Pongwe beach

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!

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!