Discover Sustainable Luxury on Tanzania’s Hidden Island Paradise

What do you do when you’ve just wrapped up the safari of your dreams, but your sense of adventure is still calling? For us, the answer was simple—head to Mafia Island. Nestled in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Tanzania, this hidden paradise promised vibrant coral reefs, unforgettable encounters with whale sharks, and the perfect place to unwind: Pole Pole Resort.

Getting to Pole Pole: A Journey Worth the Effort

Pole Pole means “slowly slowly” in Swahili, a phrase that perfectly captures the relaxed pace of this island escape. The resort is located within Mafia Island Marine Park, ensuring an immersive experience surrounded by nature.

From the moment we landed, the resort took care of everything. With a warm welcome drink and refreshing towel, we felt like we had arrived in paradise.

The Bungalows: A Perfect Blend of Comfort and Nature

Pole Pole is a boutique resort with just nine bungalows, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

Bungalow Features

• Private Verandah: Overlooks the turquoise waters of Chole Bay.
• Infinity Plunge Pool: A cheat code for enjoying the beach without the sand.
• Zanzibari Bed: Wrapped in mosquito netting for a cozy night’s sleep.
• Eco-Friendly Bathroom: Features ethically sourced toiletries.
• Stocked Mini-Bar: Perfect for a sunset drink on the patio.

After a few nights of sweltering safari glamping, the air-conditioned bungalow felt like a dream.

Adventures on Mafia Island

While Pole Pole is designed for relaxation, it also provides access to world-class adventures.

Swimming with Whale Sharks

Between October and March, Mafia Island becomes a hotspot for whale sharks. We booked a half-day tour with Kitu Kiblu, an eco-conscious operator that emphasizes ethical encounters.

Swimming alongside these massive, spotted creatures was nothing short of magical.

Scuba Diving in Chole Bay

If you’re a diver, Mafia Island offers some of the most pristine coral reefs in the world.

Dive Highlights

• Colorful Coral Gardens
• Nudibranch Sightings
• Abundant Marine Life, Including Turtles
• Convenient Beach Pickups Directly from Pole Pole

Though we missed spotting the elusive Shaun-the-sheep nudibranch, every dive was breathtaking.

Sunset Dhow Cruise

A trip to Mafia Island wouldn’t be complete without a traditional dhow boat ride at sunset. Pole Pole packed us cocktails, and we set sail with a wonderful German couple. The wind carried us effortlessly across the bay as we watched the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.

Dining: A Culinary Journey at Pole Pole

The resort operates a full-service restaurant, ensuring that guests never have to worry about where to eat.

The resort’s commitment to sustainability extended to the kitchen, with fresh, locally sourced ingredients at every meal.

Final Thoughts: Leaving Paradise

Pole Pole reminded us to slow down, appreciate nature, and embrace sustainable luxury. The journey home—from Mafia Island to Dar es Salaam to an 18-hour flight back to the U.S.—was a stark contrast to the peaceful rhythm of island life. But even amidst the chaos of travel, the memories of soft ocean breezes, starry night skies, and breathtaking adventures lingered in our hearts.

Disclosure: Thank you to Pole Pole for hosting us! All opinions are our own, and we only recommend places we truly love.

Ready for your own Mafia Island adventure? Book your stay at Pole Pole and experience paradise, “slowly slowly.”