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FROM US$2,730-US$4,050

Papaya Beach Holiday

A relaxing holiday with a range of activities, where Chumbe Island Lodge and Matemwe offer tranquil atmospheres, considerable exclusivity and the chance to learn about worthwhile local conservation efforts.

Papaya Beach Holiday: Summary

Papaya Beach Holiday in a nutshell

This week long beach holiday includes stays in two stunning ocean-front lodges, beginning on the small, private Chumbe Island before moving to Zanzibar’s north-east coast.

Set just off the south-west coast of Zanzibar, Chumbe Island Lodge sits within a protected coral reef sanctuary and forest reserve. The design of the lodge is especially impressive, at once blending with its surroundings and offering guests considerable comfort. In keeping with its strong ecologically sensitive ethos, the activities here tend to focus on the island’s ecology: guided walks offer exploration of the island’s forests and inter-tidal zones, during which the island’s geology, flora and fauna is explained.

Whilst diving is not possible at Chumbe, snorkelling trips over the coral reefs can be truly breathtaking. Over 400 species of fish reside in the surrounding waters and, as the island’s only lodge, guests of Chumbe are likely to enjoy sightings in complete exclusivity.

Equally stunning and run to the same high standard, Matemwe Lodge offers a variety of activities which do include diving. Guests might also enjoy fishing trips with local fishermen, local village visits, snorkelling or bicycling around the area.

Combine this variety of activities with a high-standard of service, elegant accommodation and the beautifully tropical location, and you certainly have a holiday to remember.

At a glance

Starts: Dar es Salaam International Airport
3 nights Chumbe Island Lodge - South-west Zanzibar, Zanzibar Full Board
4 nights Matemwe Lodge - East Coast Zanzibar, Zanzibar Half Board
Ends: Dar es Salaam International Airport

Chumbe Island Lodge

Days 1-4

Chumbe Island is a tiny coral island about six miles by boat from Zanzibar Town. Many years ago, Tanzania had a military base here and strictly restricted access to the surrounding ocean. Thus the area's coral remained untouched – even by local fishermen. After that, conservationists realised its value and when the military left, in 1993 the area was placed under the protection of its own marine park: Chumbe Island Coral Park.

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Matemwe Lodge

Days 4-8

Matemwe Lodge (formerly Matemwe Bungalows) has always been a long-standing favourite with our travellers - read the recent feedback for an unbiased review. It’s situated on the northern edge of Matemwe village, and has a lovely position on a small outcrop of coral rock. The newly landscaped gardens are dotted with frangipani and bougainvillea trees giving them a lush tropical feel with plenty of colour.

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Chumbe Island Lodge

Chumbe Island Lodge

South-west Zanzibar, Zanzibar

Matemwe Lodge

Matemwe Lodge

East Coast Zanzibar, Zanzibar

About image

Highlights

Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Papaya Beach Holiday.

  • The sheer exclusivity of Chumbe Island
  • Snorkelling over the reefs, seeing technicolour fish
  • Relaxing with a massage, overlooking the ocean
  • Eating freshly caught fish and other local produce
  • Visiting the turtle nests further up Matemwe Beach

Activities

Some activities which can be included in the Papaya Beach Holiday: talk to us about those which interest you.

  • Birdwatching

  • Boat trip

  • Kayaking

  • Scuba-diving

  • Snorkelling

  • Watersports

About image
MATEMWE LODGE in EAST COAST ZANZIBAR

Side-trips whilst on this beach holiday

We may be able to build in some of these optional excursions from the Papaya Beach Holiday. Talk to us: they’re usually best arranged when you book.


Jozani Forest Tour

Jozani Forest Tour

Half-day or combine with other tours

For nature lovers, Jozani Forest is a must. One of the last sanctuaries of the red colobus monkey, it features a diverse range of habitats, from mangrove forests to salt marshes. Keep your eyes peeled for other forest residents, including Sykes’ monkey, bushbabies, duikers and more than 40 species of bird.

More about Jozani Forest
64% (5 reviews)
Jambiani Village Tour

Jambiani Village Tour

Half-day - mornings

Tear yourself away from the soft white sands of Zanzibar to get under the skin of the history and culture of Jambiani village. Join a knowledgeable local guide to discover the intricacies of day-to-day life in this traditional coastal village, with much of the profits being ploughed back into the community.

More about Village Tour

Let us help you customise your trip

All of our holidays on this site are just ideas; none are fixed. All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you. Talk to an Expert and let us help you to work out your perfect trip.


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