Chole Mjini is situated on Chole Island, which is just a short dhow ride from Mafia Island and lies at the heart of the Mafia Island Marine Park in Tanzania. Hidden in the tree canopy, the wooden chalets offer panoramic views and complete privacy.

Chole island is only one kilometer in length and here you can visit fascinating ancient ruins, Popo Park, as well as the island's traditional village where you can meet the locals and learn about a culture steeped in history.

Explore the Rufiji River delta, go snorkeling, diving, bird-watching, take a boat ride to Jambi Forest, go sailing, or just spend your days sunbathing at the sandbar that appears every day for about 6 hours around low tide.

At Chole Mjini, tailormade excursions can be arranged to cater to your requests and these can include an overnight stay on a picturesque beach followed by a private whale shark trip the following day, or a 4-day island-hopping trip to Kilwa to see the magnificent ruins of the ancient Shirazi Sultanate.

The Chole Mjini Conservation and Development Company Ltd was set up in 1993 to create a lodge on Chole that not only provides comfortable and stylish accommodation in a unique natural environment but also helps to improve the living conditions and prospects of the people of Chole.

Highlights

• "Pure Lost City jungle stuff" Mark Ottaway, Sunday Times
• Very rustic - no phones or wifi
• Just sea breezes, a jungle, some overgrown ruins & a few treehouses
• Fresh fish & home-grown vegetables
• Envision unbleached coral reefs & over 400 species of fish
• Imagine swimming with whale sharks, watching turtles hatch & sleeping in your treehouse
• Fabulous for likeminded couples & families alike

Activities

• ANIMAL TRACKING EXPERIENCE
• BEACH ACTIVITIES
• BIRD WATCHING
• BOAT EXCURSIONS
• DAY TOURS
• HIKING
• HISTORICAL TOURS
• LOCAL VILLAGE VISITS
• PICNICS
• SCUBA DIVING
• SNORKELLING
• DHOW CRUISES
• DEEP SEA FISHING
• SUNSET CRUISES

A faraway place removed from worldly familiarities, handbuilt and heart-run and on personal loan to you; experience and discover the beauty, simplicity, and 'other-worldliness'.

Facilities

The spacious communal area of Chole Mjini is situated in the lush garden, amongst the old ruins of the island. Covered by thatch with open sides the lounge area is scattered with comfortable cushions and provides books and board games to while away the hours. Climb the stairs to the wide viewing deck with its gorgeous views over the island.

There is no electricity at Chole Mjini so the evenings are lit by flickering lanterns and there are no modern appliances to distract you from the serious business of getting away from it all.

Dining

The delectable cuisine at Chole Mjini more than often includes freshly caught seafood and locally grown produce, which is cooked in traditional Swahili style.

Meals are generally served in the thatched dining room, however, you'll also get the chance to experience true Tanzania as you dine at a table set up in an old ruin entangled in the roots of a huge fig tree, by the soft light of hurricane lanterns or on your private deck.