Chole Mjini was never meant to be a hotel, and it isn't. It is a castaway fantasy, a jungle island retreat appealing to a specific kind of person; one who appreciates a return to simple luxuries that reawaken the senses, rather than the predictable comforts of room service and airconditioning.
Development and support for the people of Chole island was – and remains – the motivation and the primary purpose of the Chole Mjini Lodge. A bed-night levy provides direct income to the village projects as does individual and institutional donor support. Education and health of the islanders are supported in this way.
With only seven treehouses, carefully placed and designed, privacy is assured. Open to the elements, with the king-size bed being a throne-like centerpiece, each thatched platform is reached via sandy paths that lead through the natural vegetation. All have views of the sea; some are close enough to be lulled to sleep by the sound of the tide trickling back through the mangrove roots. Most treehouses have a second level to accommodate children.
Every treehouse has its own private bathing area, located below it in the garden - a slightly tamed area in the vegetation - in which the open-air shower and the closed composting toilet is situated.
After sunset the rooftop bar guests gather around a candle-lit table under the stars. A strong Swahili influence provides delicate yet intense, flavoured spicing, and the judicious use of coconut milk. Fish is freshly caught and delivered daily; vegetables are grown on the island.
Mafia Island Marine Park's waters hold some of the most extraordinary and unaffected reefs in the world, with some of the finest unbleached coral varieties in the Indian Ocean. Other excursions are offered - snorkeling, swimming with whale sharks, watching turtles hatch, sunset sailing and more.
The Red Herring bar is at the water's edge, where you arrive by boat on the island. The perfect spot for watching the sunset.
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Closed for the rain season from beginning of April until mid June.
