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Mafia is an archipelago of islands at the
mouth of the Rufiji river delta, composed of Mafia Island,
Jibondo, Juani and Chole. Visitors today find essentially rural
farming and fishing communities whose day to day lives continue
in much the same pattern as has been traditional for centuries.
The Island forms part of the coral reef protecting the coast of
Tanzania. The island is the meeting place of large oceanic fish
and the the vast variety of fish common to the Indian Ocean
coral reefs. There are over 400 species of fish in the park. The
Park is a paradise for both expert scuba divers as well as those
wishing to snorkel or sail.
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Mafia Island Lodge
40 comfortable rooms are set among the coconut palms with their
own veranda overlooking the bay. They are all self-contained
with air conditioning. Twin and double beds are available. Among
the 40 rooms there are 2 family rooms with a large living room.
Hot and cold water is available 24 hours a day. The main lodge
has a relaxing atmosphere with a large open restaurant, bar with
pool table and lounge area. Board games, table tennis and
volleyball are also available. Mafia Island Lodge is
closed during the rainy season months of April to June, and open
between July and March.
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Chole Mjini Eco Lodge
The only lodge on Chole Island in Chole Bay, Mafia Island Marine
Park. An incredible design of unique tree houses built high
amongst the baobab trees. Chole Mjini Eco-Lodge is set on a tiny
islet called Chole. Chole is a historical Mecca having
architectural ruins built by Shirazis from Persia, Khoja Ismaili
Asians, Omani Arabs, and some with German modifications. There
is no electricity on Chole so it’s important to note no
television, no air-conditioning and no fax or email facilities
available to guests. The lodge is an incredible experience with
unique environmentally friendly designs but it has a rustic
desert island feel throughout. The accommodation is built
intellectually and literally inside baobab trees and resonates a
true ecological perspective.There is an upstairs bar with sea
views and the downstairs lounge area has a wide range of games,
magazines, reference books and novels.
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Kinasi Lodge
This is a small, private lodge situated in a coconut and cashew
plantation facing Chole Bay on Mafia Island. The bungalows have
been constructed in rendered concrete block, with palm-leaf (makuti)
roofs, and concrete foundations and floors. All Kinasi cottages
are ensuite with hot water and have ample hanging space, a desk
and chair, verandah chairs and table, double chaise (for full
relaxation), full-length mirror, ceiling fan for cool air and
power outlets in the bathroom for hair dryers and electric
shavers. The cottages have walk-in mosquito nets that cover the
beds completely, and have been designed for through-ventilation
and coolness in all seasons.
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The Pole Pole Resort
This resort at Mafia Island's Marine Park is a new kind of
resort. Consisting of only seven bungalows, our island home
promises personal attention and service. "Pole Pole" means "take
it easy" in Swahili. Situated in the Utende area of Mafia, the
resort is Archipelago's main base. It is set in a shady, breezy
spot facing a sea of the deepest blue and looking over at the
islands of Chole, Juani and Jibondo. Owned and operated by a
young Italian couple, Pole Pole Resort is a new kind of luxury
travel experience that combines the principles of ecotourism, a
small resort setting and one of the most pristine and exotic
environments in the world. Massimo and Katia have spent the last
several years designing and building the resort. The roomy
bungalows with wide verandas looking onto the sea are built
entirely out of wood and raised on stilts to ensure the maximum
comfort for the guests.
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