Fumba Beach Lodge
Location - On a rocky outcrop in south west coast of Zanzibar
Experience - Small, relaxed beach lodge away from the crowds
Price Guide - $130 - 295 pppn
Fumba cannot be faulted! It's hoovered up all the best bits of beach hideaways and is one of our favourite places. An idyllic setting, perhaps one of the prettiest, numerous private nooks and decks and sitting areas to hide yourself away, exceptional food and a pool which literally hangs over the small ras (rocky outcrop) on which the hotel sits. Coupled with incredible attention to detail from delightful low key management and you can see why this is so popular. Read more?
However don't expect the white expanse of beaches like the East coast, this is the southwest coast. It's rocky with coves scooping in and out of the coastline. Between October and May the beach is narrow and at high tide the sea comes right up to the hotel, but at other times of the year there's a wide beach with picturesque rocky outcrops at either end.
Traded against the seasonal nature of this beach is the fact that Fumba is alone on this coastline, there is no other development here, and the nearest habitation is Fumba village which is a delightful place to walk to and guests are often welcomed by the chief himself.
There are 20 deluxe garden and sea view rooms and 6 suites. The deluxe rooms are grouped in pairs under a thatched roof all with sea views to a lesser or greater degree. These rooms do not have direct beach access and have showers only. The six suites must be among the most romantic rooms in Zanzibar, ranged along the rocky shore with huge stone baths, outdoor showers and a bougainvillea clad roof terrace.
The hotel has a spa with open air treatment beds and a Jacuzzi on the roof. Honeymooners are well catered for with sunset champagne spas and cruises. There's a well equipped dive and watersports centre. Diving here is in the Menai Conservation area and is ideal for beginners and experienced divers alike. Safari Blue operates from here - a wonderful day out to see the dolphins (80% of trips find plenty) and Humpback whales at the right time of year (August/September). Recently the lodge has introduced their own version of this trip which has met with rave reviews amid talk of great snorkelling and amazing picnics on deserted islands.
Location - Zanzibar
Zanzibar along with nearby Pemba Island lies just off the coast of Tanzania and is a heady mix of tropical island life and historic Swahili culture that has beckoned travellers for centuries. During our years of living and working in Tanzania, we often took time out here, and have wound our way through Zanzibar's crumbling streets and padded along the miles of soft white beaches working out how to make the most of this fabulous island. Jump to page?
More articles that you might find helpful
Combining a safari and the beach
Tanzania visa requirements
Zanzibar Stonetown - another view
How we work
What's the accommodation like in the Luangwa?
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Have a look at our blog at safarigeek.com
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