Tanzania Coast and Islands
Chole Mjini
The wonderful Chole Mjini is a long established, family owned lodge on peaceful, little visited Chole Island, just offshore from the larger Mafia Island. Run according to strict environmental guidelines and directly benefiting its local community, Chole Mjini offers stylish and unique accommodation set into the boughs of huge baobab trees. The lodge is very natural and there are composting toilets and showers heated by coconut oil, but no electricity or beach at the lodge.
There are seven highly individual rooms at the lodge, all but one being tree houses, expertly built on platforms by local craftsmen. All the rooms have private composting long drop toilets and showers. The rooms are simple and lack air-conditioning or fans but the open sides of the treehouses allow the natural sea breeze to keep the temperature comfortable. Storm lanterns and torches are provided for lighting.
The most popular activity is an outing in the traditional sailing boat to a remote sandbar for some superb snorkelling. Meals are taken around a communal dining table: buffet breakfast and lunch but set menu for dinner. The lodge is accessed via a 20-minute flight from Mafia Island, followed by a 45 minute drive to Utende Beach and finally a 15 minute boat trip to Chole. There is no jetty on the island so be prepared for a wet landing.
The enticing ethos of Chole Mjini is to allow you to escape modern life and enjoy the natural and unique accommodation, peaceful location and great diving and snorkelling.
Facilities
Private bathrooms, (compost drop toilet), shower, restaurant and bar.
Local Wildlife
Spectacular corals, a diverse assortment of large and small reef fish including giant groupers and white-tipped reef sharks. Between October and March whale sharks visit the waters off Chole providing an unforgettable experience as you swim alongside the gentle giants. The island has a resident population of fruit bats which you can see roosting during the day and emerging at dusk.
Optional Activities
Scuba diving, snorkelling, swimming with whale sharks, turtle nesting, sandbar picnics, sailing, local village tours and island exploration.
Jonathan Morris
Area Specialist
The ground level room is the most deluxe with the only flush toilet on the island. Take up the offer of visiting the local village: the lodge has worked wonders in improving their welfare, health and education and it shows. It’s a thoroughly uplifting experience.
If you have any questions regarding our Tanzania tours, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
We had a superb holiday [in Tanzania]. I was particularly struck by the variety in the bush. I wasn’t expecting such diversity of trees and colours. Fabulous wildlife. The arrangements all went like clockwork making the whole holiday very relaxed. It worked very well with the children…they were welcomed everywhere.