What is the accommodation like?
Pole Pole is a small luxury resort with nine magnificent bungalow suites, elegant and spacious, set among the coconut trees, overlooking the bay and the Chole and Juani Islands. The rooms are furnished with carved and antique pieces. The large private verandahs are furnished with a Zanzibari bed, chairs, table and an armchair. Each bungalow is self-contained with a large bathroom. There are two overhead fans, one on the verandah and one in the bedroom.
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The plug is the same as used in the UK, and the voltage is 220-240.
What is the recommended length of stay?
You can enjoy the beauty of Mafia even in the space of a weekend but generally, our guests spend at least 4 to 5 days. If you would like to enjoy all the aquatic activities and inland excursions, we recommend you stay between 5 to 10 days. If you intend to do a scuba diving course for beginners or advanced, 5 dedicated days are required.
Do the rooms have AC and hot water?
We have hot water and electricity 24 hours a day. We have air conditioning and ceiling fans in the bungalows for the warmer days. However, there is always a cool breeze and you may not need the additional cooling. The rooms are very spacious and windows on all sides to ensure a pleasant cross ventilation. Trying to be environmentally friendly you can always turn off the air conditioning, but we understand that it gets very hot!
Do you have Wifi?
Can I use my phone?
Yes! We do have wifi connection.
To maintain a tranquil ambiance for all guests, phones must be on silent mode during the guest’s stay at Pole Pole. Phone calls are prohibited in all public spaces of the lodge, except the reception area and in the guest’s rooms. area and in the guest’s rooms.
Guest can take photos anywhere. Please share the love on Social Media!
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Do you have a swimming pool or spa?
We inaugurated our swimming pool in November 2011. Set apart in the sunniest stretch of Pole Pole and surrounded by gently swaying palm trees.
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You can enjoy a variety of relaxing and rejuvenating essential oil massages in our peaceful Alasiri Spa.
What times are meals?
Breakfast is served from 07:30 am onwards
Lunch is served from 13:00
Dinner is served from 19:30
Early or late breakfast and/or lunch are served according to the diving and excursion programs.
What is the food/drink like?
The cuisine is a combination of diverse culinary traditions and cultures, with an Italian touch of class. The resort caters for special dietary requirements whenever possible. Most of the food we serve is organically grown and bought on the island to help fishermen and farmers benefit from tourism development.
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We take care of special dietary requirements whenever possible, as long as the manager is informed in advance. This includes but is not limited to gluten intolerances, vegans, vegetarians, and other allergies
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A selection of alcoholic beverages, wines, beers, juices and cold drinks are always available at the bar. The bar remains open until all guests have retired. The ice served with drinks is safe and drinkable. Bottled water, served every day in jugs in the bungalows and available at the bar/restaurant, is drinkable and safe.
Are there travel requirements/payments?
For most nationalities, a tourist visa for Tanzania can be obtained at any point of entry in the country upon arrival, but it is advisable to check with a relevant authority before traveling. Payment for the visa is required in cash US Dollars.
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The Marine Park fee of USD 23.6 per person per day is payable in credit card at the Marine Park gate directly.
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Yellow fever vaccine is normally needed to enter Tanzania. However, please check the latest health precautions from your doctor or health department. It is advisable to take malaria prophylactics though the risk is not very high. Please be advised by your doctor or health department on the appropriate medication
Are children welcome?
In order to preserve our tranquil and peaceful atmosphere, and because Pole Pole does not have suitable facilities for young children, we do not accept children below the age of 10 years.
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The family room has a twin room where the kids can stay.
What are the activities?
There are different types of activities or excursions: by boat, by 4x4 car or walking and light trekking. The activities in the marine park are: scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, and visiting the local villages. PolePole organizes boat excursions and picnics to isolated islets, sandbanks or islands every day, according to the tide. The Diving Centre provides PADI Federations certificates (medical certificates are mandatory to do a beginner's course). The excursions by 4x4 car take you right across the island through villages and changing landscapes up to the northern tip where a lighthouse stands.
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You can be as adventurous as you want to be.
How do I get there?
The only way to reach the island is by light aircraft either from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar or Selous Game Reserve. There are no boat services to Mafia Island.
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35 minutes from Dar es Salaam and 45 minutes from either Zanzibar or the Selous Game Reserve. The lodge is 12km (20-30 minutes approx.) from the airport.
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We arrange pick up and drop off. Please send us your details before you arrive.
How long do excursions take?
Some excursions that take you far from the resort have a minimum time while for other activities closer to the resort timing is flexible. Here are some examples: Diving: 3 hours
Kinasi Pass islets: 3 hours
Kitutia Reef: Full day
Chole Island: 2 hours
Most of the excursions can be combined with picnic lunches, in which case, a couple of extra hours have to be added.
Do you have seasons or close?
Hot Season: October – March
Rainy Season: April - May (seasonal closing of the resort)
Cool Season: June – September
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Our high and low seasons are:
Low season: 1 Sept-30 Sept
16 Nov-19 Dec | 16 Feb-14 July
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High season: 15 Jul-31 Aug
1 Oct-15 Nov | 20 Dec-15 Feb
What should i pack?
Pole Pole can be described as 'unpretentious' or 'barefoot luxury', this means there is no dress code in the resort and everybody can feel free to wear what he/she likes. However, topless sunbathing is not permitted. We require our clients to respect local communities by dressing modestly and decently when visiting the villages. Shoes: suitable and comfortable for walking or light trekking, useful for people who want to 'explore' the surrounding areas. Hot Season (November – February) short sleeves, light clothes. Cool Season (June- September) a light jumper is recommended for evenings.
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FYI-The plug is the same as used in the UK, and the voltage is 220-240.
What is your cancelation policy?
All payments must be sent to us net of bank charges. If we do not receive the exact amount we will request the balance at check-in if we have not received the full amount before that date. All extra payments at Pole Pole must be done via Credit Card. No Cash. If clients want to offer a gratuity to our team, this can be in cash.
LOW SEASON: 30 days before arrival date: full payment (non-refundable).
HIGH SEASON: 60 days before arrival date: full payment (non-refundable)
Culture/religion on the island?
There are no dominant tribes on Mafia. The population is a typical Swahili melting pot as most locals are descendants of people who were brought over as slaves or who came as traders. The main activity is fishing and agriculture.
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Predominantly Muslim with Christian communities living peacefully and in harmony.
What payments do you accept?
Accommodation must be paid before arrival via bank transfer. All extras for drinks and spa will be settled at check out through card payment.
At the lodge for extras we accept credit card: Visa and Mastercard (authorization fee may be involved).
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Pole Pole does not accept Cash. If you want to offer a gratuity to our team, this can be in cash. Otherwise, all payments at the lodge must be done via card payment.
Laundry or other services you have?
Laundry service is available and complimentary. Beach kitenge (or local cloth) are provided for your use on the boats and on the beach. Hot and cold water is available 24 hours. A hairdryer can be borrowed from the reception. A few useful items as well as gifts and souvenirs are for sale at our gift shop. VISA and Mastercard credit cards are accepted (authorization costs are involved). A safety box is available and located at the reception.
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Books, magazines, and articles about nature, archeology, history, anthropology, wildlife, underwater life, and photographs and diving information are available. Playing cards and board games are also available.