Chole Island is a tiny island which lies next to the slightly larger Mafia Island. Both are about 160kms south of Zanzibar. The area has a fantastic history and there are many old ruins which you can visit and indeed stay amongst, at Chole Mjini Lodge which is set in the trees amongst some of the old buildings. The village of Chole is fascinating and friendly and visitors can spend many hours wandering around talking to the people, sharing a football match, visiting the school and hospital, watching the boat builders and immersing themselves in the slow pace of life which is very much Chole island.
Chole Bay is Mafia'’s protected deep-water anchorage and the original harbour, and is studded with islands, sandbanks, reefs and beaches. Clear, protected waters offer wonderful snorkelling, sailing and swimming. This is part of the Mafia Island Marine Park which is a protected environment for coral reefs and other eco-systems and offers some of the best diving in Africa. The fabulous SCUBA on offer here has the added attraction of Whale Sharks migrating through at certain times of the year. Chole Mjini has it's own dive school with qualified instructors and several boats. Outside the bay reef runs the length of the island.
Birdwatching is excellent on Chole Island and very different to the mainland parks. The tidal flats and mangroves are alive with coastal and sea birds and there are many colourful woodland and forest species. An additional wildlife attraction are the huge colonies of Fruit Bats which can be easilly seen on a walk round the village and the gardens of the lodge are home to many Monitor Lizards and butterflies as well as well established indigenous tall trees and plants.
The lodge on this island - Chole Mjini - has very close ties to this island community which benefits very much from the tourism that the lodge attracts. Accommodation is offered in unique tree houses all built from natural materials, the food is fantastic and the owner - managers are delightful hosts.