Flame Tree Cottages: Our full report

In the north of Zanzibar Island, beside Nungwi village, Flame Tree Cottages is located among pretty gardens along a lovely soft white beach. It's a pleasant guesthouse owned by a Zanzibari-Scottish couple.

Flame Tree Cottages has 15 whitewashed rooms and one honeymoon suite spread out in extensive gardens, beside the beach. Inside the rooms are immaculate with lovely fabrics, beautifully finished (and locally crafted) wardrobes, and large verandas with cushioned easy chairs.

The rooms are all kitted out with king sized, double or twin beds. All are air conditioned, with a toaster and a kettle, as well as mosquito repellant, a fridge, and a cool tiled floor. All have small verandas with colonial style arches. A small display case of local spices hangs in each room. They have fans and en-suite bathrooms, and some share the useful resource of a kitchen, while some have their own - for a small surcharge pans and crockery can be supplied.

Flame Tree Cottages is a good option for families, with three family units. ‘Rosemary and Thyme’ is made up of two bedrooms with interconnecting doors, ‘Jasmin’ is also two bedroom, but also has a sitting room, and ‘Guava & Lime’ has two rooms with separate entrances and each with their own veranda. Between them is a lockable door that connects them.

The communal area consists mainly of the restaurant and the beach. Most of the tables are shaded in the gardens, but there are also tables in the shade of the trees by the beach.

In 2011 Flame Tree built a sparkling turquoise swimming pool in the gardens. Adjacent to the main area is a small clearing where yoga classes are offered.

Our view

As an inexpensive option, a short walk from Nungwi's busy centre, Flame Tree Cottages is a good choice.

Geographics

Location: Northern Zanzibar, Zanzibar

Ideal length of stay: 5 nights

Directions: Flame Tree Cottages is about an hour’s drive from Stone Town.

Food & drink

Usual board basis: B&B

Food quality: Delicious cooked breakfasts can be taken on your veranda or in the garden restaurant. Snacks are available throughout the day. On our last visit here in October 2010 we found the food to be fresh and tasty. We tucked into a light lunch of fish goujons with Greek salad. Candle-lit beach dinners can also be arranged.

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Cost of meal e.g. lunch: £5-10

Drinks included: No

Children

Attitude towards children: Children of all ages are welcome.

Equipment: Cots and highchairs are available.

Generally recommended for children: Yes

Notes: Children must be supervised at all times.

Central communications

Power supply: Mains Electricity

Communications: WiFi is available throughout the property. Internet access is available in reception.

TV & radio: None

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Medical care: Flame Tree has contacts with a local doctor.

Dangerous animals: Low Risk

Security measures: The property is guarded 24 hours a day both on the beach and at the main entrance.

Fire safety: Fire extinguishers are located in each room and on the verandas.

Extras

Disabled access: On Request

Laundry facilities: Full Laundry Service - Extra Charge

Money: Pounds, Euros, US Dollars and Tanzanian shillings are all accepted.