Tiny Chole Island, just twenty minutes by boat from Mafia, was once the capital of the Mafia islands.
Today, the ruins of administrative buildings, warehouses and merchants’ homes are overrun with the roots of enormous fig trees. At one end of the former main street, Chole Mjini Lodge incorporates the remains of a Hindu building.
Accommodation
The lodge has seven treehouses built high off the ground around the trunks of trees, with four poster beds and elegant, simple furnishings. Stairs descend to ground level to your private toilet and open air shower. The immaculate compost toilets are just one sign of the genuine commitment to conservation. One family suite is built on the ground and has en suite facilities with a flush toilet.
Community
Created by biologists Jean and Anne de Villiers, Chole Mjini is a partnership with the local community, tourism as an engine of development and conservation. The achievements are real and impressive, and you will find yourself a welcome visitor on Chole.
Activities
Though tiny, Chole Island is full of surprises and you will enjoy getting to know the local people and seeing them at work: in the boatyard; doing carpentry and craftwork; tending their crops; or just passing the time of day. People are incredibly friendly, without expecting anything in return.
Jean de Villiers is a highly experienced dive instructor and there are world-class dive sites to explore. A trip to Juani Island or remote Kutitia Atoll is truly memorable.
Want to know more?
Call our Travel Specialists for a chat with our experts. They'll share their first-hand insights so you can find your perfect holiday.
Craig Kaufman
Travel Specialist
Chole Mjini Lodge
Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
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