Unguja Lodge

Unguja Lodge, Kizimkazi, Zanzibar - Explore & Book

"If your idea of heaven is living virtually outdoors amongst nature, with the bush on one side and the sea on the other, then Unguja Lodge is for you. Opened by Dutch couple Ralph and Elies, the lodge's intimate feel ensures a much more personal experience than Zanzibar's other hotels. Attracting a mix of thirty-something couples and young families, we enjoyed sociable snorkelling and diving trips, and chatting over delicious dinners (which are included in the rates). Relaxation and luxury are high on the agenda - evident from the bougainvillea-fringed swimming pool to the12 thatched, architect-designed villas, each with tons of space. However, it is not for those who equate quality with room service, a champagne-filled minibar and a flat-screen TV. Its blissful element stems from the fact that the hotel, on the southern tip of the island, feels completely cut off from the world. (In fact, we ended up so relaxed that, on our last day, we slept in way past check-out time!). Excellent local activities include village tours and dolphin spotting; day trips to offshore islands can also be organised. Highs The hands-on owners create a friendly, laid-back atmosphere Strong local identity - staff are mainly local with links to the neighbouring village, Kizimkazi We loved being far from the tourist strips and closer to nature - we spotted monkeys and dolphins on our stay On site PADI dive centre with access to largely unexplored sites Large funky rooms with sweeping curved white walls, loos with a view, and lots of Zanzibari character Lows During high tide, the adjacent beach all but disappears It's not cheap - but note that rates include an excellent dinner Mosquitoes can be ferocious - take lots of repellent Open-plan villas mean less privacy The road from Kizimkazi is bumpy" - Rachel Hamada