Pole Pole Lodge

Pole Pole is a beach lodge on the tiny island of Mafia, surrounded by tall palms and sea breezes. ‘Pole Pole’ literally means slowly in Swahili, which is very apt. The atmosphere is one of total relaxation. You do not have to hurry in any shape or form at Pole Pole.

Pole Pole is located on a quite stretch of beach overlooking Chole Bay. There are just seven thatched cottages on stilts, constructed from local timber, by local Mafia craftsmen. Each room has spacious en suite facilities, with his and hers sinks. They have a very cunning purification plant which helps to reduce their impact on this fragile environment.

Each bungalow covers about 60 metres. The floors are made out of hardwoods, the furniture is mahogany and the door and window frames are doussi. Each room is decorated in light colours with ceiling fans. The beds have wooden slats and high quality spring mattresses. The verandas have large ‘day beds’ looking over the water through the palms.

The main bar, seating and dining area are set up above the beachfront, with sweeping views down to the small beach giving it a lovely airy feel. The furniture is simple but effective, comfortable and relaxed.

Pole Pole has its own in house wellness room overlooking the ocean. A full range of treatments are available.

There is a PADI dive centre down the beach based at another lodge; they are helpful and have a good range of well maintained equipment.

The food is absolutely excellent and the atmosphere relaxed. You couldn’t ask for much more in a tranquil beach setting.