Chole Island

Chole

Tiny Chole Island sits within the sheltered bay of Chole Bay — just minutes by boat from Mafia Island’s main settlement. Despite its small size, Chole has an extraordinary character: ancient Swahili ruins dating from the 13th century, a nightly spectacle of thousands of flying foxes, and a legendary eco-lodge that pioneered sustainable island tourism in Tanzania.

Highlights

Atmospheric 13th–19th century Swahili and German colonial ruins
Evening flying fox roost—thousands of fruit bats at dusk
Chole Mjini — one of Africa's most extraordinary eco-lodges
Mangrove forests teeming with marine life
Excellent snorkelling and diving in Chole Bay
Traditional wooden dhow sailing trips
Glimpse of a world unchanged for centuries

Island at a Glance

Location

Chole Bay, Mafia Archipelago

Access

Short boat ride from Mafia Island

Ruins

13th–19th-century Swahili trading post

Known For

Ancient ruins, flying foxes, eco-lodge

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