Pole Pole Bungalows
Plot 16 - Utende Beach, Mafia Island Tanzania
Full view
View all photos (425)425
Pool & Beach (90)
Room & Suite (78)
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About
#1 of 12 hotels in Mafia Island
Location
4.8
Cleanliness
4.8
Service
4.9
Value
4.6
Travelers' Choice
Nine 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 wonders of Mafia Island. With a touch of style.
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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 Coffee
Complimentary tea
Complimentary welcome drink
Outdoor dining area
Snack bar
Poolside bar
Snorkeling
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
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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 / closet
Bottled water
Clothes rack
Private bathrooms
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Room types
Ocean view
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Smoking rooms available
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Lagoon View
Location
46Car recommended
Grade: 46 out of 100
3Restaurantswithin 5 miles
2Attractionswithin 5 miles
Contact
Plot 16 - Utende Beach, Mafia Island Tanzania
Getting there
Rental CarsSee all Mafia Island rental cars
373Reviews14Q+A52Room tips
Reviews
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We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Pole Pole. We were welcomed with champagne for our honeymoon. All of the staff were very nice and the food was pretty good. The food service was pretty slow on the first night, but other than that we had a great time. The bungalows are definitely rustic, but comfortable. There was a nice little beach and the dive school came every night to help plan excursions for the following day. Definitely a great stay!
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
What an amazing place we booked our trip through tribes travel they were fantastic! The place is so peaceful the bungalows lovely , food great 👍 but most off all the staff really look after you , Malaika looked after us making sure we got the most out off our stay she went above and beyond when my luggage went missing she spent her day off tracking it down eventually it was found at Nairobi airport we couldn’t thank her enough we were so grateful! 😊 the whole purpose off the trip was to swim with the whale sharks it was fantastic we will never forget it ! The dive centre next door ( big blue ) we’re really good my husband really enjoyed his diving ! Hopefully one day hope to return but it is now ticked off our bucket list , thanks 🙏 so much to all for a fantastic holiday .
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Take plenty of mosquito repellent
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Patty Ponti, Owner at Pole Pole Bungalows
Responded Feb 8, 2023
Thank you for such a great review. We are delighted to hear you enjoyed your trip despite the lost luggage. We hope to welcome you back soon.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The rooms were marvellous, unique wiht a private swimmingpool so nice. I travelled with my friend, we truly enjoyed. The place is more for couples though and/or who is more keen to rest peacefully. The food was also quite tasty so as the drinks quite nice.
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Date of stay: November 2022
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: The rooms in front on the beach are quite nice and worth the stay/trip.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Patty Ponti, Owner at Pole Pole Bungalows
Responded Feb 8, 2023
Thank you for your review, Pole Pole is truly the perfect place to relax...we are happy to hear you enjoyed the food and drinks too :)
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We spent seven very comfortable nights at Pole Pole. Lovely rooms with great sea views (and breezes) from the balcony of each wooden bungalow. Nice Italian style food, lovely staff, super massage. We came for the excellent diving but there are lots of other activities available. Snorkelling with whale sharks was a highlight.
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Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Patty Ponti, Owner at Pole Pole Bungalows
Responded Nov 28, 2022
Thanks for the great review :) We are so delighted you not only enjoyed Pole Pole and its facilities but also managed to see the whale sharks and take part in many of the great excursions that we have to offer. We hope to welcome you again soon.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Forget all you worries and relax when you walk through the Pole pole gates and are welcomed by peace, quiet, kindness, seclusion and an overpowering beautiful nature. The rooms, gardens, the restaurants and the beach are all designed to give you whatever space you may need to feel happy and one with nature. The welcoming owners and staff make you feel pampered and at home simultaneously. A truly special experience out of the beaten paths.
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Date of stay: October 2022Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Patty Ponti, Owner at Pole Pole Bungalows
Responded Nov 1, 2022
Thank you for your review...we are so glad you appreciated the peaceful ambiance of Pole Pole. It is truly a place where you can lay back and relax. We hope to welcome you back soon :)
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Really nice, very quiet, staff great. With a maximum of 17 (?) guests and facilities and staff to cope with many more we were very well looked after. Food was great, once we figured out not to order all the courses and shared some, otherwise it was way too much!
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Date of stay: September 2022
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Patty Ponti, Owner at Pole Pole Bungalows
Responded Oct 25, 2022
Thanks for your review, Michael. We are happy you enjoyed the exclusivity of the lodge. I'm glad you managed to figure out the menu to cater to your needs. We don't want anyone going hungry so make sure there is more than enough food for all your meals :)
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Was very clean and inviting. The rooms were spacious and the wind from the ocean was enough to keep you very comfortable and relaxed. We loved hanging out on our terrace. The staff was courteous and accommodating. We loved every minute. A paradise and a 5 minute walk to the dive center. We couldn’t be happier.
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Easy pay option.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Patty Ponti, Owner at Pole Pole Bungalows
Responded Oct 25, 2022
Thanks for your review! We are glad you enjoyed your stay and the terrace :) We hope to welcome you back soon.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We had a lovely stay in a beautiful lodge with a stunning garden, bungalows with all you need to enjoy your holidays and a super friendly and helpful staff. We didnt miss air conditioning because temperature was not too warm at all times. Everything was super clean.
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Date of stay: June 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Patty Ponti, Owner at Pole Pole Bungalows
Responded Oct 25, 2022
Thanks for your review. We are happy you had a comfortable stay and enjoyed the surroundings of the lodge.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed at Pole Pole for 5 nights after the Kilimanjaro and Safari Tours. The garden and the bungalows are beautiful and well taken care of. The food is a mix of Italian and local kitchen with a lot of seafood but also vegetarian options. The staff is super friendly and tries to meet everyone’s wishes. Furthermore the included activities are fun and also the diving centre is right next to the lodge. For us it was the perfect place for a couple of relaxed days and we enjoyed it a lot.
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Date of stay: June 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Patty Ponti, Owner at Pole Pole Bungalows
Responded Oct 25, 2022
Thank you so much! So happy to hear you managed to end your adventurous trip in Tanzania at Pole Pole, the perfect place to lay back and relax.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
great staff, great food and a great location. Wonderful massages and our villa was delightful. Fans in the bedrooms, plenty of hot water and screens on all the windows. Evenings spent discussing the days adventures with the other guests in the lounge area. WiFi is only available by the reception area and is spotty but for an extra charge you can have a router put in your villa. The staff was very helpful when we had some travel issues with flight changes. Resort works closely with Mafia Island Diving for all daily excursions. Planning return visit. (Note: there is a rather pricey marine park fee per day per person just to be at the resort...regardless of whether you are diving or not. Your cab driver from the airport will stop at a booth before you get to the hotel to pay this. Have your credit card ready.)…
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Date of stay: February 2022
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Patty Ponti, Owner at Pole Pole Bungalows
Responded Oct 25, 2022
Thanks for your insightful review, Melissa. We are glad to hear you enjoy your stay and what the Island had to offer :)
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ALSO KNOWN AS
pole pole bungalows hotel mafia island
LOCATION
TanzaniaPwani RegionMafia Island
NUMBER OF ROOMS
9
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Claim Your ListingPOLE POLE BUNGALOWS - Updated 2023 Prices & Hotel Reviews (Mafia Island, Tanzania)
Frequently Asked Questions about Pole Pole Bungalows
Which popular attractions are close to Pole Pole Bungalows?
Nearby attractions include Reef Tour Mafia Island (0.4 miles) and 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.
Which room amenities are available at Pole Pole Bungalows?
Top room amenities include a bidet, a desk, and a dining area.
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.
What are some restaurants close to Pole Pole Bungalows?
Conveniently located restaurants include Swahili Local Restaurants, Beach Fire Kitchen - Chef Pamela, and Sea Front Restaurant.
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 airport transportation?
Yes, Pole Pole Bungalows offers airport transportation 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.