When you first visit east Africa, you quickly learn three words of Swahili – they echo about you, accompanied by big grins, from the moment you arrive. The first is karibu, which means ‘welcome’ and is liberally applied to anyone who looks pale enough to have recently arrived. The second is jambo, which means ‘Hello’ (or, from a child, ‘please can I have ten shillings for looking cute?’). And the third is pole pole, meaning ‘take it easy’.
Which is exactly what guests at this understated little beach lodge on the untrodden island of Mafia spend days doing. There is no noise or hassle, just sunshine and silence. No dusty roads, just a mangrove-lined tidal beach. No requests for ten shillings, just excellent service and cuisine from the elegant Italian manageress and her team. No crowded hotels, just a handful of wood-and-thatch bungalows with comfy Italian fittings. So, if you just want to chill out on a remote island, with nothing to disturb your reverie but a gentle sailing or diving trip, then off you go! And take it easy.
Highs
- Dhow trips to remote beaches and idyllic sandbanks
- Mafia is a stunning, virtually unexplored archipelago with amazing sea-life (it’s a marine park), from tiny sea-horses to giant turtles
- Spacious bungalows with shady verandas
- There's a small spa area on site and an excellent dive school next door
Lows
- It’s only a small strip of beach, and at low tide you can’t really swim
- There’s not much to do on land
- It looks expensive - but rates include all meals, transfers, boat trips and more
- It’s quite a journey to get there - but that’s part of the fun!
Best time to go
Any time except April and May, when it is closed for the long rains - though Mafia is drier than Zanzibar. There is a high season supplement from December (which can also be a little wet) through March (which can be very hot). Best ‘value-for-weather’: September – October.
Our top tips
Anyone wishing to do a beginners scuba diving course ('Open Water Course') must present a medical certificate to the diving instructor, to show that you are fit for the course. Without this you cannot undertake the course.
- Beach Resort
- 7 rooms
- Restaurant
- Over 10s welcome; under 10s depending on occupancy and season
- Closed: 25 Apr 2025 - 31 May 2025...
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- On the beach
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
Rooms
There are 7 wood-and-thatch, stilted bungalows spread along the top of the hill with views over the sea to Chole Island.
The Luxury Bungalows (the name flatters them somewhat) are spacious, with a large sitting-sleeping room, a covered veranda and an ensuite bathroom. The double (or twin) beds have mosquito nets, a ceiling fan and Italian bedlinen; they are quite comfy, though a little on the narrow side. There is also a writing desk, plenty of clothes hanging space; outside there’s a day-bed and a couple of easy chairs. The walk-in shower is hot and effective, and the twin basins are a pleasant surprise. A secondary net separates the whole interior from the thatched roof above. The overall atmosphere is spacious and cool but rather gloomy. At the far end are 2, newer Luxury Family Bungalows with 2 bedrooms (with 1 double and 1 twin) and a bathroom in the middle. The per-person rate is the same, with under 12's paying 50% of this.
Features include:
- WiFi
Eating
At the bottom of the hill is a reception-kitchen block, and next to that an open-sided split-level dining-bar area, with views out to sea. The dozen or so tables are laid with candles, paraffin lamps and surprisingly elegant crockery and glassware. The staff check the proposed menus with you in advance, and can always take account of particular requests or allergies.
Antipasto African-style came in the form of a fresh octopus salad, followed by a pumpkin ravioli in tomato sauce for the obligatory pasta dish. Both were tasty and tender - certainly not as al dente as is de rigueur in Italy. Primo piatto was a white snapper with potato slices and grilled green peppers. You can order lobster or king prawns a couple of days a week. The passion sorbet with vodka was small and delicious. You can wash it down with house wines (by the glass), beers, cocktails or the day’s fresh fruit juice - all excluded from the rates, but reasonably priced.
Breakfast is a light and healthy spread of fresh fruit (our mango and papaya were wonderfully juicy), bread or toast, hot and cold drinks, and eggs to order. There’s a light lunch menu, or if you are on a day-trip a picnic is provided.
Features include:
- Restaurant
Activities
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Fishing
- Sailing
- Scuba diving
- Snorkelling
Kids
Children over 10 are welcome year-round, however parents should note that the atmosphere is focused on relaxation and tranquility. 3-9 year olds pay 50% of the adult rate. In low season, subject to availability, families with younger children who are well-behaved are made very welcome. There are kids menu options and family meal times available on request, and kid-friendly excursions such as snorkelling can be arranged.
Best for:
Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
The Family Bungalows have a double and a twin room plus a large private veranda, ideal for a family of 4. Alasiri also has a private plunge pool and direct access to the beach.
Cots Available, Family Rooms
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Pole Pole resort is set in the Utende area of Mafia Island, which is southeast of Dar Es Salaam and off the east coast of Africa. The island belongs to Tanzania. The resort is set in a shady, breezy spot and looks over blue seas to the islands of Chole, Juani and Jibondo.
By Air:
Mafia (Kilondoni) Airport There are daily flights to Mafia from Dar es Salaam, and from other parts of Tanzania (including Zanzibar) via Dar. Click on the links below for a list of airlines serving these airports.
From the Airport
You will be met by jeep on arrival, a journey of about 30km (20-30 minutes).
By Car:
Hire cars aren't very popular because of the bumpy roads, bad signposting and short distances involved, but work out well if you are a group of four or want complete independence. If you’re interested then see our car rental recommendations.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Mafia 20.0 km MFA
Other:
- Beach 0.1 km
- Shops 0.2 km
- Restaurant 0.2 km