Pole Pole Bungalows 

Pole Pole Bungalows are located on Chole Bay, on the east coast of the renowned Mafia Island Marine Park. Beachfront and set in lush vegetation, it enjoys great views over the Indian Ocean.

Mafia Island can only be reached by light aircraft from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, or the Selous Game Reserve. There is no boat service to Mafia Island, 30 miles off the Tanzanian mainland. Flight time is 30 minutes from Dar es Salaam and 45 minutes from Selous Game Reserve or Zanzibar Island. The Pole Pole Bungalows is a 20-minute drive from the airstrip. The vehicle transfer to and from the airport is included in the accommodation price.

Pole Pole Bungalows is closed in April and May, the rainy season. The cooler months are between June and September, while October to March is warmer.

Yes, Pole Pole Bungalows is in the Marine Park; a fee of USD 23.60 per person per day (based on 2023 rates) is payable by credit card at the gate to the Marine Park.

There are seven self-contained bungalow suites at Pole Pole Bungalows, in lush vegetation, with views out over the bay. Doubles, twins, and two-roomed family options are available. There are in-room ceiling fans and furnished verandas outside.

Pole Pole Bungalows has a library with books, magazines, and articles about nature, archaeology, history, anthropology, wildlife, underwater life, etc. Playing cards and board games are also available.

There is always a cooling breeze, and there are ceiling fans installed. Air conditioning uses lots of power and makes a noise.

Yes, there is hot water and electricity 24 hours a day at Pole Pole Bungalows.

While some guests come for just a weekend at Pole Pole Bungalows, most will remain for four or five days and longer (between five and ten days) if they want to make the most of the available trips and explore the ocean.

Seafood is to the fore at the Pole Pole Bungalows, although meat is also offered. The cuisine here consists mainly of seafood, although some meat is served. Dietary requirements are catered for, with notice, and local produce is used. Much is homemade (bread, ice cream, for example.) A comprehensive continental breakfast is provided, and lunch and dinner are three or four courses.

At Pole Pole Bungalows, Breakfast is served from 07.30 hours, lunch from 13.00 hours, and dinner from 19.30 hours. These can be varied to assist those on trips/excursions.

Most diets can be catered for at Pole Pole Bungalows, but the management should be notified beforehand.

A wide choice of alcoholic beverages, wines, beers, juices, and cold drinks are always available at Pole Pole Bungalows.

At Pole Pole Bungalows, Visa and Mastercard are accepted but may be subject to a charge/fee.

Children of 10 years and over are welcome at the Pole Pole Bungalows. It is unsuitable for those under that age, and we cannot accept them.

Although no activities are specifically for them at Pole Pole Bungalows, the beach is safe, and they can also use the swimming pool.

Yes, but the use of mobile phones is limited to inside your bungalow to ensure peace for other guests. Please also keep the ringtone on silent mode.

The Alasiri Spa at the Pole Pole Bungalows offers several different massages.

Using the Pole Pole Bungalows as a base, many activities and excursions are available (at extra cost). These include scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, visiting the local villages, daily trips to remote islets or sandbanks, and 4 x 4 vehicle cross-island trips. You can achieve PADI Certificates at the Diving Centre. You can snorkel with whale sharks, look for whales and enjoy trips to such places as the Marimbani Sandbank, Mange Sandbank, the Emerald Channel, walk to Utende Village, do the Mlola Forest Walk, go bird watching, and much more.