Southeastern Tanzania - Tanzania - page 534

rentals and a dive centre. Kinasi also runs La Lua Cheia (per person full board US$140) ,
a luxury bush camp at Mafia's northern tip.
Pole Pole Bungalow Resort LODGE $$$
( 022-260 1530; www.polepole.com ; Chole Bay; s/d full board plus daily excursion
US$377/580; ) This luxury hideaway is set amid the palm trees and tropical vegetation
on a long hillside overlooking Chole Bay. It can be visually underwhelming at first glance.
But, its quiet style, impeccable service, excellent cuisine, the lack of TVs and the comfort
of its bungalows strike an ideal balance between luxury and lack of pretension. There's a
dive centre, and a portion of profits supports work in the community. A pool is planned.
Shamba Kilole LODGE $$$
( 0786-903752, 0753-903752; www.shambakilolelodge.com ; per person full board in
chalet/suite from US$140/160; ) Shamba Kilole has spacious chalets set around tran-
quil grounds on a small escarpment overlooking Kilole Bay (just southwest of Chole Bay).
Each chalet has its own theme, and all have been impeccably decorated. There's also a
restaurant, and an experienced PADI dive instructor on-site, with instruction in four lan-
guages, and a pool for both dive instruction and relaxing. The Italian owners are long-time
Mafia residents, and have strived to make the lodge a true eco-lodge, including sourcing all
materials locally and using organic foods.
Butiama Beach LODGE $$$
( 0784-575720; www.butiamabeach.com ; s/d with half board US$168/280; ) This
lovely 18-bed place is spread out in palm tree-studded grounds on a good stretch of beach
near Kilindoni, just south of the port area, and offers the chance to explore another part of
Mafia. Accommodation is in nicely appointed cottages, including two family-style chalets.
There's a restaurant, sea kayak rentals for exploring the birdlife in the nearby creeks, fish-
ing excursions, a small snorkelling reef just in front and sunset views. The lodge is well
positioned for seeing whale sharks from November to March, as they pass in front. It's just
outside the marine park boundary; marine park fees are payable only if you enter the park
area on an excursion.
Whale Shark Lodge GUESTHOUSE $
(Sunset Camp; /fax [phone]; [e-mail]; Kilindoni;
bandas per person US$20) This backpacker-friendly place, in a quiet, cliff-top setting over-
looking a prime whale-shark viewing area, is a good budget choice, with six simple, clean
bandas with fans and several with private bathrooms. There's a gazebo with sunset views,