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Unguja Lodge

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Remote Beach Lodge
- Family Villas
- Excellent diving / snorkelling

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Overview

Situated on the western side of the southern-most tip of Zanzibar Island near the Kizimkazi Village, the Unguja Lodge is a small, friendly beach lodge. The lodge is owner run and managed, meaning that guests receive a lovely warm and very personal welcome when they arrive. The lodge itself is built on a small cliff above a quiet, tidal beach which disappears at high tide. A five minute walk takes you to a lovely secluded stretch of beach which is accessible regardless of tide.

This intimate lodge has just twelve ‘villas’ dotted around the tropical gardens. The seven ‘sea view villas’ can sleep up to 4 people in two rooms. They have a lounge as well as a private terrace and benefit from direct sea views. These villas do not have air conditioning, just a fan and the sea breeze. The 2 family houses can sleep up to 6 people and have direct sea views and private terraces overlooking the Menai Bay. Like the sea view villas, these also have a lounge, but no air con. For those seeking privacy , there are three further villas which are set back from the sea but have private plunge pools and the main bed room is air-conditioned.

The main lodge areas surround a large free form swimming pool which has ample seating areas and sun loungers. The restaurant, bar and lounge areas are divided by low curved walls affording some privacy and peaceful places to retreat. There is also a library, reading corner with internet access and small informal shop selling local arts and crafts.

Unguja is one of the few lodges in Zanzibar where, during low tide , you can snorkel or dive from the beach. On-site is the Unguja Divers, a PADI dive centre which offers various dives, PADI courses, snorkelling, dolphin trips and island visits. Alternatively spice farm tours, Stone Town visits, Jozani Forest or trip to local village can easily be arranged.

It is the little things that count. Unguja won the 2014 Boutique Hotel award for Africa's best sustainable boutique hotel. Here are a few examples:

* Filtered water used at meal times.

* Sealed water bottle in room on arrival which is filled daily with filtered water.

* Separate waste.

* Use seasonable fruits and vegetables.

* Source local produce where possible.

* 70% of the staff is from the village of Kizimkazi.

* The money from the guided village walks is used for projects in the village

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What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 534 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.

    Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.

    El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.

    Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.

    So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last

    MissingJuhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

  • We had the most amazing time. It exceeded all my hopes of what the trip would be. The guides, the hotels - everything was of such a wonderful quality. Thank you for organizing everything. I will absolutely recommend Tourdust and use you again.

    MissingClaudia L reviewing Luxury Desert Holiday on 11 January 2024

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