The Safari exceeded Sue’s and my expectations and has been a continuous talking point since our return.
John and Suzanne Taylor
Namibia
CHOLE MJINI
Chole Mjini is a very unusual destination which, if you are prepared to forgo mod cons, such as electricity, air conditioning or a swimming pool and love snorkelling or scuba this could be the place for you.
Chole comprises comfortable rustic treehouses and one groundhouse offering simple accommodation on the relatively undeveloped Mafia Island some 100kms south of Zanzibar.
The six treehouses are set on thatched platforms in large baobab trees, open to the cool sea breezes and with views of the sea.
They are set well apart to ensure privacy. The private bathing area is located at the base of the tree, in the private garden and includes an open air shower and composting toilet.
There is also a large groundhouse which is ideal for families with young children. It is built on several levels and has an ensuite bathroom with a sunken mosaic bath. There is a large private garden.
The main banda houses the lounge and bar. There are day beds and cushions in the lounge, where guests can relax and enjoy the sea views. This is also an ideal spot to watch the sunset.
Dinner is usually served outdoors and has a stong Swahili influence, using fresh local produce and a range of spices to produce intense but delicate flavours.
Activities are an important part of the Chole experience, the lodge usually organizes a complementary dhow trip each day. This typically sails to a remote sand-bar, perhaps an hour or so away, where you can relax on the beach with sea all around you. Often these have coral reefs around them, and you can dive in and snorkel when you wish.
Chole Mjini is within the Mafia Island Marine Park has some of the most unspoilt coral reefs in the world.The highlight of the excellent snorkelling and Scuba diving is to swim with the Whale Sharks which frequent the area between November and April.
Turtles nest nearby and can be watched hatching between July and November.
Other popular actvities are fishing, bird watching and sunset dhow cruises.
The lodge is an eco friendly partnership with the local community and helps to support villages and projects on Chole Island.
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