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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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Suggested Itineraries for Unguja Lodge

What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 540 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • We had such a good holiday. You did a fantastic job!

    The house in Marrakesh was ridiculous. We effectively had it to ourselves. The accommodation was borderline palatial.

    I actually think that the time we had in Marrakesh was sufficient. We could potentially have done a day by a pool but I think we’d done enough souk-ing by the end of Day Two.

    The hotel in the mountains was a shade more rustic than I was expecting, but all great fun. Stunning views. The guide / mule / cook team were excellent and our guide (Hassan) tailored the treks to our capabilities well. He was superb, and really made an effort with the kids. The second and third day of trekking were particularly good. Such an adventure for the kids.

    All the logistics worked seamlessly. Every aspect went like clockwork. Top marks. The advice on tipping was also much appreciated (I hate thinking that I’m getting mugged off or am potentially not giving enough…).

    From my seven-year-old son:

    I thought it was GREAT. The food was amazing and the culture was very interesting. My favourite bit was scrambling up rocks in the Atlas Mountains.

    In retrospect, I’d probably do the trip in reverse. Flopping on the roof terrace after the rigours of the mountains would have been even more satisfying.

    MissingHenry O reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains on 05 June 2025

  • We had an extraordinary time. It was magical and we couldn't hav asked or hoped for more. Thank you both so much for all of your time and assistance.

    MissingEmma M reviewing Best of Botswana for Families on 18 November 2024

  • We had an amazing experience - absolutely loved it.
    Mohamed and Said were great and very patient especially with me going downhill - was quite nervous about the scree slopes and paths.

    Will be a trip we remember forever

    MissingMaritta B reviewing Atlas Valleys & Villages Trek - Value on 11 November 2024

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