Hotels South Coast

Fumba Beach Lodge

This is a new hotel, opened at Easter 2005, set in 40 acres of exquisite gardens with three naturally sheltered beaches. Gijs de Raadt who owns lodges in Northern Tanzania is developing Fumba Beach Lodge along the lines, and with the feel of a safari lodge, as a luxurious and peaceful hideaway, offering a perfect blend of casual elegance and friendly, first class service.

Location - Just 40 minutes South West of Zanzibar''s historic capital, Stone Town the Lodge is concealed well away from the busy tourist areas, making it the perfect venue for enjoying the peace and tranquility of this tropical island paradise.

Accommodation - Fumba Beach Lodge has 26 spacious rooms, each with an en-suite bathroom, private terrace and stunning ocean view. The rooms are scattered throughout the extensive grounds, shaded by a forest of magnificent baobab trees and whispering palm fronds and cooled by gentle sea breezes. For the ultimate in extravagance, the six luxury suites also include a private roof terrace with open air shower and sumptuous bath overlooking the clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean .

Facilities - As an alternative to scuba diving, water sports, swimming with the local dolphins or simply ambling on the beach collecting shells, the cliff top swimming pool provides a breathtaking view of the Ocean, the perfect place to relax with a delicious snack or a cool, refreshing drink. The comfortable open air restaurant serves a tantalizing array of expertly prepared dishes including local specialties, the freshest seafood and traditional international cuisine in a relaxing and tranquil atmosphere. From our beach bar various Zanzibari cocktails will be served. The well-trained staff provide a friendly, professional service and take the greatest care to look after all guests, young or old, whatever their tastes.

web site http://www.fumbabeachlodge.com/

Unguja Resort

This small, superior hotel opened late in 2006. It is not a “resort” at all. We tried to persuade Ralph & Elies Kruidering to call it a “lodge”. However, “lodge” in their homeland of Holland describes a low budget establishment, which Unguja certainly is not. With their three children, they and business partner Frans Fiegge moved to Zanzibar to develop an hotel which will meet the needs of people looking for a real Zanzibar experience, comfort, relaxation, personal service and rewarding snorkelling & diving.

Location - Adjacent to the village of Kizimkazi on the southern tip of Zanzibar just over an hours drive from Stone Town and the Airport. It is very favourably located for swimming even at low tide as here the reef is close to shore so the tide does not recede as far as it does on other parts of Zanzibar. It is also located close to the dolphin viewing area.

Accommodation - There are just 10 villas built in a circular shape well separated from each other in extensive tropical gardens. All have a spacious bedroom with fan, mosquito net, safe and two wash basins. There is a spacious bathroom (shower, toilet and wash basin), in the Sea View Villas and the Villas the bathrooms overlook the ocean. Also on the ground floor there is a “baraza” style lounge/sitting area. Each villa has an upstairs “lounge” area which can also sleep 2 additional people. Whilst the rooms have similar dimensions, some specifications differ according to their location within the gardens. The Baobab Suites which do not have sea views from downstairs (they do from the upper area) have a plunge pool on the verandah and are airconditioned. Sea View Villas & Villas are closer to the sea have direct ocean views.

Facilities - There is a swimming pool and a separate restaurant with bar area which extends on to a timber decking area. There is an on-site dive centre and Ralph & Elies are both PADI qualified dive masters. A purpose built dhow was built to their specification to serve as a dive boat and also takes people wanting snorkel in deeper waters. At reception there is internet access and a telephone service. A range of excursions can be arranged.

Web site www.ungujaresort.com

Karamba “Resort”

Karamba is not a “resort” at all. It is difficult to describe as, on the surface, it appears as a budget hotel, not having facilities such as airconditioning, swimming pool, etc. However, you do not have to scratch much below the surface to appreciate the friendliness of the well trained staff, the excellent food and the thought which goes in to making a stay rewarding and interesting.

Location - Karamba is on the south coast in the fishing village of Kizimkazi, the setting-off point for dolphin viewing. The Hotel arranges dolphin trips at times which avoids sharing the experience with many other boats.

Accommodation - There are 7 cottages each with two rooms giving a total of 14 en-suite rooms, all of which have sea views. The rooms vary in size and the larger rooms accommodate triple occupancy in comfort, as well as families of up to four people. Many of the rooms have al-fresco shower “rooms”. All rooms have ceiling fans and have locally built furniture and fittings.

Facilities - There is a spacious, open sided bar and restaurant area overlooking the beach and ocean. Owner, Gemma Crespi and chef, Paul, serve excellent and imaginative meals, many Swahili/African dishes are offered using locally sourced ingredients. Paul also specialises in sushi, sashimi meals and takes a pleasure in catering for vegetarians. A nice touch is that dinner orders are taken in the early evening and guests indicate the time they want to eat, thus avoiding waits. There is a large infinity swimming pool with ample sunloungers. The beach at Karamba is shared with local villagers and fisherman which makes the Hotel feel part of the village. A variety of massages are offered; there is a childrens play area and a small boutique. There is an infinity swimming pool with stunning views.

Web site www.karambaresort.com