Lemon Grass Beach Holiday: Summary
Lemon Grass Beach Holiday in a nutshell
Featuring two simple and elegant lodges on the sleepy islands of Mafia and Chole, this is a fantastic retreat for those seeking a quieter, undisturbed beach holiday.
Mafia Island and Chole Island are two of the five islands that comprise the Mafia Archipelago. Just a short flight from Dar es Salaam, they are both comparatively lesser known and lesser visited than Zanzibar Island, making for a more exclusive holiday.
Beginning on Chole Island’s Chole Mjini Lodge, guests will stay in one of six beautifully built tree-houses that sit atop stilts amongst the beach-side baobab trees. All are uniquely designed and lit at night entirely by solar-charged lanterns. The atmosphere here is charmingly seductive, where historic ruins blend seamlessly with sand pathways and crumbling walls to create an environment befitting Robinson Crusoe.
Just a short 15-minute boat ride away from Chole Island is Mafia Island, where Pole Pole occupies its own stretch of white sandy beach. The seven well-appointed bungalows overlook Chole Bay, where one can eat, snorkel, dive or simply lie back and relax. Similarly charming and just as peaceful, Pole Pole now also offers guests the opportunity to hire their own crewed dhow boat for the day, to sail around and explore as they see fit.
If these leisurely beach and water-based activities don’t appeal, there are also a variety of possible island trips to discover, including visits to historical ruins, local villages and even colonies of fruit bats.
At a glance
| Starts: | Dar es Salaam International Airport | |
|---|---|---|
| 3 nights | Chole Mjini - Mafia Island, Tanzania | Full Board |
| 3 nights | Pole Pole - Mafia Island, Tanzania | Full Board |
| Ends: | Dar es Salaam International Airport |
Chole Mjini
Mafia Island, Tanzania
Pole Pole
Mafia Island, Tanzania
Highlights
Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Lemon Grass Beach Holiday.
- Snorkelling among colourful reef fish
- Sighting whale sharks during a stay at Chole Mjini
- Sailing around the islands on a dhow boat
- Watching the sunset with a drink from your veranda
- Diving beneath the waves, passing turtles and rays
Activities
Some activities which can be included in the Lemon Grass Beach Holiday: talk to us about those which interest you.
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports
Side-trips whilst on this beach holiday
We may be able to build in some of these optional excursions from the Lemon Grass Beach Holiday. Talk to us: they’re usually best arranged when you book.
Snorkelling with Whale Sharks
Half day
A whale shark snorkelling trip off Mafia Island, Tanzania, is an unforgettable experience, offering a chance to swim alongside the world’s largest fish in crystal-clear waters. Mafia Island is one of the best places in the world to encounter whale sharks, especially between October and March, when these gentle giants gather in the warm, plankton-rich waters near the island.
More about Snorkelling with Whale SharksPlan and book your trip with Expert Africa
All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you. Talk to an Expert and let us plan and arrange your perfect trip.
Talk to an Expert
Call or email us now! We’ll match you with the Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you. Then together we can start planning your trip.
Set up your itinerary
Based on our experience and your ideas, your specialist will create a detailed, costed itinerary. We’ll refine it together, until we have a trip that you’re perfectly happy with.
Prepare for your trip
The same Specialist will make the seamless arrangements for your trip, send you detailed travel documents, and be available to answer any questions before you depart.
Travel with peace of mind
After you set off, you’ll be cared for by our partners in Africa, most of whom have worked with Expert Africa for decades. And if you ever need us urgently, we’re available 24/7.
When you return
We love to learn about your trip, and so will always be grateful if you’ve the time to give feedback to your Specialist when you return.
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