the good meals.