Visitors to Chole Bay, Mafia Island Marine Park, Tanzania often wonder if they have the place to themselves. Limited numbers on the Island mean deserted beaches, exclusive diving and personal service.

Chole Bay, Mafia Island Marine Park, overlooks the Mafia archipelago in the Indian Ocean. This Island is the largest in a group, including Pemba and Zanzibar, just off the coast of Tanzania.

Mafia Island together with the Rufiji River Delta on mainland Tanzania, form a most interesting and special eco-system with high bio-diversity and several endangered species. There are 400 species of fish and magnificent coral reefs in the Marine Park which covers a surface area of 821 square kilometres.

On the Island, vegetation is dominated by swathes of palm groves, mangroves, fruit trees and baobabs. Wildlife includes monkeys, small antelope, wild pigs, bushbabies (night apes) and also an elusive colony of Hippo. Many species of bird can also be seen.

Directions to Pole Pole Resort:

Pole Pole is located on Chole Bay, near Utende on the south east coast of Mafia Island, a 20 minute drive from Kilindoni (the main village) and airstrip. Mafia is reachable by light aircraft only. The transfer to and from the airport is complimentary for guests.

Mafia Island is about 40km / 25 miles off the mainland of Tanzania, directly in line with the Rufiji River Delta and Selous Game Reserve. Mafia is 30 minutes by air from Dar es Salaam and 45 minutes from the Selous Game Reserve and Zanzibar Island.