Read 5 traveller reviews of Pongwe Beach Hotel

Pongwe Beach Hotel is a quiet little lodge, which is very good value. Although it is not particularly luxurious, it does stand on one of the loveliest spots on Zanzibar's east coast – on a powdery-white beach, nestled between two outcrops of coral rock. Its secluded cove is dotted with hammocks and loungers, whilst high on the coral cliff they have recently built a beautiful new swimming pool. The result is a relaxed beach getaway.

The huge thatched construction that serves for the lodge's lounge, bar and dining area is set back slightly from the beach. Its décor is bland, and its cavernous size means that there's little atmosphere – but the food is generally excellent, the bar well-stocked, and during the day the open front has lovely views and a cool sea breeze.

For those who have had enough of chilling and sunbathing, there's a stunt-kite and kayaks to use for seaside entertainment and an array of other individual and group beach games. Zanzibar's barrier reef is only 15 minutes offshore, and Pongwe Beach Hotel has its own dhow for sailing, snorkelling trips (US$15, no time limit), and game- or line-fishing.

Pongwe Beach Hotel has 16 rooms in airy, whitewashed bungalows. Though they are quite simple, they are perfectly comfortable with lovely Zanzibari beds, mosquito nets, and an en-suite bathroom with flush toilet and shower. In addition, little touches such as flowers on the bed, straw beach bags to borrow and kangas to wear, add a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.

Pongwe Beach Hotel is a simple lodge in a lovely location and though the décor can be a little uninspiring in the communal areas and the rooms, it is a well-managed, and a very good-value haven.

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Cottage at Pongwe Beach Hotel

Lodge overview

Lodge type: Beach

No. of bedrooms: 16 rooms

Season: 25th May to 4th May (approx)

Ideal length of stay: 4 nights – or even longer if you love relaxing on a beautiful beach

Central facilities: Pongwe Beach Hotel has a large open-plan lounge/bar and dining area with a huge, high thatched roof. We felt that there is too much space with not enough furniture to fill it, and what furniture and décor there is, is far too bland. Having said that, during the heat of the day, the stone floors keep it cool and open sides let the breeze in – and then the comfortable sofas are particularly welcome. Leading from this main area are a few stairs to the beach, which is absolutely lovely. It isn't the longest beach on Zanzibar: when the tide is high, you're confined between two outcrops of coral rock; only when the tide is out can you walk along the beach to other coves. However, it is deep, allowing plenty of space for palm trees with hammocks hanging from them, and plenty of shade. New to Pongwe Beach Hotel at the end of 2006 was their fantastic new infinity pool. Sitting on a coral shelf over-looking the sea it is a great new addition, especially when the tide is too far out for swimming in the sea. When we were last there the pool itself had been completely finished, though Pongwe were still in the process of creating the shaded lounging area around the side; they were hoping to have this done for the start of next season. You will also find an extensive book library at Pongwe and internet access, as well as activities such as snorkeling, kayaking and kite-flying. If you wish to head out diving or deep-sea fishing - they will arrange it for you with one of the nearby resorts.

Geographics

Location: East Coast Zanzibar, Zanzibar

Directions: It takes around 35 minutes to fly to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam, and then then it is a further one hour by car to Pongwe.

Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Key personnel

Owner: Independent / Owner Run

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Half Board

Food quality: Breakfast is served at Pongwe Beach Hotel from around 7.30 until 10.30 and usually consists of fresh fruit and a cooked breakfast with eggs of your choice. An a la carte menu is available for lunch which is served between 12.30 and 15.00 with a number of choices for starter and main courses. Then dinner is a 3-course set menu, being served from around 8.00 until 9.30. When we last visited Pongwe Beach Hotel we didn't get a chance to sample the food, however we did chat to several guests who raved about it. This has confirmed the view formed when one of the Expert Africa team last stayed here, that the food really is excellent. In 2005 a chef who trained in top London kitchens, including the Dorchester Hotel, spent time here and left a well trained team behind him.

Dining style: Inidividual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor Dining

Room service: No

Drinks included: Drinks are not included. You can expect to pay around $2 for a beer and $3-4 for a glass of wine.

Special interests

Family holidays: Pongwe is a good hotel for families, though better for independent, yet younger, children who do not require much more than a bucket and spade on the beach for entertainment. - See more of our suggestions of the best places for family holidays in Zanzibar

Honeymoons: A popular spot for honeymooners who want a simple, laid-back atmosphere beside a quiet Zanzibari beach. - See more of our suggestions of the best places for honeymoons in Zanzibar

Beach holidays: The beach at Pongwe is one of the nicest we have visited on Zanzibar. When the tide is high Pongwe sits in a private little cove and then when it goes out, a wonderful stretch of inter-tidal zone is revealed for walking and exploring. Pongwe is a simple place which is perfect for pure relaxation. - See more of our suggestions of the best places for beach holidays in Zanzibar

Children

Attitude towards children: Pongwe Beach Hotel happily welcomes children

Age restrictions: There are no age restrictions at Pongwe Beach Hotel

Activities: Pongwe does not organize any special activities or clubs for children - those that stay here should be happy to entertain themselves on the beach.

Equipment: There are cots and highchairs at Pongwe Beach Hotel.

Generally recommended for children: Yes

Notes: Children are warmly welcome at Pongwe Beach Hotel – there are cots and highchairs readily available and great children's discounts. However parents should be aware that children are their responsibility for the duration of their stay.

Central communications

Power supply: Generator

Communications: Pongwe Beach Hotel has a laptop at reception that guests can use to connect to the internet; this costs $5 per half hour. There is also WiFi here, which guests can use free of charge if they have their own laptops.

TV & radio: There is no TV or radio at this quiet beachside lodge.

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Medical care: For minor illnesses and injuries there is a first-aid kit at Pongwe Beach Hotel, though for more serious cases there is a South African doctor based at a nearby resort who can be called out.

Dangerous animals: Low Risk

Security measures: Pongwe is gated with an askari on duty; there is also security around Pongwe throughout the day and night. There is a safe in the office for any valuables.

Fire safety: Pongwe Beach Hotel has fire extinguishers in the kitchen and reception. When we last visited they were due to be installing them in all of the rooms for the start of the next season (June 2007).

Extras

Disabled access: Not Possible

Laundry facilities: There is an extra charge for the laundry – around $1-2 per item.

Money: There are no currency exchange facilities at Pongwe Beach Hotel

Accepted payment: At Pongwe Beach Hotel, you can pay for any extra charges in Pounds, Dollars and Euros cash, as well as travellers' cheques (with a 5% surcharge), Visa and Mastercard (there is a 6% charge for cards).

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