Cholé Mjini | Barefoot Luxury in the Wild
Remote. Refined. Remarkable.
Cholé Mjini was never designed to be a hotel—and it isn’t. It’s a castaway escape for the discerning traveler seeking something quieter, rarer, and deeply connected to nature. Set on a remote island off the coast of Tanzania and reachable only by boat, Cholé is a sanctuary of barefoot luxury, where treehouses rise from the jungle canopy, the stars are your ceiling, and the soundtrack is the sea and wind in the palms.
This is a place for those who crave space, silence, and authenticity. Your days here are unhurried—swim with whale sharks in crystal waters, explore vibrant coral reefs in Cholé Bay, or take a private picnic on a sandbank that disappears with the tide. The marine biodiversity here is among the richest in East Africa, making Cholé a quiet mecca for divers and ocean lovers.
The retreat is entirely off-grid, powered almost entirely by solar and designed with sustainable, low-impact materials—locally sourced wood, woven reed mats, coconut rope, and traditional makuti thatch. Every detail reflects a deep respect for the island’s environment and heritage.
Guests are invited to walk through the village, engage with local craftsmen. Cholé is as much about community as it is about conservation.
The owners are also the founders of Ropes of Hope—a groundbreaking NGO dedicated to regenerating marine biodiversity and empowering island communities within the Mafia Island Marine Park. Using innovative tools to measure and protect natural capital, they are helping create a model for sustainable tourism and ocean stewardship.
This is a place that reawakens the senses, slows time, and reconnects you with something elemental. No roads. No cars. No crowds. Just nature, simplicity, and soul.
Best Time to Visit Mafia Island & Swim with Whale Sharks
Mafia Island is a year-round tropical escape, but the ideal time to visit for sunny skies and crystal-clear diving or snorkeling is during the dry season, from June to October. For those seeking a more secluded experience, the shoulder season from November to February offers a perfect balance of warm weather, fewer crowds, and great marine visibility.
Between October and March, the island becomes a sanctuary for the world’s longest whale shark aggregation season. These gentle giants—some reaching up to 20 meters—glide gracefully through the shallow, warm waters, feeding near the surface. With expert guides and no diving experience needed, guests can safely snorkel beside them for an awe-inspiring, once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Private boat to jungle island retreat
- Stay in a treehouse with private pool
- Swim/snorkel with Whale Sharks
- Picnic on a remote sandbank
- Visit Cholé Mjini village & school
- Join hands-on conservation activities
