Pole Pole Bungalows
Plot 16 - Utende Beach, Mafia Island Tanzania
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About
5.0
#1 of 9 hotels in Mafia IslandLocation
4.8
Rooms
4.7
Value
4.6
Cleanliness
4.8
Service
4.9
Sleep Quality
4.7
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
Pool / beach towels
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
Special diet menus
Snorkeling
Patio
Walking tours
Shuttle bus service
Car hire
Taxi service
Massage
Gift shop
Mosquito net
Shops
Sun loungers / beach chairs
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
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
Room types
Ocean view
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Smoking rooms available
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Boutique
Languages Spoken
English
Location
Plot 16 - Utende Beach, Mafia Island Tanzania
Getting there
Car recommended
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 46 out of 100
46
Mafia Airport
6.9 mi•
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Detailed Reviews
We stayed 4 nights at Pole Pole and we enjoyed every single second. The location is excellent inside the Marine Park and the bungalows are surrounded by a beautiful tropical garden. Julie the manager made everything to please us and make our stay unforgettable.
The food is tasty, healthy and fresh. The staff is excellent, professional and so helpful. Thanks to their close partnership with the dive centre we could book our next dive trips every night at the restaurant without leaving the hotel.
The massage on the last day was the cherry on the cake!
We can only recommend this wonderful place!
The food is tasty, healthy and fresh. The staff is excellent, professional and so helpful. Thanks to their close partnership with the dive centre we could book our next dive trips every night at the restaurant without leaving the hotel.
The massage on the last day was the cherry on the cake!
We can only recommend this wonderful place!
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie and her team make PolePole the best place that we have ever stayed in, the food and service were exceptional, all the people who work there are so so lovely. Beautifully created bungalows are situated in lush tropical grounds and barely visible from the sea, there are only 7 in total with complete privacy. The attention to detail is amazing and if you want a relaxed tropical paradise then this is the place. We only spent two nights there but it felt like a week, they also discovered that it was my birthday and organised a private dinner in the Duara with a complimentary bottle of fizz! totally unexpected. Brilliant dive center just a short walk away, they come to the hotel every night to discuss the next days excursions. Sundowner drinks in your room at 6pm, just in time to see the arrival of the first fruit bats. Swimming pool for when the tide is out, excellent bar with very reasonable prices, what more can I say ? asante sana xx
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Date of stay: January 2020
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: They are all exceptional!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We absolutely loved Pole Pole. The laid back ambience was exactly what we wanted and the fact that there were just a few bungalows (very clean, spacious and cozy) meant it was private too.
The food was excellent with 3 and 4 course options for lunch and dinner.
Though the activities weren't exclusively arranged by Pole Pole, there was no hassle as operators would visit every evening and plan the next day's excursions based on tides which in itself was wonderful. We stayed for 4 days and never felt that we overstayed and rather could stay longer. Highly recommended and will visit again very soon!
The food was excellent with 3 and 4 course options for lunch and dinner.
Though the activities weren't exclusively arranged by Pole Pole, there was no hassle as operators would visit every evening and plan the next day's excursions based on tides which in itself was wonderful. We stayed for 4 days and never felt that we overstayed and rather could stay longer. Highly recommended and will visit again very soon!
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Date of stay: November 2021Trip 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Patty Ponti, Owner at Pole Pole Bungalows
Responded Oct 25, 2022
Thank you for your review. We are happy you enjoyed your stay at Pole Pole and hope to welcome you back in the near future.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My wife and I had a wonderful time at Pole Pole. We stayed five nights to relax following a week-long safari. Our relaxation didn't get off to a good start after my wife fell at the airport and broke her wrist. But a special shout out to Malaika and her staff who did everything they could to insure my wife's comfort, including fulfilling our never ending requests for ice, which is not something they're accustomed to. The massages were magical and the meals were delicious. We loved having the choice of pasta and main but quickly learned that ordering both was way too much food. Housekeeping kept the room immaculate and the Valentine's day Prosecco and roses were such a thoughtful touch. My only suggestion would be for air conditioning. There was no rain but the weather was hot and humid. Even the locals we spoke to commented that it was unusually oppressive. All in all, we had a great time, even got to swim with a whale shark.
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
+1
It was simply fantastical! We traveled as friends - everything was perfectly organized; from our arrival with a very warm welcome from the host Alex until our departure. We enjoyed diving with the local dive center which cooperates perfectly with the resort. The food and the drinks at pole pole are very good.
We especially want to thank Alex for her daily support and host - she does her work with a lot of love and passion for her guests and the staff which made us feeling very welcome and comfortable during our stay.
We especially want to thank Alex for her daily support and host - she does her work with a lot of love and passion for her guests and the staff which made us feeling very welcome and comfortable during our stay.
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Date of stay: October 2021Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip: It’s simply about Pole Pole (slowly, slowly)! If you want to relax in a beautiful resort, far...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Patty Ponti, Owner at Pole Pole Bungalows
Responded Oct 18, 2021
Thanks a lot for your kind words. We are so delighted you enjoyed your stay with us. Alex and all the staff also felt very comfortable hosting you as friends more than guests! We hope to welcome you back very soon!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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 wonderful relaxing week at Pole Pole - Julie and all the staff could not do enough for us - even thinking of things we needed or wanted before we even realised it. The food was exceptional. The range of activities was excellent - we could spend our time relaxing, or enjoying the 'sea activities' as much or as little as we wished. If you want to 'get away from it all' but also be spoilt, then this is the place!
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Date of stay: January 2020
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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.
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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.
It is very hot and humid in the rooms the fans are ok but it’s not like having air conditioning! And if you leave them on ti cool your room down the cleaners turn them off if you are out most of the day diving etc it’s really hot when you get back hope this helps
Hello! The beach at Pole Pole is great to swim in high tide.. When the tide is out you can always use the pool. However, we always have snorkeling excursions which are perfect to explore the marine life and swim :)
We would love to have you. Drop me a mail and I can provide you more information about the excursions that we offer.
You can do that when you are there. The guys at PolePole/Diving Center will take care of that.
We accept Credit Card VISA or Mastercard.
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ALSO KNOWN AS
pole pole bungalows hotel mafia island
LOCATION
TanzaniaPwani RegionMafia Island
NUMBER OF ROOMS
9
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Pole Pole Bungalows
Which popular attractions are close to Pole Pole Bungalows?
Nearby attractions include Chole Bay (4.8 miles), The Blue Lagoon (3.4 miles), and Marimbani Sand Bank (3.5 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 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.