Unguja Lodge

Unguja Lodge is a small owner-run luxury hide-away enjoying a private and tucked away beach location in Kizimkazi on the southern tip of Zanzibar. Resident co-owners Ralph and Elies completed the design and building of Unguja in June 2007 using mostly locally source materials such as coral rock, makuti and the distinctive wood from the coconut tree for all its expertly handcrafted furniture. The hotel, restaurant and water activities are of the highest standard and integrated in the local environment to offer a true Zanzibar experience.

The 10 spacious villas are all privately set and lavishly expansive. Each villa is beautifully built, crafted and furnished in Zanzibar style. All villas consist of a spacious bedroom, semi open-air ocean view sitting room (baraza-style), cloak room with private safe, second floor bedroom (where two or three children can sleep or where you can sit and relax) and private terrace. From your ocean view terrace you can watch the local fishermen sailing the Indian Ocean and the breathtaking sunrise and sunset are yours.

Guests can choose between 7 Sea view Villas or 3 Baobab Villas. The Sea view Villas all have magnificent direct sea view, including a private terrace directly overlooking the Menai Bay. The 3 Baobab Villas have their own plunge pool and air-conditioning in the bedroom and are oriented towards the garden with several big baobab trees. The Baobab Villas have ocean views from the upstairs.

The lush and tropical garden with old mango and baobab trees are home to many indigenous animals including the rare Red Colobus monkey. The beach is accessible both from the lodge and also by a small nature trail (about 50 m) that takes guests down to a small permanent beach.

The astonishing marine life just a short swim or boat ride from the beach will ensure that whether you are a serious diver or just someone who likes to snorkel there's lots to see. If you like exploring on land you will find a thriving local culture. And if you just prefer to relax by the pool, you will be amazed at the birds, insects, plants and animals you see all around.

The lodge sits on a small coral cliff. Just a few steps down a wooden stair and your toes sink into clean soft white sand. As the tide rises the beach vanishes, and the lodge becomes an isolated haven. When the tide drops and the beach reappears, washed and swept by the sea. The lodge is once again connected to the outside world and you can watch as local fishermen drag their boats out of the sea, and women and children hunt the shallows for shellfish.