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OVERVIEW:
Chole Mjini is a very special lodge in a beautiful location. It is fairly rustic – its long drop toilets certainly wouldn't appeal to everyone, – however, for those who love the outdoors and are looking for something completely different, this lodge is hard to beat.
ACCESS & LOCATION:
Chole Mjini sits on the northern tip of Chole Island in the Mafia Island Marine National Park, just off the south-eastern coast of Tanzania. It is the only lodge on the island and is rather special.
ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT CHOLE MJINI:
The lodge lies just outside the ruins of old Chole town and blends in beautifully with the bush, ruins, and mangroves. The accommodation is simple but fabulous. Six treehouses are built on platforms high off the ground encircling the trunks of enormous baobab trees. They are made using local techniques and are set high off the ground, giving beautiful views of the Indian Ocean.
All are simply but elegantly furnished with four-poster beds. A compost toilet and open-air shower are below at the bottom of the tree. In addition to the treehouses, there is one larger room with flush toilets that has been built on the ground and is suitable for families with young children.
ACTIVITIES AT CHOLE MJINI:
- Activities are mainly based around the sea and include diving, snorkeling, swimming, and dhow sailing.
- Alternatively, guests can visit the local village with a guide or simply laze on the beach enjoying the heat of the sun and the murmur of the ocean.
- The lodge was created by biologists Jean and Anne de Villiers in partnership with the local community and is seriously eco-friendly using tourism as a means of conservation. Jean de Villiers is also an extremely experienced dive instructor who enjoys taking guests out to some of the fantastic dive sites in the area.
