Save
Share
COVID-19 update: See the added health and safety measures this property is taking.Read more
Full view
View all photos (357)357
Pool & Beach (78)
Videos (1)
Travel safe during COVID-19
What you can expect during your stay
- All linens sanitized in high-temperature wash
- Face masks required for guests in public areas
- Face masks required for staff in public areas
- Hand sanitizer available to guests & staff
- Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
- Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Read more
Updated 01/03/21 Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
A note from Pole Pole Bungalows
Updated 01/03/21 Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
About
#1 of 9 hotels in Mafia Island
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Travellers' Choice
Seven bungalow suites overlook the infinite hues of blue of Chole Bay, the core of Mafia Island Marine Park. Pole Pole is an exclusive eco-resort, renowned for its great cuisine, unpretentious and laid-back atmosphere, warm but discrete hospitality. Balancing luxury and respect for local culture and environment it is the perfect place to relax after a safari and the ideal base for exploring the underwater wanders of Mafia Island. With a touch of style.
Read more
Room & Suite (77)77
Full view
Property amenities
Free internet
Pool
Free breakfast
Beach
Diving
Airport transportation
Spa
Concierge
Public wifi
Outdoor pool
Shallow end in pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast in the room
Complimentary instant cofffee
Complimentary tea
Complimentary welcome drink
Outdoor dining area
Snack bar
Poolside bar
Snorkelling
Patio
Walking tours
Shuttle bus service
Car hire
Taxi service
Massage
Gift shop
Mosquito net
Shops
Sun umbrellas
Umbrella
24-hour check-in
24-hour front desk
Express check-in / check-out
Private check-in / check-out
Laundry service
Ironing service
Show more
Room features
Private beach
Desk
Dining area
Housekeeping
Coffee / tea maker
Electric kettle
Bidet
Walk-in shower
Interconnected rooms available
Private balcony
Room service
Safe
Seating area
Telephone
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Bottled water
Clothes rack
Private bathrooms
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Show more
Room types
Ocean view
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Smoking rooms available
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Great View
Hidden Gem
Location
Full view
340Reviews12Q+A46Room tips
Reviews
Traveller rating
- 308
- 26
- 5
- 1
- 0
Time of year
Traveller type
Language
More
Selected filters
- Filter
- English
Popular mentions
Hotel's Favourite
Fantastic place, the bungalows are very comfy and cosy, a lot of spots to chill and enjoy the amazing view on the bay. The service and staff are truly amazing: very helpful, kind and genuine! Very good vibes overall!!
Read more
Date of stay: January 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Helpful
Response from Patty Ponti, Owner at Pole Pole Bungalows
Responded 4 weeks ago
Thanks for the positive review Sarah...really happy to hear you enjoyed your experience at Pole Pole. Really wish we will be seeing you again in the near future.
Read more
Julia made us feel home and looked after us throughout our stay. Her team worked so hard and went beyond their duties to make sure we were happy. Everyone was polite, always friendly and smiling, nothing was too much trouble for them. Even brought me some aloe vera when I got sun burnt. The food was delicious and plenty. Only seven bungalows so very quiet, no Wi-Fi, no music, no tv. Tables in the restaurant are well spread giving you privacy. Julia arranged a private dinner for us on the beach. The surprise couples massage was a real treat. This place is the perfect hideaway for families too, although you would expect a resort like this to be 18+ only. During our stay there were neap tides and only the following excursions were available: Chole island tour, sunset cruise and snorkelling. You cannot do diving and snorkelling the same day as both activities depart at the same time. Packed lunches were great too, loved the fruit skewers and I had the best tuna sandwich in my life. Would I recommend Pole Pole? Absolutely if you love bare foot luxury, back to nature relaxation, fresh sea food and friendly service. Will we return? Sadly no, not till Mafia Diving Centre are their activity provider. Do yourself a favour and walk a further 100metres, where we found a friendlier and more professional dive centre at cheaper prices. Tipp: If you are a light sleeper and do not want to be awaken by a cat, raven, cock or by religious music early every morning bring some earplugs.…
Read more
Date of stay: March 2020
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
If you are looking for a quiet. peaceful holiday - this is the right spot to be! Staff is well trained, management always visible,very friendly, prepared to go the extra mile. 5 Chalets and 2 family units making Pole Pole a small and private place with the most beautiful little beach on the doorstep. Calm water offers perfect conditions for swimming, snorchling or diving. Daily excurisions included. Morning tea or coffee is delivered to the bungalow, delicious food (also vegan options), wonderful spa, ... Simply a peace of paradies. Hope to be back soon.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Helpful
If you want peace and relaxation this is the place or alternatively if you want lots of activities then this is also the place - the choice is yours. We loved our three days at Pole Pole and hope we can return very soon. The cottages are great, spacious and airy and the day bed is a great place to take a short afternoon siesta. Julia is a brilliant host and with her team make you feel so welcome. We enjoyed the wonderful food, we loved the crispy crab claws and the home made ice creams, sorbets and granitas! There is a brilliant tie up with the Dive school - David and Zoe visited in the evening to advise what trips were available the following day – we enjoyed some great snorkel trips – the Coral gardens were beautiful but for us Big Rock was superb - the corals and sponges are looking colourful and healthy and the fish were amazing. We were also able to experience turtle hatching on a local island. If you have time book a massage - they are really good. A simply brilliant place to stay on Mafia. …
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020
Helpful
We have been in many places in the world and in many luxurious hotels but nothing is like Pole Pole. From the minute you arrive to the minute you leave it feels just like paradise. Julie, the manager, is so nice, professional and pay attention to all the small details that made our vacation just perfect. You can see how much she loves what she is doing and her commitment to make sure you'll have the nicest time. We can't thank enough to Julie for giving us such an experience. We miss Pole Pole already and as promised, we'll be back Thank you Mafia, thank you Pole Pole, thank you Julie!!!
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Helpful
ALSO KNOWN AS
pole pole bungalows hotel mafia island
LOCATION
TanzaniaPwani RegionMafia Island
NUMBER OF ROOMS
7
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about Pole Pole Bungalows
Which popular attractions are close to Pole Pole Bungalows?
Nearby attractions include Chole Bay (4.8 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Pole Pole Bungalows?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at Pole Pole Bungalows?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Pole Pole Bungalows?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Pole Pole Bungalows have an airport shuttle?
Yes, Pole Pole Bungalows offers an airport shuttle for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Pole Pole Bungalows have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.