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Mafia Island Marine Park, Tanzania

Pole Pole Bungalow Resort

We have not made it to Mafia yet but hear great things about its authentic feeling and environmentally sensitive approach to developing tourism. Pole Pole looks to be the nicest choice for accommodation.

We do know that a trip to Mafia is a truly African experience but can be quite rustic.

 — Mango's view

Situated in the Utende area of Mafia Island, Pole Pole, considered one of the most exclusive eco-resorts in the world, is renowned for its great cuisine, unpretentious and laid-back atmosphere, and warm but discrete hospitality. Balancing luxury with respect for local culture and environment, it is the perfect place to relax after a safari, and the ideal base for exploring the underwater wonders of Mafia Island. With a touch of style.

Owner operated, Pole Pole Bungalow Resort is a new kind of luxury travel experience that combines the principles of eco-tourism, a small resort setting, and one of the most pristine and exotic environments in the world. Your hosts Massimo and Katia have spent the last several years designing and building the resort.

Seven luxury bungalows suites, elegant and spacious, are set among the coconut palms overlooking the bay. The rooms are furnished with carved and antique pieces. Twin and double beds are available and an extra bed can be provided. The floors are made out of hard woods (afrormosia, one of the rarest and valued tropical woods), the furniture from mahogany and the door and window frames from doussi. The beds have wooden slats and high quality spring mattresses. All linen is imported from Italy. Bathrooms have double washbasins, king size showers, bidets and toilets.

The Pole Pole cuisine is a combination of diverse culinary traditions and cultures with an Italian style touch of class. Seafood, homemade pasta and delicious fresh fruit ice cream are the specialties. A Swahili dinner is served once per week or on request. Most of the food served is organically grown and bought on the island to help local fishermen and farmers benefit from tourism development. Breakfast is international style with fresh fruit juice, seasonal fresh fruits, crepes, toasted bread, traditional homemade jam and honey, butter, tea and eggs. A selection of beverages and cold drinks are always available at the bar, which remains open until guests have retired.

Activities at Pole Pole include relaxing on the beach, scuba diving and snorkeling in Mafia Island Marina Park, one of the worlds finest, and day trips. Free day trips are organized to three destinations in Chole Bay, the islands main attraction. All trips take place in accordance with the tides which allow one or more destinations to be reached in a day.

Includes: All meals, laundry & activities