25.64 °C / 78.15 °F, few clouds, Cloudiness 14%, Wind speed : 5.45 km/hChole Mjini Treehouse Lodge is a treehouse eco-stay on Chole Island, MAFIA ISLAND (Tanzania) — built around a low-impact way of island life. Here, sustainability is the reason the place feels so calm, so natural, and so real.
Instead of a “big resort” setup, the experience stays intentionally simple and close to the elements — so the forest can breathe, the island can stay quiet, and the community can stay at the center. You fall into a slower rhythm because the lodge is designed to take less and leave more behind.
What the Stay Feels Like
The vibe here is wild, warm, and quietly magical. Accommodation is in open-air tree houses and simple rooms that blend into the landscape — designed to keep you close to nature rather than sealed away from it. Expect natural ventilation, earthy textures, and that feeling of being “held” by the forest.
That open-air, nature-first design isn’t just aesthetic — it reduces the need for heavy cooling and keeps the stay aligned with the island’s climate, light, and pace.
Days are easy. You’ll likely start with a slow breakfast, then head out for the water, the village, or a shaded hammock with a book. Meals are a big part of the experience — fresh, local, and shared in a relaxed, communal way/or in private hideaway locations as you prefer. This is the kind of place where you end up talking to strangers (in a good way), swapping stories, and remembering why you travel.
Community & Local Connection
Chole Mjini Treehouse Lodge is located in the heart of the Mafia Island Marine Park and operates as more than just accommodation — it’s a community hub. The lodge has deep roots on Chole Island, with 90% of the team drawn from the local community. Since 1994, the lodge has grown alongside the island, investing in education through the Chole Mjini Trust Fund, which has supported schooling from kindergarten through university for over two decades.
Chole Mjini Treehouse Lodge partners with The Ropes of Hope NGO to protect coral reefs and works alongside sister lodge Kitukiblu Beach Lodge to ensure marine encounters are conducted responsibly. This approach means your stay directly supports local livelihoods, education, and ocean conservation.
What to Do Nearby (and how to explore responsibly)
Chole Island is in the heart of Mafia Island Marine Park, one of East Africa’s most important marine ecosystems. From here, you can explore:
SCUBA and/ or Snorkeling: reef time — Clear water, coral gardens, and a chance to see the underwater world with a lighter touch
Dhow sailing and sandbanks — Slow, traditional sailing and wide-open horizons (bring your sun protection and your patience)
Village walks on Chole — A simple way to connect with local life—go gently, ask before taking photos, and let the island lead
If you’re visiting during the right season, the wider Mafia area is also known for whale shark encounters — but only choose operators who follow strict wildlife guidelines (distance, time limits, no chasing, no touching). The goal is wonder without harm.
And in between the adventures — do less. Sit under the trees. Listen to the birds. Watch the tide. Let the quiet do its work.
Who This Eco-Stay Is Best For
Slow travelers who want nature, simplicity, and a real break from screens and schedules
Couples looking for something intimate and different (more story, less luxury)
Solo travelers who like gentle community and meaningful conversations
Ocean lovers who want to explore marine life with respect and care
Good to Know Before You Book
Best time to visit: Chole Mjini Threehouse Lodge is closed annually from 31 March to 15 June for staff leave and maintenance. The coolest months are generally June to September, while scuba diving is best after the trade winds change in September or October. Whale shark season typically runs from October to February, sometimes into March.
Getting there: Fly to Mafia Island from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar, followed by a road-and-boat transfer to Chole Island. The lodge can arrange the transfer from Mafia Airport.
Stay style: Open-air treehouses and a ground-level house designed to work with the island’s natural surroundings, with electricity, fans, ensuite bathrooms, charging points, and sea views from the treehouses.
Family-friendly: Families are welcome, with activities including snorkelling, sandbank trips, village walks, SUP, mangrove exploration, turtle hatchings, and seasonal whale shark experiences. Children under five must stay in the ground-level Sita accommodation for safety reasons.
What to pack: Lightweight clothing, swimwear, sun protection, toiletries, and aqua shoes or sandals for boat transfers and water activities. Long, loose clothing can be useful in the evenings.
Payments: Card payments are accepted for activities, drinks, and other expenses. Cash can still be useful for tips and locally made crafts.
Sustainability tip: Bring a reusable bottle, pack light, and choose experiences that support local conservation and community initiatives, including marine conservation and coral restoration.
How to Book
TrUsMileWay doesn’t process bookings or payments. When you’re ready, click the Book Now button to reserve with Chole Mjini Treehouse Lodge on their official website — simple, transparent, and COMMISSION-FREE.
Explore with care — this place depends on it.
Turn your GREEN MILES into GOLDEN EXPERIENCES.
TrUsMileWay Sustainability Credentials Covered by This Eco-Stay
Location
Weather
Weather in Chole Mjini Treehouse Lodge, Tanzania
25.64 °C / 78.15 °F, few clouds, Cloudiness 14%, Wind speed : 5.45 km/h
