Unguja Lodge, a quaint upscale establishment located near Kizimkazi at the southern end of Zanzibar, provides guests with a genuinely personal experience of Zanzibar in a casual and unassuming setting.
The southern tip of Zanzibar has some of the island's most beautiful coves and coastline. Here, overlooking the curve of Menai Bay, rocky outcrops emerge from the indigenous coastal forest. And it's where you'll find Unguja, a character-filled lodge tucked away on the edge of a coral cliff. It's a laid-back place that embraces strict eco-friendly principles and has a strong sense of local identity. If you're longing to unplug yourself from the outside world, this attractively rustic lodge is just the ticket. Watch out for the visiting monkeys, though – they tend to snatch tempting items!
Accommodation at Unguja Lodge
Accommodation consists of 10 spacious Private Villas and 2 Family Houses. From your ocean view terrace you can watch the local fishermen sailing the Indian Ocean. A breathtaking sunrise and sunset is all yours, and all bungalows are beautifully decorated in Zanzibar style.
All offer the following amenities:
- spacious bedroom with double bed (185 x 215 cm), mosquito net, ceiling fan and private safe
- open plan sitting room (baraza-style)
- open plan spacious shower room
- separate toilet
- loft with extra DBL bed
- private terrace
Dining Experience
The restaurant serves an excellent breakfast, lunch and dinner. The chef makes use of many local Zanzibar ingredients such as fresh seafood and exotic spices.
A private barbeque lunch on one of the small deserted islands near the southern coast is a special treat and can be organized for you.
Early morning tea and coffee are served in the villas.
Tropical Experience
The lush tropical gardens at Unguja Lodge are dotted with baobab trees. Don’t be surprised to see colobus monkeys in the trees and fascinating elephant shrews - like oversized mice on stilts with extended noses - foraging in the leaf litter. In these gardens, you’ll find the PADI dive school and shop, run by One Ocean where you can organise dives and snorkelling to the nearby coral. This is the only PADI operation in the area, and there is no minimum number of people required for their dives, as can sometimes be the case at other centres. There is some good diving and snorkelling to be done in Menai Bay, with at least 20 recognised dive sites and some healthy coral formations.
Activities at Unguja Lodge
Snorkelling: A traditional dhow takes you to the most beautiful parts of the protected Menai Bay. After snorkelling a barbeque lunch can be organized for you on the beach of a deserted island not far from the Kizimkazi coast.
Dolphin encounters: Kizimkazi is well known for the many dolphins which inhabit the area. With a dhow, Unguja Divers takes you out to find them. Although they are wild animals they swim close to the boat for you to watch and enjoy.
Exploring Zanzibar: Visits to all of the interesting places on Zanzibar will gladly be organised for you. Additionally, to the well-known places of interest such as Jozani Forest Reserve, Stonetown, spice farms and Prison Island, you will also have the possibility to visit many less-known places as well. With each tour, you will be under the professional care of a local guide selected to suit your itinerary. A tour through the local village of Kizimkazi (guided by one of the villagers) is offered too.
Location of Unguja Lodge
Unguja Lodge is situated at the Southern tip of Zanzibar, near Kizimkazi Mkunguni. It is a very quiet part of the island with pristine beaches and lush green surroundings. Unguja Lodge offers a variety of activities to keep guests entertained, such as tours, a wide choice of beach sports and entertainment for all the family and kids.