About Fanjove Island Lodge
Fanjove Island Lodge is part of the Songo Songo Archipelago, 140km south of Dar es Salaam, in the Indian Ocean.
Less than a kilometre long, this is one of only two private-island experiences in Tanzania (the other being the very expensive Mnemba Island). The island was previously uninhabited, save for some local fishermen who used it as an occasional fishing base. Now tourists have had the opportunity to stay and explore its beautiful beaches and wildlife.
Fanjove Lodge allows guests to have a relaxing private-island experience. We were incredibly taken by the beautiful white beaches, slick service and abundance of wildlife and privacy, which is increasingly harder to find on mainland Zanzibar. This is a luxury lodge done very well. Don't come expecting manicured lawns and swimming pools; instead enjoy exploring the rock pools and cliffs exposed at low tide, and watch the birds and crabs rest on the beach when the tide is high.
Our view
Fanjove Lodge allows guests to have a relaxing private-island experience. We were incredibly taken by the beautiful white beaches, slick service and abundance of wildlife and privacy, which is increasingly harder to find on mainland Zanzibar. This is a luxury lodge done very well. Don't come expecting manicured lawns and swimming pools; instead enjoy exploring the rock pools and cliffs exposed at low tide, and watch the birds and crabs rest on the beach when the tide is high.
Tanzania expert
Accommodation
10 beach villas
Children
Best for 12 +
Open
June–March
Activities
Boat trip
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports
Traveller reviews of Fanjove Island Lodge
8 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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Caraway Beach Holiday
5 days • 1 location • 1 country
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
The epitome of a peaceful beach retreat, the Caraway Beach Holiday offers relaxation on flawless beaches and the opportunity to explore beautiful waters. Stay in the island’s only lodge and enjoy complete exclusivity.
Visiting Fanjove Island
US$5,680 - US$5,680 per person
Fanjove Island Lodge: Our full report
Fanjove Island Lodge is part of the Songo Songo Archipelago, 140km south of Dar es Salaam, in the Indian Ocean.
Less than a kilometre long, this is one of only two private-island experiences in Tanzania (the other being the very expensive Mnemba Island). The island was previously uninhabited, save for some local fishermen who used it as an occasional fishing base. Now tourists have had the opportunity to stay and explore its beautiful beaches and wildlife.
The original team behind Fanjove Lodge were the owners of the excellent, but very simple Lake Manze in the Selous, and Mdonya in Ruaha, and the ethos and ideals which encompass these two camps are easy to see on Fanjove too. The whole lodge is designed to be in keeping with its surroundings, and as far as possible, things have been left wild. Fanjove Lodge was acquired by the Selous Safari Company in 2018, who also own the higher-end Jongmero Camp in Ruaha and Siwandu Camp in Selous. The ethos and design of Fanjove however, remains largely unchanged.
The 10 Beach Villas at Fanjove Island Lodge sit spaced out on the south-east coast of the island. Each has their own separate sandy path leading away from the main area and the clever positioning means that even with the doors wide open, all you see is the vegetation, sand and sea beyond – you could very easily forget there was anyone else on the island at all!
Standing centrally in each banda is a big four-poster bed swathed in a mosquito net. Sleeping with the the sound of the sea just a few meters in front is a remarkable experience. Next to the bed, are two solar-powered reading lights crafted from driftwood. Behind the bed, are some shelves and hangers to store your clothes, and there is also a large trunk where you can lock away any valuables. On a small writing desk, they've left some mosquito repellant for guests to use, as well as a small torch and some bottled water. The large en-suite bathroom is at the back of each villa. T
The airy and spacious main area is similar in style to the villas. The main dining area is at at the refurbished lighthouse, but if it is not too windy takes place on the beach in the evening.
For many people, simply sunbathing and swimming in the crystal-clear waters will be more than enough to fill their time. However, there's plenty of activities for those who want to be a little more active. Guests are free to explore the island as much as they want; it takes around an hour and a half to circle the island. When the tide is in, you'll have to walk inland, but when the tide is low, you can walk along the beach. There are certain areas, which are clearly marked with signs, that are of significant spiritual importance to the local residents and guests are only permitted here when accompanied by a member of staff.
The untouched waters surrounding Fanjove contain a plethora of life. Sightings of sweetlips, black triggerfish, parrotfish, pufferfish, scorpionfish and barracuda are common. Snorkelling and diving
Snorkelling equipemnt, SUPs and kayaks are available at no extra cost and are a great way to circumnavigate the island, especially from November onwards when the water is generally flat and calm. Guests can also opt to go out on a dolphin wathcing baot trip, or a sunset dhow cruise.
At low tide many sandbanks are exposed and the lodge can arrange for a dhow trip to take guests out and set up a picnic lunch on one of the temporary islands. For additional cost a morning of deep sea fishing can be organised (and if you are lucky the chef will cook your catch for lunch!).
Scuba diving can be arranged and the lodge has its own resident PADI instructer and equipment. As of 2023 a single dive cost US$70 and a double tank cost US$120. Diving is really only possible from November to March, when the trade winds change and bring calm waters and low winds. Outside these months, the choppy waters mean diving isn't really feasible.
Geographics
- Location
- Fanjove Island, Tanzania
- Ideal length of stay
- Stay here for 4–7 days so you can properly relax.
- Directions
- Reaching Fanjove Island is an adventure! Songo Songo Archipelago is a 20-minute flight from Mafia (about 40 minute's flight from Dar es Salaam). There is the a quick ten-minute drive to the shore where you board a boat to Fanjove. The crossing can vary depending on the wind and the tides. If the conditions are calm then you will probably travel by speedboat – this takes around half an hour. From June to October, the wind is higher and the seas can be a little rough and choppy in this instance you will cross in a much larger (and slower) boat which takes about an hour. Please note - you may be required to wade out to the boat a little if the tide is out.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- Breakfast at Fanjove consisted of a fruit salad, followed by toast, pancakes and eggs cooked to your liking. There was also fresh coffee, tea and a delicious passion fruit juice.
Lunch and dinner are, predictably, seafood based. Lunch is a little lighter; on our last visit we enjoyed a stuffed octopus with curried rice and a side salad, followed by fruit for dessert for those who wanted it. On another day, we enjoyed bruschetta to start, followed by a calamari salad.
Dinner started with a coconut and fish soup served creatively in a coconut shell, followed by fish curry with rice.
On the whole we thought the food here was excellent. There was certainly plenty of it, and the seafood, combined with the slight Italian slant given by the managers, meant there was always a good combination of familiar food combined with some more inventive recipes! - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Usually outdoor dining when it’s not too windy.
Room service is possible but it needs to be arranged in advance. - Drinks included
- Drinks cost extra. A soda costs about US$2.50, while a gin and tonic will cost around US$3.
Special interests
- Honeymoons
- For an exclusive, romantic and secluded Tanzania honeymoon, Fanjove Lodge offers a private-island experience without the hefty price tag. This island paradise boasts pristine sand and crystal clear waters, perfect for a romantic honeymoon in one of their very private bandas.
- See ideas for Honeymoons in Tanzania
- Beach holidays
- Fanjove’s untouched beaches and exposed sand banks at low tide make it a beautiful spot to relax.
- See ideas for Beach holidays in Tanzania
- Birdwatching
- From November onwards, Fanjove receives hundreds of migratory birds to the island, which will be a fascinating site for any keen birder in Tanzania.
- See ideas for Birdwatching in Tanzania
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Fanjove is generally an adult resort but children of all ages are welcome.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no specific age restrictions.
- Special activities & services
- There is plenty of room to put extra beds in the rooms, but there are no specific child-orientated activities.
- Equipment
- None
- Generally recommended for children
- There isn’t a great deal to do on the island, so it tends to lend itself slightly more to adults.
- Notes
- There are steep steps in the bandas to reach the mezzanine level so care would need to be taken with younger children. There are also strong currents in the windy season (July–October) making swimming potentially dangerous and children would need supervision at all times.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- Battery charging can be done in the main area.
- Communications
- There is good cellphone reception on the island, but no WiFi or internet for guests to use.
- TV & radio
- No
- Water supply
- Transported in
- Water supply notes
- Bottled water is supplied at dinner and to the bandas each day.
Sustainability
Eco-friendly design and responsible management
Fanjove Private Island was created by a team of ecologists and biologists – as part of the Essential Destinations Collection – to have a minimum impact on the environment, while supporting conservation and the development of local communities. The lodge was designed to match the natural landscape and was built using local, recycled or re-used materials such as coral rocks, chokaa (lime) and bamboo sticks where possible. Staff housing is a note-worthy proof of local architecture with roofs constructed using mainly palm leaves to add a traditional touch to the entire structure and to allow breeze to blow through – useful for torrid summer days.
To ensure the camp’s impact on the ecosystem of Fanjove is as low as possible, solar energy is the main source of power for electricity and heating shower’s water.
Water conservation is an important aspect of the internal environmental plan at Fanjove. Septic tanks are used for treating wastewater, and the lodge actually produces a percentage of its fresh water using a desalination system as well as tanks to collect rain water during wet season.
In terms of contributing to the economy of neighbouring communities such as Songosongo, the lodge is committed to spoiling their guests with fresh, authentic cuisine made with locally-sourced ingredients as well as providing locals with employment opportunities.
See more great sustainability projects in Tanzania
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- The lodge has a basic first-aid kid and oxygen tank. For emergencies, the lodge is linked with Coastal Aviation, who would fly to Songo Songo to collect guests and transfer them to Dar es Salaam.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- On our last visit (Dec 2013) they were in the process of building a police post on the island where two policemen will be stationed. Currently, they have askaris (guards) patrolling at night.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in the bandas, dining and kitchen areas.
Activities
Boat trip
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is available at an extra cost. It is handwashed and line dried however water is at a premium here and so we advise that you only get laundry done if you really need to.
- Money
- There is a trunk in each room that can be locked, you just need to ask for a padlock.
- Accepted payment on location
- Fanjove Lodge currently only accepts cash; they prefer US dollars or Tanzanian shillings.
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Fanjove Island Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Fanjove Lodge.
When to go to Fanjove Island
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Fanjove Lodge in Fanjove Island
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Fanjove Island in January
Fanjove Island experiences its short dry season in January, offering clear blue skies and sunshine. The coral reefs surrounding the island are teeming with marine life, making it an excellent time for snorkelling and diving. Birdwatchers will enjoy the presence of both resident and migrant species, with approximately 40 different bird species on the island. The Fanjove Nature Trail offers pleasant walks to explore the island's unique flora and fauna, including coconut crabs.
Overall the weather is generally favourable, and January presents a great value time to visit Fanjove Island.
- Variable weather: clear, dry, or rainy
- Occasional thunderstorms may occur
- Excellent birdwatching with migrant species
- Coral reefs teeming with marine life
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in January
Fanjove Island in February
February on Fanjove Island is characterised by warm temperatures, reaching around 33°C/91°F. The coral reefs are at their most vibrant, offering excellent visibility for scuba diving and snorkelling enthusiasts. The white sandy beaches provide perfect spots for sunbathing and beach activities, while the 19th-century German lighthouse offers panoramic views of the island and surrounding waters.
This month marks the beginning of the turtle nesting season, with green and hawksbill turtles starting to arrive on the beaches. Birdlife is particularly rewarding as northern hemisphere migrants join the resident species. February is an ideal time to enjoy the island's natural beauty with lower accommodation rates.
- Hot and dry weather
- Perfect for beach relaxation and activities
- Nesting season begins for sea turtles
- Excellent conditions for snorkelling and diving
- Ideal time for sunset dhow cruises
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in February
Fanjove Island in March
March on Fanjove Island sees the onset of the long rainy season, although exact timing varies yearly. The increased rainfall nourishes the island's vegetation, creating lush landscapes along the Fanjove Nature Trail. Despite the rain, the coral reefs remain accessible for diving and snorkelling, with diverse marine life still visible. The island's unique cliff system provides dramatic views, especially during stormy weather.
Turtle nesting activity continues, and visitors may witness turtles coming ashore to lay eggs. Birdwatching remains excellent, with both resident and migratory species present. The Fanjove Private Island Lodge usually closes in the middle of the month. While some water activities may be limited, March provides a unique perspective of the island's ecosystem adapting to the changing seasons.
- Hot with building humidity before rains
- Great for birdwatching with migrant species
- Calm waters ideal for kayaking and paddling
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in March
Fanjove Island in April
April is the wettest month on Fanjove Island, with an average rainfall of 250mm, and accommodation on the island is closed. The increased precipitation creates a lush, green environment, and this month also marks the peak of the turtle nesting season.
- Island accommodation closed
- Heavy rain expected with thunderstorms
- Turtle hatchings begin
- Lush and vibrant landscapes
Our view
A time to avoid if possible
Weather in April
Fanjove Island in May
May on Fanjove Island sees a gradual transition from the wet to the dry season, though accommodation remains closed. The island's vegetation is lush and vibrant following the rains, and turtle hatching season continues, with baby turtles emerging from their nests on the white sandy beaches.
- Island accommodation remains closed
- Heavy rains continue, dramatic storm skies
- Green vegetation creates picturesque scenes
- Turtle hatchings continue
Our view
A time to avoid if possible
Weather in May
Fanjove Island in June
June marks the beginning of the dry season on Fanjove Island, with clearer skies and reduced rainfall. The coral reefs offer excellent visibility for snorkelling and diving, showcasing the vibrant marine life. Turtle hatching season is in full swing, providing opportunities to witness baby turtles making their way to the sea. The white sandy beaches are perfect for sunbathing and leisurely walks, and the 19th-century lighthouse provides panoramic views of the island and surrounding waters.
Birdwatching remains rewarding, with many species easily observable. Traditional dhow cruises become more frequent, offering scenic sunset experiences. The Fanjove Nature Trail is ideal for exploring the island's unique ecosystem. June's pleasant weather and low season prices make it an attractive time to visit.
- Variable weather: clear, dry, or some rain
- Excellent conditions for water activities
- Low season with good value pricing
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in June
Fanjove Island in July
July on Fanjove Island is characterised by clear skies and comfortable temperatures, marking the peak of the dry season. The coral reefs surrounding the island offer exceptional visibility for snorkelling and diving, with diverse marine life on display. Turtle hatching season continues, providing memorable experiences for visitors. Birdwatching opportunities abound, with many species easily observable around the island.
The white sandy beaches are at their most inviting, perfect for relaxation and beach activities, and the calm waters are ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding along the scenic coastline. Traditional dhow cruises offer picturesque sunset views. The Fanjove Private Island Lodge experiences higher occupancy during this popular month, so advance booking is recommended.
July provides excellent conditions for enjoying all of Fanjove Island's attractions.
- Dry and warm days, cool mornings/evenings
- Peak time for marine life observation
- Popular period with higher visitor numbers
- Perfect for beach picnics and dinners
- Excellent visibility for diving and snorkelling
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in July
Fanjove Island in August
August continues the dry season on Fanjove Island, offering clear skies and pleasant temperatures. The coral reefs provide excellent conditions for snorkelling and diving, with high visibility and abundant marine life. While turtle hatching season is winding down, there's still a chance to witness late hatchlings. The white sandy beaches are perfect for sunbathing and beach activities, and the calm seas are ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding around the island.
Birdwatching remains rewarding, with many resident species easily observable. Traditional dhow cruises are popular, especially for sunset experiences. The Fanjove Nature Trail showcases the island's unique flora and fauna. August is a peak month for visitors, so early reservations are recommended.
- Dry and warm, cool early mornings/evenings
- Fantastic marine life viewing opportunities
- Busy period, book activities in advance
- Great conditions for fishing excursions
- Ideal time to explore the island's cliff system
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Fanjove Island in September
September on Fanjove Island marks the end of the peak season, while still offering excellent weather conditions. The coral reefs continue to provide superb visibility for snorkelling and diving, showcasing the island's rich marine biodiversity. While turtle hatching season has concluded, the white sandy beaches remain perfect for relaxation and sunbathing, and the calm waters around the island are ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Birdwatching is rewarding, with resident species easily observable and early migratory birds beginning to arrive. Traditional dhow cruises offer scenic sunset experiences, and the Fanjove Nature Trail provides opportunities to explore the island's unique ecosystem.
September combines great weather with slightly lower visitor numbers compared to July and August, offering a balance of ideal conditions and tranquillity.
- Excellent conditions for all activities
- Slightly quieter than peak months
- Landscapes dry with less vegetation
- Cooler mornings/evenings, warm days
- Prime time for deep-sea fishing
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Fanjove Island in October
October on Fanjove Island sees the continuation of dry, pleasant weather. The coral reefs offer excellent visibility for snorkelling and diving, with diverse marine life on display. The white sandy beaches provide perfect spots for relaxation and sunbathing. The calm waters around Fanjove are ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding, allowing exploration of the scenic coastline, and traditional dhow cruises continue to offer beautiful sunset experiences.
Birdwatching becomes increasingly interesting as more migratory species arrive on the island. The Fanjove Nature Trail showcases the island's unique flora and fauna, adapted to the dry conditions. October offers a great combination of favourable weather and diverse activities, with mid-season prices applicable.
- Mostly dry with comfortable temperatures
- Great for water sports and beach activities
- Lower visitor numbers than earlier months
- Ideal for exploring the Fanjove Nature Trail
- Perfect conditions for romantic getaways
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Fanjove Island in November
November on Fanjove Island marks the beginning of the short rainy season, with intermittent showers possible. The coral reefs remain accessible for snorkelling and diving, offering glimpses of the diverse marine life. Traditional dhow cruises continue to operate, offering unique perspectives of the island during changing weather.
Birdwatching becomes excellent as more migratory species arrive, joining the resident birds. The Fanjove Nature Trail showcases the island's flora coming to life with the first rains. While some outdoor activities may be affected by rain, November offers a unique opportunity to experience Fanjove Island's ecosystem transitioning to the wet season, with fewer tourists and potential for great value.
- Variable weather: clear, dry, or some rain
- Migratory birds begin to arrive
- Good wildlife sightings as rains approach
- Quieter period with lower prices
- Excellent time for kayaking adventures
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Fanjove Island in December
December on Fanjove Island experiences a mix of sunny days and short rain showers. The coral reefs continue to offer good visibility for snorkelling and diving, showcasing the diverse marine life. The white sandy beaches provide perfect spots for relaxation during dry periods. Traditional dhow cruises offer scenic experiences, especially during breaks in the weather. Birdwatching is excellent, with a mix of resident and migratory species present.
December presents a unique blend of Fanjove's attractions, with the added allure of lush landscapes and lower rates outside of the Christmas and new year period.
- Variable weather with occasional rain
- Good for general wildlife viewing
- Quiet early month, busy towards year-end
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
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