Located on a secluded part of Mafia Island
Seamlessly integrated into its surroundings in both culture and environment
Location: Tucked into tropical gardens overlooking Chole Bay on the southeast coast of Mafia Island, Pole Pole Lodge is far from the usual beach resort experience. Accessible only by light aircraft, it’s a world away from the everyday – and all the better for it.
Rooms: There are just seven elegant bungalow suites, designed to blend effortlessly into the natural surroundings. Each has a large private veranda with views of the bay. Two of the bungalows are suitable for families (children aged 10+), with two bedrooms and a shared bathroom. Interiors are simple but stylish, with a strong focus on comfort and sustainability.
Amenities: Meals are fresh and varied, with a creative blend of Swahili flavours and Italian flair – special dietary needs can be catered for with notice. The lodge’s dhow-shaped swimming pool is a lovely spot to cool off, and the small Alasiri Spa offers relaxing massages and essential oil treatments.
Activities: Mafia Island Marine Park is renowned for its unspoilt coral reefs and abundant marine life, making it ideal for snorkelling and diving (for all levels). Pole Pole also offers daily boat trips to sandbanks and nearby islands, village visits, 4x4 island tours and gentle forest walks. Whale shark encounters (seasonal) and turtle hatching are unforgettable experiences for nature lovers.
Sustainability: Pole Pole is one of East Africa’s leading eco-resorts. The lodge was built with local materials and minimal environmental impact, and works closely with Mafia Island Marine Park to promote marine conservation. Most staff come from the surrounding communities, and the lodge supports local education and environmental initiatives year-round.
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Best places to stay in Mafia Island
Zanzibar Trip Inspiration
When to go to Zanzibar
Find out the best time to visit Zanzibar with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is dry season in Zanzibar, it is the best time to swim with whale sharks and exploring the isles corals reefs and exotic fish, with water clarity of 25 meters.
February
February is dry season in Zanzibar, it is the best time to swim with whale sharks and exploring the isles corals reefs and exotic fish, with water clarity of 25 meters.
March
In March Zanzibar experiences a period of long rains - showers become more frequent and it can be very wet from the middle of March.
April
The long rains make April a mixed month to travel, as beaches along the Indian Coastline become very hot and wet. Activities like scuba diving take a turn, with water clarity decreasing due to the weather. We would recommend not travelling during this time.
May
Temperatures during May are high, with strong winds and continual rainfall. If you travel during this time you won't witness the best of Zanzibar.
June
June, the wet season is finally over, temperatures are cooler making it a beautiful time to lounge on the beach or explore the culturally rich Stone Town. Sporadic rainfall may occur across the month.
July
Dry season is in full swing, with consistent weather over this period with little wind and low rainfall. Diving is good during July with clarity levels increasing.
August
Dry season is in full swing, with consistent weather over this period with little wind and low rainfall. Diving is good during August with clarity levels increasing as long as the weather remains temperate.
September
Dry season is in full swing, with consistent weather, the added bonus of September is the possibility of whale watching.
October
October is the ideal month for exploring coral reefs and exotic marine life, with water clarity of 25 meters or more it is perfect for any water lovers. The weather remains temperate, with little wind and rainfall.
November
November brings the arrival of the summer rains and winds, but if you're a keen fisherman, billfish season kicks off. Otherwise, it is the best time to swim with the mighty whale shark and to go coral reef diving.
December
The wet season continues in Zanzibar during December. However, it is the best time to swim with whale sharks. Diving is not at its best but visibility is good for exploring the isles corals reefs and exotic fish.
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