Overview
Chole Island, once at a crossroads of a major trade route is now considered a place where one can take a glance back in time. Chole Island is one of the smallest of the islands that comprise the Mafia Archiepelago and is located just across the channel from us. Chole is around one kilometre long and half a kilometre wide and bursting at the seams with nature. Mangrove forests, baobab and palm trees are a few examples of the vibrant flora that can be found growing on this magical Island. Once considered the ‘‘Capital’’ of the archipelago, it has since slowed its pace from a bustling port and transformed into an island so unique that it is one of the most memorable adventures one can take whilst visiting. We love this tour as it offers our guests a one-stop-destination to sample a snippet of all that Mafia has to offer; history, culture, nature and the most beautiful sunset imaginable.
This late afternoon adventure starts with a short trip over the channel to land on the busy beach. The tour begins with an exciting journey through the various ruins left behind from days long past that are so beautifully riddled with vegetation. A short walk down Chole’s ‘main street’, a dirt path that winds through the various tropical trees, will lead you through the first dedicated fruit bat sanctuary in the world, where one can readily spot the sleeping comores bats high up in the trees. The walk slowly winds down with a visit to the boatyard where all the Swahili dhows are built using traditional methods unchanged over generations, and finally an opportunity to watch the sun set over Mafia from the Red Herring, Chole’s beautiful ocean view bar, before returing home.
Highlights
Chole Island Tour
Chole Island, once at a crossroads of a major trade route is now considered a place where one can take a glance back in time.
Know Before You Go
Trip Snapshot
- Location Mafia Island, Pwani – Mafia Archipelago
- Chole Island Tour 2–3 hours · Beach Holiday · can be tailor-made
Things to Do
- Walking / Hiking
- Historical Visits
Good to Know
To reach mafia one no longer sails as the first option, but rather take a flight in light aircraft from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar, or one of the game parks such as the Nyerere National Park. Coastal aviation and auric air both offer multiple daily flights, which take approximately 30-50 minutes. The experience is fantastic, with great views of the African bush and coastline.
The distance between Zanzibar City and Mafia Island is 198 km. It takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes flight from Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam respectively
Mafia Island enjoys two rainy seasons, similar to the mainland. In November and December and March to May. The first best time to visit is from October to February offering the best visibility The second-best time is June to September as it is the coolest time.
