Accomodation
Best Lodges in Zanzibar - Top 5!
Zanzibar is one of those special exotic places that has everything you could want in a luxury getaway. It is world-famous as a tropical island paradise, and people come from all over to witness its natural beauty and unwind with the fresh Indian Ocean breeze blowing through their hair.
Even though the Zanzibar archipelago of Tanzania is fairly small, there is an impressive range of breathtaking accommodations to choose from when you visit. They are nestled in all of the most beautiful corners of these islands.
Shadows Of Africa has welcomed many travelers to our beloved Zanzibar from all over the world. We know this part of the world very well, and we can help you find the perfect accommodation for your visit.
Here are our 5 favorite lodges in Zanzibar to make the decision easier for you!
№ 1. Emerson Spice Hotel (Stone Town)
A historic building in the heart of Zanzibar’s historic Stone Town, the Emerson Spice Hotel is steeped in history - and fully celebrates it. Every room is unique and has its own unique story to tell - including the kitchen, which offers local gourmet cuisine prepared by Zanzibari chefs.
Exotic, stylish, and atmospheric: a mix of mystery and history makes this hotel a truly special place to stay when you visit Zanzibar.
№ 2. The Island Pongwe
A visit to Pongwe, a serene private island resort, is an unforgettably romantic experience. This is an exclusive piece of paradise for those open to an “unconventional detox journey” between the lush green of the island’s nature and the brilliant blue of the Indian Ocean.
The ambience here makes every moment on the island something special. This experience is equaled in the resort’s sophisticated restaurant, featuring a perfect balance of fresh local flavors with a gourmet touch. For these reasons and more, a visit to Pongwe and its restaurant is a must for travelers coming to the Zanzibar archipelago.
№ 3. andBeyond (Mnemba Island)
A barefoot private island paradise, andBeyond’s Mnemba Island is the perfect romantic hideaway to indulge in the full luxury of Zanzibar’s tropical nature. The simple pleasures on Mnemba become your most cherished memories for years to come.
The Mnemba atoll is the perfect backdrop to the many relaxing and reinvigorating activities available on the island’s beaches. The size of this tiny intimate island makes it possible to spend your days however you wish - whether that be snorkeling just off the beach, getting a massage while breathing in the crisp ocean air, or enjoying the sunset with a glass of champagne - all of this is possible in just one day on Mnemba.
№ 4. Tulia
Tulia is one of the most sustainable and eco-friendly resorts in Zanzibar. Offering many activities to fully indulge in the beauty of Zanzibar, this beachside resort exists in perfect harmony with the island around it - both the nature and the local communities.
Its gourmet restaurant is stocked from its own organic produce garden, and its food is prepared by some of Tanzania’s best chefs. Tulia fully celebrates the nature of Zanzibar with its tropical garden, and actively supports local communities with a number of practical initiatives. The harmony is here tangible, and you can feel it when you stay at Tulia, at one with everything around you.
№ 5. Qambani
Qambani is a luxury beach front resort boasting expansive grounds, plenty of outdoor and indoor living areas, and singular features like its two pools—one of which is a large infinity pool built for a breathtaking ocean view. Enjoy access to a secluded Zanzibar island beach and all meals included with your stay. With your choice of seven exquisite villas, and a tailored experience, Qambani is sure to make your Zanzibar Holiday unforgettable.
Qambani Luxury Resort features free bikes, outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center and shared lounge in Michamvi. Among the various facilities are a terrace, a bar, as well as a private beach area. The property provides room service, a business center and luggage storage for guests.
At the hotel, every room comes with a desk, bed linen and a patio with a garden view. With a private bathroom equipped with a shower and free toiletries, rooms at Qambani Luxury Resort also provide guests with free WiFi, while some rooms here will provide you with a sea view. At the accommodation every room is equipped with air conditioning and a safety deposit box.Each of these Zanzibari lodges offers a unique but equally luxurious island experience. We are sure that when you stay at one of them you will agree with our expert reviews!
Thinking of visiting other parts of Tanzania as well? Check out the country’s 5 coolest lodges on the mainland here.
Still undecided? Get in touch and we will find the right lodge for you!
Coolest Lodges in Tanzania - Top 5!
Tanzania is a huge country, almost every inch of which is filled with breathtaking nature and unique sights. From Mount Kilimanjaro to the Serengeti National Park to the gorgeous coastline - Tanzania is known worldwide for many of its natural wonders.
This beautiful country is also home to an incredible range of beautiful lodges, in every corner of this vast land. So many, in fact, that it can be hard to decide where to stay when you come to visit.
We at Shadows Of Africa know our beloved Tanzania very well. We have welcomed thousands of travelers from all over the world to our African home. We know this part of the world like no other, and we can help you find the perfect accommodation for your visit.
Here are our 5 favorite lodges on mainland Tanzania to make the decision easier for you!
№ 1. Africa Amini Life
Designed in the style of a traditional Maasai village, Africa Amini Life offers an authentic experience of Maasai life in the sunrise-shadow of the Kilimanjaro mountain itself, with the endless expanse of the African steppe all around.
The lodge is made up of earthen bungalows with modern amenities to give guests the perfect blend of adventure and comfort. Africa Amini Life also offers a range of activities to give guests a chance to taste traditional Maasai life, including spear throwing, dancing, nature walks and campfire conversations. Afterwards, dine at the restaurant, which features both international and traditional Swahili dishes.
№ 2. Lemala Mpingo Ridge
In luxury, open-design, camping-inspired style, Lemala Mpingo Ridge Lodge watches out over the Tarangire River and valley below. The careful placement of each of the spacious suites allows guests to wake up in the morning to stunning views of the classic African savannah and its giant baobab trees, as well as lush green hills, woodlands, rivers, and, most excitingly, large herds of elephants gathering just down below.
The lodge offers a real sense of living among the wilderness, with all the modern comforts to make your stay as relaxing and enjoyable as possible, with the added opportunity to connect your safari adventure with Lemala’s other properties in the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park.
№ 3. Manyara’s Secret
The glamorous villas of Manyara’s Secret have perfect views of the stunning Lake Manyara in northern Tanzania. Elephants run free all over this National Park, and there is a huge diversity of birds in the area.
From taking a relaxing swim to reading a book on the lovely terrace, to heading out on safari through the park - this exclusive boutique lodge offers all opportunities to indulge the simple pleasures in maximum luxury. From here, you can shower under the sky or sleep in an African baobab tree, and feel connected to the wildlife all around you.
№ 4. Asilia (The Highlands)
The Highlands luxury tent camp features low-impact but high-style living, high on the slopes of the Olmoti Crater with sweeping views over the forests and all the way to the Serengeti. The canvas geodesic dome suites are inspired by the traditional Maasai bomas that dot the landscape in this area.
This mix of authentic and contemporary (with a generous dash of charm) is the perfect place to discover and explore the Crater Highlands - wild, pristine, and beautiful!
№ 5. andBeyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
The remote and romantic andBeyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is cradled high up in the boughs of the ancient mahogany trees of Lake Manyara National Park. This is the only lodge located in the southern regions of the park, meaning that you will have quiet safari drives in unique places not reachable by day-visitors.
The spacious treehouse suites sit within seas of green, with your windows and decks opening out into the lush forest all around. The warm wooden interiors exist in perfect harmony with its environment, creating a truly luxurious and natural atmosphere for you to relax in.
Each of these lodges offers its own unique experience of Tanzania’s diverse nature, but all of them are equally as exciting and luxurious. We are sure that when you stay at one of them you will agree with our expert reviews!
Thinking of visiting Zanzibar as well? Check out the archipelago’s 5 coolest lodges here.
Still undecided? Get in touch and we will find the right lodge for you!
Safari Tents & Tented Lodges or Camping - Everything You Should Know!
Safari tents - Tented lodges or Camping - Everything you need to know before your safari!
Have you ever imagined falling asleep to the sounds of lions and elephants? Wondered what it was like to spend the night in a tent, with only the canvas wall between you and the Serengeti plains? Or have you just started planning your first African safari and are wondering if these tents are safe at all. Then this article is for you!
Expert tip: Absolutely DO stay in a tented camp
Shadows’s number one tip for an unforgettable safari is: Spend at least one night in a tented camp during your trip! There is nothing so uniquely African as spending the night in a tented camp. It is a memory that will certainly stay with you. Unlike in a brick and mortar lodge - you get to smell, hear and feel the wilderness: there is simply nothing quite like it!
One thing to understand and keep in mind is that there are no fences. So yes, the animals might actually wander straight into camp and if you are lucky even straight up to your tent. This of course requires some basic safety measurements. After dark, you will be walked to your tent by an askari - watchman. And if you need to leave your tent after dark there will be a walkie-talkie or whistle provided inside the tent. If you are planning to travel with kids - you need to be aware that kids cannot wander the campsite alone and should be watched at all times. Upon arrival, the camp team will always give you a safety briefing. Having said all this: serious incidents are extremely rare. So if you follow the basic safety instructions it is perfectly safe to stay in a tented camp/lodge.
Roughing it or Luxury?
Some people imagine a very basic tent, cold showers, and a true back-to-basics experience. Others envision outdoor showers, lush surroundings, and a once-in-a-lifetime cushy experience. The funny thing is: it could be either or all of the above! One thing all of these accommodation types have in common is that they offer a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
To make things confusing there are three types of “tented” accommodations possible during your safari in Tanzania. When organizing your safari it is important to understand the lingo, so you know what you are in for. Something else to keep in mind is that it is NOT all in the name. There are many distinct mid-range camps using the term "luxury", whereas the uber-luxury properties like to call themselves things like "barefoot" and "rustic". But, we’re here to help to untangle any confusion that might occur!
Types of Safari tents
Luxury Safari Tented camp
The best way to look at these is basically to see them as hotel rooms – but with canvas walls. You will find a fully comfortable bed, a shower, and a flush toilet all within canvas walls. These tented camps come in basic/budget versions and uber-luxury versions – with everything in-between. The main difference will be in the quality of amenities, furnishing, and location. The more basic camps will have hot water bucket showers, perhaps limited or no WIFI, and simple, yet tasty menus. The luxury versions will have spacious showers with running water, serve eggs benedict for breakfast, and beat out any hotel room for comfort.
A lot of the tented camps in the Serengeti are migration camps. This means the camps move depending on the location of the Great migration. For most camps this means they move twice a year. From December till March – you can find the camp in the South/Ndutu area of the Serengeti. From July till November, you can find the same tents & team in the Mara/Kogatende area in North Serengeti. The luxury camps sometimes move up to 5 times – to give their guests the best possible chance of seeing the migration.Typical Tented camp
Dining area
Right in the natureLuxury Safari Tented lodge
The difference between a luxury tented camp and a luxury tented lodge is mainly in the flooring. Whereas the tented camps are more mobile, the tented lodges are more permanent. They usually have flooring or are raised on stilts. The walls are still canvas – but this is where you will find the more plushy luxury experience.
There are some really unique experiences to be lived in this category. The outside bathtub in Mpingo Ridge is unforgettable, for example. And although often more luxurious: you are still only separated by thin canvas walls from all the wildlife action. You are - like in a classic tented camp - still right in the middle of nature.A typical Tented lodge
Bathroom Tented lodge
Bedroom Tented lodgeBasic Camping
This option is great for budget-conscious travelers and adventures. Basic camping is what in Europe and America is meant by “camping”. You sleep in a small dome tent with a maximum of two people. If you book this with a tour operator the tent will be set up for you. Most companies provide field beds. It is very common for a cook to accompany you and prepare tasty fresh meals for you.
With basic camping, there are two options of campsites in Tanzania: inside and outside the parks. The campsites inside the national parks are managed by Tanapa. They offer shared showers – cold water only – and shared bathrooms. If you are lucky you have a private or almost private stay. But these campsites are meant to be shared and cannot be reserved privately. So, if you are traveling in high-season in popular parks like Serengeti, you are almost sure that you will find other travelers. Sometimes even big groups of 20 to 30 people in overlanders. The campsites are not fenced so just like in tented camps you will get wildlife right up to your tent.
Tanzania also offers a limited but often quite nice range of campsites outside the national parks. My favorite being Migombani camp. With a pool, hot showers, and views that are better than those from the luxury properties down the road: this place is a steal.
Budget tent
Sundowners
Campsites can have great facilitiesPricing
Safari Tented camps in the Serengeti start at around $100 to $120 per person full board and go up to $1200 per person per night. A nice midrange camp will be between $150 and $200 per person per night.
Tented lodges in the Serengeti range from around $300 to $1500 per person full board.
In general, accommodation in Africa does come with a larger price tag than you will find in for example Asia. A big part of this is the park fees. You will find most of the tented camps inside a national park. This means that, besides paying the actual accommodation, you will also need to pay concession fees. This is a fee that is on top of the entrance fee. For the Serengeti, the current price is $71 per person per night.
Pricing example
So to get the cost of a day + night on safari in a National Park you should count as follows:
- Accommodation fee
- 24 hour Park entrance fee
- Concession fee
If you would be looking at a budget Tented camp at $150 per person per night the sum would look like this:
- $150 pp accommodation fee
- $82 entrance fee Serengeti
- $71 concession fee
Total: $303 per person per night.
This does not include a guide and a car – or your transit fees in Ngorongoro, necessary to reach the Serengeti.
This is where & how you can save quite a bit when opting for public camping. The camping fee is $30 per person per night and you are exempt from concession fees.
The sum then looks like this:
- $60 meals/gear
- $82 entrance fee Serengeti
- $36 camping fee Serengeti
Total: $181 per person per night.
A tent for everyone!
So, in short: there is a tented camp out there for everyone! With a wide range of different options, there is a fit for everyone’s taste and budget. Shadows Safari experts are ready to help you find the perfect tent for you!
Where to Stay in Tarangire National Park: The Best Lodges in Tarangire National Park
Planning your safari to Tarangire National Park? We've compiled this guide to help you decide where to stay in Tarangire. From rustic tented camps to luxury lodges, there's something for all budgets.A Tanzania Safari Adventure
A ten day safari multi country safari that became an adventure of a lifetime. Our client arrived in Arusha excited to go on a journey through the African bush. Her safari would take her into the depths of Tanzania and Uganda, finding animals that are awed among all others. 10 days and 6 parks was her itinerary for her epic adventure.
Many of us including myself are jealous of this tailor made itinerary. Her first stop was Tarangire National Park. Here she stayed in Sangaiwe Tented Lodge it is has a beautiful view from the room balcony, after the drive and game drive through the park it was a great place to relax and see wildlife still. In the morning after breakfast, she had another game drive through the park seeing various animals and particularly having a few special moments watching elephants by the river.
Exiting the park the went into the Ngorongoro region and spent the night at Country Lodge in Karatu. This is just a stopover before carrying on in the morning in the Serengeti where she headed to the central part to catch the plethora of animals there this time of year. This trek between parks is known for its “serengeti massage”, a term coined because of the continuous corregations on the dirt roads. Lomayani, our driver made this trek as pleasant as possible with colourful conversation and information to keep her happy. Once in the park, she had sightings of leopard, lion, buffalo and rhino allowing her to check of seeing the ‘Big Five’. On the game drives that day and the next two in the Serengeti she had the ability to the wildebeest migration in the Central Serengeti. Tanzania is wildly known for this great migration of animals moving in a southern to northern pattern and back again depending on the season and time of year. This specific time of year the main herd of the migration was in Northern Serengeti and Maasai Mara as the rains have hit that region before the southern and central parts. This guest had sightings of the smaller groups of animals, during her entire trip. Her stay and Serengeti Kati Kati camp was amazing they treated well and made her stay exceptional.
Leaving the park on the third day she headed for Ngorongoro Crater. Some consider this to be the “The Eight Wonder of the World”. With the help of her driver they spotted. Overnighting at Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge, she had the perfect view of the crater right in front of her. In the morning, after an early breakfast they headed down into the crater to capture the beauty of this bucket list location. A few factors affect this awe inspiring crater; firstly, the scenery of how this crater has become an animal sanctuary; secondly, the diversity and plethora of wildlife; finally the combination of the previous factors has left people speechless and thankful for such amazing places on Earth. Our guest truly enjoyed herself here seeing the range of animals around.
The next day was spent in traveling across to Uganda, where she would have a very different experience on her 10 day African safari. We will dedicate a full blog to her adventures in Uganda with the Gorillas. Send us an email if you want to know more on booking a safari with us and going on an amazing adventure.
News on Tarangire National Park
Reports from recent safaris in Tarangire National Park, we can see the movement elephants in the region. Water is low now, due to the lack of rains in this short rainy season. A lot of the animals are migrating to where there is water still. The National Park is still relatively full of wildlife, as the region is protected from villages trying to seek water for their domestic herds of cattle, goats and sheep.
The animals migrate in the park according to weather patterns and the access to water. The Tarangire River rarely drys up, so the elephants hang around the extent of the river depending on the vegetation in the area. Tarangire National Park is known for its large elephant population.
At the moment the herds, are on the move and are covering large areas every day in search of food. Other animals are hanging around the swamp areas where there is more water and vegetation around. At lot of the lodges have pumped waterholes which allow for animals to stay in the areas but this is dependent on the vegetation in the area.
From our pictures you can see that the elephants are moving in big herds relying on each other for protection and food. The lodges are getting fantastic views of elephants, zebra, waterbuck, the odd wildebeest and a plethora of birds. It is without a doubt that you will wake up to sound of birds and a view of animals close by. You may even get an elephant close to your room in the night! Tarangire Safari Lodge, Sopa Lodge and Oliver’s Camp are excellent examples of lodges with this atmosphere around them.
The WMA’s (wildlife management areas) next to the park have it pretty rough at the moment where domestic animals and the wild ones fight for vegetation and access to water. The areas close to the lodges in the WMA’s are a safe haven for wildlife and having waterholes close by they tend to stay. Nimali and Tarangire Treetops are prime examples of such places.
Our guests recently have had the pleasure of seeing vast amounts of elephants and a range of other animals. Some were lucky enough to see lion, and a few other predators like hyena. This time of year the wildebeest and zebra are still here in a reasonable number, as later in the year they migrate for the calving season in February.
I mentioned birds earlier, now let me explain them a little more. The amount of bird species in East Africa is huge, with many sub species. So for the avid birder reading here, you will immensely enjoy being in Tarangire, you just may fill up your SD card with birds! The beauty is that you don’t have to look hard, they are everywhere! Some birds you may get tired of seeing but there are certainly others that you won’t get the opportunity of seeing again! If you are counting you will be adding up your list pretty fast here.
Keep on watching our blog and we will with delight bring you updates and news from places and events in East and Southern Africa.
10 Reasons Why We Love Tulia Beach Resort, Zanzibar
Why do we think Tulia Unique Beach Resort is so special?
1. Great Location
Tulia Unique Beach Resort is located on one of the most picturesque coasts of the Zanzibar archipelago, Pongwe Beach.
Pongwe is famous for its white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. In addition to its natural beauty, it is also one of the most peaceful areas of Unguja, the biggest island of Zanzibar. You will not find crowds of people walking along the coast here, so you will be able to enjoy your rest and privacy in full.
2. Design
What we cannot miss when describing Tulia is the beautiful, modern African design of both its interior and exterior. It has sixteen beautiful spacious rooms with huge beds and bathtubs. Its style connects traditional African motifs with modern facilities. Each of the resorts oceanfront villas has its own spectacular Indian Ocean view from atop ocean cliffs. The remaining villas are surrounded by tropical gardens with more than 400 different local plants.
3.Food
Tulia offers guests an à la carte, all-inclusive dining experience, which means you get to select each of your meals in advance. This means thatyou will get everything you like carefully prepared by the hotel’s chef. The menu is mostly international cuisine with traditional flavours added by locally sourced ingredients and spices. Your all-inclusive package offers you both local and international beers, wines, and spirits excepting some elite alcohol. Our Shadows of Africa team can confirm that food in Tulia is delicious.
4. Pool
A lot of hotels can boast having their own pool, but Tulia’s pool looks like a piece of art.
It blends beauty, design, and that all-important relaxing atmosphere flawlessly. The pool feels as if it is a part of the hotel’s luscious tropical garden, which gives you a feeling as if you are swimming in an exotic lagoon rather than a manmade pool. For the young and the young at heart, Tulia is also the only resort on Zanzibar with its own waterslides.
5. Decorations
It is nice to stay in a luxurious and well-designed villa with nice and inspired decor.
Our team recently visited and had the opportunity to stay in one of the oceanfront villas.They were more than happy to enter the room fully decorated with flowers for the special birthday occasion. The “Happy Birthday” sign was written with flowers on the sand beside the villa’s terrace. Even small details in the room were embellished with colorful fresh flowers.
6. Staff
You cannot feel comfortable at the hotel if you do not feel sincerely welcomed there. When it’s about Tulia, you will enjoy your stay from the first step. Everyone is greeting and smiling at you.
Upon arrival, you will be met by the management to agree all your preferences and requirements. The general manager of the resort, Lukas Sinogl will personally check if your stay is pleasant. Tulia is a unique place where you will get luxury treatment, but will feel like you’re at home.
7. Service
Behind great reviews there is always a lot of work. To get service perfection, Tulia takes care of clients with a great level of attention. You will not leave the dining table if you are not full or delighted, the barmen will take care of preparing your favorite drinks, and housekeeping will keep your villa clean and tidy. Once you arrive, your complimentary bottle of wine will await you in your room and your free massage included to the package will be arranged at your earliest convenience.
8. Activities
If you don’t like to stay on the beach or near the pool all the time, you can add some activities to your time at Tulia. The resort offers free bike hire, as well as complimentary snorkeling and kayaking equipment.
Other watersports activities can be arranged on request. To make your time even more relaxing, you can visit the spa for massage and beauty treatments.
9. Atmosphere and entertainment
Everything in Tulia is carefully designed to ensure that you have a good rest. Even the word “tulia” in Swahili means “to relax”. Its picturesque and colorful garden with tropical birds will definitely become one of your favorite spots on the island!
But “relaxing” doesn’t have to mean “boring”. The hotel occasionally invites local bands to perform during dinner to lend the resort a more vibrant atmosphere. On Fridays, you can even ask to arrange a transfer to local festivities. Tulia can offer the perfect experience for any taste.
10. Perfection
Not big, not pompous, but elegant and comfortable, Tulia will leave you with an aftertaste of perfection. You will remember the great customized service, beauty, and smiles all around, all set against the backdrop of Zanzibar’s stunning natural beauty. It is a great option for honeymooners, families, and good friends. Our team will not hesitate to recommend it for you!
andBeyond Mnemba Private Island
andBeyond Mnemba island is a private island paradise considered to be one of the most unique, luxurious and expensive hotel you can find on the Zanzibar archipelago.
Intrigued, the Shadows of Africa team was wondering whether the property lives up to its hype and its hefty price tag and decided to check it out for themselves. Julia and Lesia from our Ukrainian office had a short stay in the lodge and were blown away by their experience.
Location
andBeyond Mnemba Island is a private island located not far from Unguja, the largest island of Zanzibar.
It takes around twenty minutes to get to Mnemba by boat from Muyuni Beach. During the trip you will enjoy the view of Mnemba, traditional dhow boats and the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean.
The resort is an exclusive one and you’reonly allowed to set foot on the island only if you have booked a room in the resort.
Rooms
When the ladies arrived on Mnemba, they were met by the management and got a short briefing regarding their stay. The chef came out to greet them and to double-check all their dietary preferences. After welcome drinks, they were escorted to their luxurious room.
AndBeyond Mnemba Island Lodge has ten beachfront bandas with no windows or doors. This gives guests a truly exclusive feel to their vacation, with approximately 20 guests can stay on the island at any onetime. Each of the bandas sit apart from one another, promising you maximum privacy.
Each of the bandas is surrounded by tropical forest and has a spacious veranda with easy access to the pristine beach. Guests get their own lounge zone and traditional Zanzibari sunbeds. A covered walkway will bring you to a shuttered bathroom with a huge shower. Basically, in the bandas you will find everything that you would expect to find in a luxuryhotel, all while maintaining that feeling of connection with nature. Julia and Lesia felt that they got a truly decadent Robinson Crusoe experience.
Food
The chef took care of a tasty lunch with a choice of different starters and main courses. The food was so good that the ladies even broke their rule and ordered dessert. The sorbet with cardamom and pineapple looked too attractive to refuse!
If you have any special dietary requirements, the hotel will take care of it in advance.
Dinner in Mnemba is usually served on the beach. You will get a beautiful set up surrounded with lights. You’llbe served by your own butler. After a delicious meal,the staff of the hotel did a birthday surprise for Lesia - a beautiful cake decorated with fruits and candy!
Breakfast on the island is served with a variety of fruits, seeds, and natural jams.The chef and your butler will follow all your preferences. The guests dine in the main restaurant admiring the view of the ocean. Though, you can always request it be served in your villa and enjoy some privacy.
Activities
Sleeping in Mnemba is a very unique experience. Your bed faces the ocean and the absence of a door lets the gentle crash of the waves lull you to sleep. You’ll rest safe and sound beneath a mosquito net in your huge, comfortable bed and wake to the sound of birds singing their dawn greetings.
In the morning, the ladies decided to explore the island. Mnemba Island is surrounded by a coral atoll which has been declared as a Marine Conservation area. It is a great spot for divers and snorkelers.. As it’s a house reef, you don’t even need a boat! Just walk into the water and explore the marine life. If you have a PADI certification two dives per day are even included in the package!
You can also go kayaking, wind-surfing or go for a sunset dhow-cruise. There are three dolphin species around the island, whale sharks, and around 600 species of coral reef fish. If you are lucky, you might even spot humpback whales! The beach of the island is also a nesting place for Green Sea Turtles, which you can see from February to September.
Besides the stunning beach, the island can boast a tropical forest with some rare antelope and bird species. Here you can meet the suni antelope and even the highly endangered Ader’s duiker.
Privacy
Julia and Lesia experienced privacy in full in Mnemba. Guests of the island might meet each other sometimes during lunch or walking around the beach, but you will definitely get a feeling this island is just for you!
andBeyond Mnemba Island is not a place for party people, who like to interact with other guests, enjoy shows, and participate in extreme activities. It is perfect for that travelers who would like to get some relaxation and time for themselves, who wants to forget about the work and their problems, connect with a nature and enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It is also for that once who appreciates great service and barefoot luxury experience.
Traveling to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Recently, some of our team had the pleasure of exploring Zimbabwe and its great sights and National parks. Present was Jake and Stacy from the USA office and Bryan from the Zimbabwean office. Exploring a country like this is truly a delight that must be on one's bucket list. Arriving at the new Victoria Falls International Airport was a welcoming moment, as you walk out men dressed in traditional animal cloth, sung welcoming songs for us in Shona and Indebele. It takes roughly 20 mins from the airport to the town, Victoria Falls, itself. The town is quaint, much smaller than you would imagine. Victoria Falls is the tourism hub of Zimbabwe, the majority of the people visiting here will pass through this little town.
Now on this particular visit, we crossed the border and stayed at two hotels on the Zambian side, the Avani Hotel and the Royal Livingstone. Crossing the border these days as a tourist has become one of the easiest things possible, mainly due to the existence of the Kaza Visa – a visa that allows for unhindered travel between Zimbabwe and Zambia. A detailed blog post will follow explaining all the details regarding this visa. Over the next few days, they travelled frequently across the border without any hassle.
The Avani Hotel and the Royal Livingstone though owned by the same company are very different and cater for very different people. From medium to super luxury you certainly will get catered for with comfort! These two great hotels are located along the Zambezi River, you can have sundowners right on the edge whilst watching the sunset in the mist of Victoria Falls! It takes just a few minutes walk before you are at the edge of the falls, we highly recommend the walk early in the morning as you will get to see the sunrise over the falls! You will definitely tick off some of your greatest memories ever made! Further up the River, there is Thorntree Lodge, a medium to luxury lodge, that will blow away your mind. It is also located right along the river so you can sit in your room or private pool and admire the river life right before you.
Bryan had previously been to Victoria Falls in 2016, and his excursions there will tell you that this is the adrenaline capital of Africa! The activities here are rated in the top 5 in the world, you will not leave disappointed. From bungee jumping and gorge swinging above the Zambezi, white-water rafting on the Zambezi to the flight of angels above the falls; you cannot go wrong coming here. Other activities like the lion encounter, games drives in Zambezi National Park, boma dinners, the devil’s pool, sunset cruises and dinners, the elephant encounter, will keep you occupied from dawn till dusk every day that you are here.
Great hotels and lodges on the Zimbabwean side like the Explorers Village, The Victoria Falls Hotel, Vic Falls River Lodge, Vic Falls Safari Lodge, and many others will keep you satisfied during your stay in this great little town.
Watch our website for information about all these activities and accommodations in this region, email us if you have any questions.