Chole Foxes Lodge

Chole Foxes Lodge is the most amazing and relaxing place I've ever been to in Tanzania (and I 've already been to a lot of places in TZ). I was the only guest for 5 days - which was great for me, but probably not a sustainable way to run a lodge...so please go there!

Mind you, this is not a luxury resort, don't expect the facilities or infrastructure you can find in Zanzibar.

It's simple. It's laid back. Its luxury lies in the tranquility of the tiny island, the genuine friendliness of the staff, in the way they make you feel welcome and safe and relaxed.

Chole Foxes is a locally owned and locally run lodge on the pristine and as yet uncommercialised Chole Island adjacent to Mafia Island, Tanzania. The setting behind the mangroves and a majestic baobab is idyllic.

Chole Bay is a snorkelling and diving paradise and we enjoyed the sighting of a humpback whale and calf.

At the time of our visit the lodge could only accommodate 6 guests in very comfortable and rustic bungalows. The simplicity of Chole Foxes is refreshingly environmentally friendly.

There is no electricity or running water on Chole Island. Lighting is provided by small solar panels and energy efficient LEDs while water is drawn from a well by hand and carried to the en-suite bathroom.

Bottled drinking water is provided. Bathing consists of showering yourself with jugs of water drawn from a large container - a truly simple pleasure.

The owner - a medical doctor who practices in the adjacent town of Utende - is affectionately known as Doctor Mudi by the locals.

He is a wonderful and unassuming gentleman who took the time to spend the evening and dinner with us.

He provides malaria treatment and mosquito nets to the locals for free - the kind of man doctors are meant to be.

Chole Foxes Lodge is an effort on his part to create a sustainable source of income for locals and hence it’s totally local flavour.

The manager Mbaraka and all the staff were all exceptionally helpful and clearly delighted to have us there.

The head waiter showed us around the island and being a local was the perfect guide. A highlight was seeing the flying foxes which roost on Chole Island flying off at dusk to forage for fruit.