Highlights
- Unique local cuisine
- In famous Marine park
- On-beach accommodation
Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our specialists on 855 686 7694
EnquireHidden among the palms of the remote Mafia Island, Pole Pole is a great place for those in search of a private, luxurious, and relaxing beachside experience. Well suited for snorkelling and diving, Pole Pole’s superb water-based activities compensate for its lack of in-land activities.
Guest accommodation consists of seven thatched bungalows on raised platforms overlooking the sea. The bungalows are spacious and luxurious, each with a private veranda and en-suite bathroom. A day bed allows guests to slumber in the shade or the sun just outside. There is a communal garden with a pool.
Water-based activities at Pole Pole are excellent. This comes as no surprise given the fact that it is located next to one of the best diving areas in Africa, Mafia Marine Park. Guests can explore the famous marine life around Chloe Bay: expect to spot barracuda, angelfish, parrotfish, wrasse, butterfly fish, stingrays, and whale sharks. The hotel has its own sailing boat that guests can use to explore the island before picnicking under a canopy along the coast. Other activities include spa on the beach or in accommodation, bird watching, or exploring nearby areas such as the blue lagoon, local villages, or the lighthouse on the island’s northern tip.
Food at Pole Pole is great and really captures the hotel’s cross-cultural appeal. In the thatched restaurant, guests are served food that fuses African with Italian-style cuisine using fresh and local ingredients. Creating a tight-knit community, the service here is first class and friendly. Requests and allergies are happily accommodated for.
Children aged 10 and above are welcome and children between the ages of 10 and 12 pay half price. Two bungalows accommodate families with one large bed and twin beds. However, there are no provisions for children or families, which means this hotel is suitable primarily for adults looking to relax. After all, ‘pole pole’ in Swahili means ‘take it easy’.
We had such a good holiday. You did a fantastic job!
The house in Marrakesh was ridiculous. We effectively had it to ourselves. The accommodation was borderline palatial.
I actually think that the time we had in Marrakesh was sufficient. We could potentially have done a day by a pool but I think we’d done enough souk-ing by the end of Day Two.
The hotel in the mountains was a shade more rustic than I was expecting, but all great fun. Stunning views. The guide / mule / cook team were excellent and our guide (Hassan) tailored the treks to our capabilities well. He was superb, and really made an effort with the kids. The second and third day of trekking were particularly good. Such an adventure for the kids.
All the logistics worked seamlessly. Every aspect went like clockwork. Top marks. The advice on tipping was also much appreciated (I hate thinking that I’m getting mugged off or am potentially not giving enough…).
From my seven-year-old son:
I thought it was GREAT. The food was amazing and the culture was very interesting. My favourite bit was scrambling up rocks in the Atlas Mountains.
In retrospect, I’d probably do the trip in reverse. Flopping on the roof terrace after the rigours of the mountains would have been even more satisfying.
Henry O
reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains
on 05 June 2025
We had an extraordinary time. It was magical and we couldn't hav asked or hoped for more. Thank you both so much for all of your time and assistance.
Emma M
reviewing Best of Botswana for Families
on 18 November 2024
We had an amazing experience - absolutely loved it.
Mohamed and Said were great and very patient especially with me going downhill - was quite nervous about the scree slopes and paths.Will be a trip we remember forever
Maritta B
reviewing Atlas Valleys & Villages Trek - Value
on 11 November 2024