About Pongwe Beach Hotel
Nestled between two outcrops of coral rock and on a secluded stretch of white-powdery beach, Pongwe Beach ...
... Hotel was opened in 2001 and has gone through various upgrades since. It's a quiet, simple and great-value little lodge on a sheltered cove, dotted with palm trees, hammocks and sun loungers. At high tide the water cuts Pongwe's stretch of beach off from the rest of the east coast, while at low tide you can walk around to nearby coves, including to the immediate neighbour to the north, Tulia.
Pongwe is a simple lodge, which isn't overly luxurious. However its excellent location, beautiful beach, friendly service and good food make it superb value. We love this place and it will always come near the top of our choices in this part of the island – a relaxed and peaceful beach getaway at a very good price.
Our view
Pongwe is a simple lodge, which isn't overly luxurious. However its excellent location, beautiful beach, friendly service and good food make it superb value. We love this place and it will always come near the top of our choices in this part of the island – a relaxed and peaceful beach getaway at a very good price.
Zanzibar expert
Accommodation
20 rooms
Children
Fine for all ages.
Open
June 1st to April 30th (approx)
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Kayaking
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports
Traveller reviews of Pongwe Beach Hotel
96 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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View galleryPongwe Beach Hotel: Our full report
Nestled between two outcrops of coral rock and on a secluded stretch of white-powdery beach, Pongwe Beach ...
... Hotel was opened in 2001 and has gone through various upgrades since. It's a quiet, simple and great-value little lodge on a sheltered cove, dotted with palm trees, hammocks and sun loungers. At high tide the water cuts Pongwe's stretch of beach off from the rest of the east coast, while at low tide you can walk around to nearby coves, including to the immediate neighbour to the north, Tulia.
The main communal area at Pongwe Beach Lodge is not overly exciting: the open-sided thatched space is large, and since the hotel only has 20 rooms, it can feel a bit cavernous and lacks some of the atmosphere you may find in other lodges if there are few guests staying. That said, it is cool and breezy during the day which can be a welcome relief from the sun, and when there's a full house it lacks nothing for atmosphere. While the lounge is simply decorated with white walls, the bright cushions help to inject a splash of colour.
The hotel attracts a low-key, fun-loving, crowd from all over the world. A large and stylish infinity pool surrounded by wooden decking is a welcome addition in the past few years, and is great for relaxing to catch some sun and enjoy the stunning views (however take care when using the pool as there are no depth markings). There is a second small lounge here, allowing you to relax by the pool with a drink in hand. The infinity pool overlooks a picturesque white sandy beach, fringed with palm trees. Dotted between the trees are a number of hammocks, while pairs of sun loungers and makuti thatch umbrellas sit on the soft sand. Due to its location the beach is completely cut off at high tide, and you are unlikely to see many other people strolling along the coastline.
When we last stayed at Pongwe we thought the food here was very good. There is plenty of variety at Pongwe and they can be very flexible, if you have any particular preferences or dislikes they will try to cater for you.
Pongwe's 20, whitewashed cottage rooms are all simple and bright – nothing over-the-top, but comfortable and airy. The facilities and interiors in all of the rooms are all much the same – with a very large Zanzibari bed draped in mosquito netting, ceiling fan, a wardrobe, a table and armchairs. Evening Breeze cooling system has recently been installed over the double beds for use on hotter nights. Towels, kangas and drinking water are provided and little touches such as fresh flowers make the rooms welcoming. There is subtle variation between the rooms, for instance in some the walls are decorated in stucco work where as others are a little more plain. Outside, there are loungers or a hammock in the shade of your veranda. All the rooms can be set up as doubles and triples. Starting from main bar-restaurant and lounge area, the rooms are set out southwards along the beach.
The distance from the sea differs slightly. The beachfront rooms (#1-4 and #8–14) are right behind the beach and have a slightly higher price tag. The three garden rooms (#5–7) are nestled further back in Pongwe's tropical grounds, and don't have a direct sea view. Pongwe also recently added four new Seaview rooms (#17-20) to the north of the central areas of the hotel, which are the best of the lot: they're slightly more spacious and private, and they also have private plunge pools and are the closest of the Pongwe's rooms to the main swimming pool.
There is also a family bungalow at the southern end of the property, which has two interlinking rooms (#15–16) sharing a bathroom, one with two single beds and the other with a double bed.
The en-suite bathrooms are functional rather than stylish, but all have hot showers and flush toilets. The water here is always hot, thanks to an immersion heater, and since the new water supply from an inland well was plumbed in, in 2019, the water is no longer slightly brackish, but completely fresh and pure.
Rooms are available from 2pm on the day of arrival and you need to check out by 10.30am on the day of departure. However, you're welcome to arrive earlier and use the hotel's facilities (breakfast is available from 7-10am for an additional charge of US$15) and a guest shower, changing room and beach towels are available if you arrive earlier or want to spend more time at the hotel before an afternoon departure.
Besides relaxing on the beach there are a number of activities on offer at Pongwe. Kayaks and paddleboards are freely available for guests to use, and Pongwe can also arrange a number of excursions such as diving and snorkeling to the reefs around Mnemba Island or visits to Jozani Forest in Zanzibar’s interior. While it is possible to go on a full-day excursion to Stone Town and the spice plantations, these are around an hour's drive from the hotel, and are more easily explored while staying in Stone Town.
Geographics
- Location
- East Coast Zanzibar, Zanzibar
- Ideal length of stay
- 4 nights – or even longer if you love relaxing on a beautiful beach
- 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
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Half Board
- Food quality
- Breakfast is served at Pongwe Beach Hotel from around 7.30am until 10.30am and usually consists of locally grown fresh fruit and a cooked breakfast with eggs of your choice. If you have a very early morning departure the hotel can arrange a packed breakfast for you.
An a la carte menu, which changes daily, is available for lunch and is served between 12.30pm and 3pm. This normally has two choices for the starter and main courses. There is also a snack menu with a selection of sandwiches and light bites.
There is a complimentary tea and coffee station on offer throughout the day, and freshly baked treats and tropical fruit are provided at various intervals!
Then dinner is a 3-course set menu, being served from around 7.00 until 9.00pm. Specials often include fresh fish, based on the catch of the day or fresh Kenyan steaks. They put up the dinner menu at 9am each morning so if you have any special requests about the meal or don't like it, they will endeavour to be as flexible as possible.
Pongwe always uses fresh and locally sourced ingredients. When we last visited Pongwe Beach Hotel in 2019 we really enjoyed the food - an impressive seafood platter followed by a passion fruit panacotta. On a previous stay, they did a tasty Swahili buffet one night, including ugali, breadfruit, plantain, grilled chicken and tuna skewers. There was a dessert of a chilled half coconut filled with fruit salad and ice cream. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Pongwe do not offer room service, unless it is because someone is not feeling well and cannot come to the main dining area.
- Drinks included
- Drinks are not included. You can expect to pay around US$4 for a beer, US$2 for a Coke and US$30 for a bottle of wine. Settle your bills on departure.
Special interests
- Family holidays
- The simple Pongwe is a great-value hotel for family beach holidays to Zanzibar, especially with independent children who can keep themselves entertained on the secluded sandy beach. Pongwe gives great discounts for children.
- See ideas for Family holidays in Zanzibar
- Honeymoons
- Pongwe is a popular spot for honeymooners who want a simple and laid-back atmosphere. Relax by the infinity pool, go for romantic strolls, or enjoy the sunshine and white sand. Pongwe offers a good value and unforgettable honeymoon to Zanzibar.
- See ideas for Honeymoons in Zanzibar
- Beach holidays
- Pongwe has one of the best beaches we have ever seen in Zanzibar. When the tide is high, Pongwe sits in a private cove. Then when it goes out, a wonderful stretch of inter-tidal zone is revealed for walking and exploring.
- See ideas for Beach holidays in Zanzibar
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Pongwe Beach Hotel happily welcomes children.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no age restrictions at Pongwe Beach Hotel, however under-4s stay free of charge.
- Special activities & services
- Pongwe does not organize any special activities or clubs for children - those that stay here should be happy to entertain themselves on the beach. The pool is excelent, however please keep in mind that there are no depth markings.
- Equipment
- There are cots and highchairs at Pongwe Beach Hotel.
- Generally recommended for children
- Yes
- Notes
- Children are warmly welcomed at Pongwe Beach Hotel – there are cots and highchairs readily available and great children's discounts and staff from housekeeping can babysit if parents want some time to themselves in the dining/lounge area. However parents should be aware that children are their responsibility for the duration of their stay.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- Back-up generator.
- Communications
- Pongwe Beach Hotel has a laptop at reception that guests can use free of charge to connect to the internet. There is also Wi-Fi throughout the lodge, which you can use free of charge if you have your own device. Cellphone reception ranges from good (Zantel) to almost non-existent (Vodacom)
- TV & radio
- There is no TV for guests, though guests are very welcome to join the staff in their staff house.
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- A half-litre bottle of drinking water per guest per day is provided free of charge. That isn't very much, so you need to be prepared to pay for the 4 or 5 litres of water per day that you should be consuming. Since 2019, the tap water in the rooms at Pongwe is no longer a little brackish, but sourced from a new well, 2km inland from the coast. This fresh water is pumped to the hotel and settled before being supplied to the bathrooms. Water in the swimming pools is a mix of the slightly brackish water from their on-site well and the inland fresh water.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- 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 good local doctor at Kiwengwa who can be called out.
Quadbike warning: quad-biking is sometimes available as an activity from in this area. As with any potentially dangerous activity, it’s vital that you take responsibility for ensuring that you have adequate travel insurance prior to getting involved. Be aware that some insurances cover quad-bike activities only for bikes with lower engine ratings: check such clauses particularly carefully before you get on a bike. - Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- Pongwe has an alarm at the gate, and askaris on duty here 24/7. There is also security around Pongwe and the surrounding beach throughout the day and night. There are no safes in the rooms but guests can leave valuables in the main office safe if they wish.
- Fire safety
- Pongwe Beach Hotel has fire extinguishers in the kitchen and reception. Fire extinguishers are also located between the rooms. The hotel has an annual fire-training day.
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Kayaking
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- There is an extra charge for the laundry – around US$1-2 per item. Clothes are machine washed and usually returned within 24hours. clothes are machine-washed.
- Money
- There are no currency exchange facilities at Pongwe Beach Hotel.
- Accepted payment on location
- At Pongwe Beach Hotel, you can pay for any extra charges in most major currencies including US dollars, TSH, GBP and Euro. Or using Visa / Mastercard (there is a 5% surcharge for using card).
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Pongwe Beach Hotel's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Pongwe Beach Hotel.
Excursions from Pongwe Beach Hotel
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Pongwe Beach Hotel. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.
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
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 ForestOther lodges in East Coast Zanzibar
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Matemwe Lodge
Matemwe Lodge is one of our favourite beach lodges. With only 12 cottages right on the edge of the old coral cliff, it is personal and relaxing.
Shooting Star Lodge
Shooting Star Lodge has a friendly atmosphere and a beautiful infinity pool, sitting above a stunning stretch of beach on Zanzibar's east coast.
Mnemba Island Lodge
Mnemba is a private island resort with 11 chalets, fringed by some of the best coral reefs in the Zanzibar area.
Matemwe Retreat
Matemwe Retreat is one of the most exclusive lodges on Zanzibar, with four split-level villas each with their own veranda, sun terrace, plunge pool.
Sunshine Marine Lodge
Sunshine Marine (sister of Sunshine Hotel) is located in a secluded part of the east coast, with a first-rate, in-house dive centre.
Zoi Hotel
Located right on the beach, with bright rooms and a colourful garden, the Zoi Boutique Hotel has a lively, relaxed atmosphere.
Zanzibar Pearl
Formally known as Matemwe Beach Village, Zanzibar Pearl Boutique Hotel is one of the newest properties on the island
Melia Zanzibar
Melia Zanzibar is a very large resort hotel on Zanzibar’s east coast and is well equipped for business and leisure trips.
Tulia Zanzibar
Tulia Zanzibar Beach Resort is a 16-room boutique beach hotel that opened in 2016 on Zanzibar's east coast.
When to go to East Coast Zanzibar
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Pongwe Beach Hotel in East Coast Zanzibar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Zanzibar in January
As on the Tanzanian mainland, January typically marks the start of the short dry season in Zanzibar. Conditions are likely to be hot and mostly dry, with temperatures exceeding 30ºC, although it is not uncommon to get a tropical shower in the afternoons. January can feel very humid at times, and this is particularly noticeable in Stone Town, although this can be tempered by the cooling sea breeze.
New Year is one of the most popular times to visit Zanzibar, with many hotels being fully booked over the festive period. The island generally becomes much quieter after 10th January, and prices drop too.
- Mostly hot with the occasional shower.
- High humidity, which can be relieved by the refreshing breeze.
- Very busy over New Year, with high prices and long minimum stays often
- Quieter and better value later in the month.
- Wind from the northeast, and so the southwest coast is more sheltered.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in January
Zanzibar in February
The weather in February is fairly similar to January, with days typically being hot and sunny although expect the occasional rainy spell. The humidity remains high, however the coastal areas often have a refreshing breeze. Zanzibar is fairly quiet in February, and with comparatively low prices it can be excellent value for money.
At this time the wind blows from the northeast, and so the southwest coast is often more sheltered and there can be good diving in the Menai Bay. The northeast winds can also lead to good conditions for kite surfing, with many kite surfers heading to the southeast coast and Michamvi Peninsula. For music lovers, Stone Town hosts an annual African music festival ‘Sauti za Busara’ each February. The festival's dates change each year; ask us for details.
- Variable: mostly hot and humid with some cloud and rainy spells.
- Fewer tourists and comparatively low prices.
- Popular time for kite surfing, especially around the southeast coast.
- North easterly wind, better diving in the south west of the island.
- ‘Sauti za Busara’ music festival in early February.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in February
Zanzibar in March
March sees the start of the ‘long rains’ in Zanzibar, although the exact start date varies every year. The weather can be unpredictable, with a combination of hot sunny days, rain showers, and the occasional tropical storm. The arrival of the rains lowers the humidity, and it can also lead to some beautiful sunsets – most obviously on the west coast where you can watch the sunset over the ocean. Prices remain low during March, and the island is likely to be relatively quiet.
Diving is generally not recommended during the rainy season, as variable conditions can lead to reduced visibility from rainfall runoff, and choppy water.
- Hot and humid, leading to heavy rains later in the month.
- Low prices, and the island is comparatively quiet.
- Variable weather leads to poor conditions for diving.
- The start of the rains can lead to beautiful sunsets.
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in March
Zanzibar in April
April is typically the wettest month of the year in Zanzibar, and the long rains are in full force. The average rainfall is more than 250mm during this month, and tropical storms are common. Flooding regularly occurs, which can impact the quality of the roads, and consequently cause difficult, slow journeys across the island. Many of the hotels and beach lodges close at this time, so accommodation options can be limited. Having said this, prices are at their lowest, and if you don’t mind the risk of bad weather you can get some real bargains.
Despite the poor conditions, Easter weekend is often popular, and advance booking is recommended. Due to the strong likelihood of rain and poor conditions diving is inadvisable at this time.
- Heavy rain and tropical storms expected throughout the month.
- Areas of flooding leading to poor travel conditions.
- Many hotels close for refurbishment at this time.
- Low prices and few other tourists.
- Diving inadvisable due to heavy rain and reduced visibility.
Our view
A time to avoid if possible
Weather in April
Zanzibar in May
The long rains continue into May, and as with April you can expect thunderstorms and heavy showers, although these typically ease up towards the end of the month. Parts of the island can experience flooding, causing damage to roads and impacting travel times. The temperature typically drops a little in May, with a daytime average of around 25ºC. The rains lead to a lower humidity too, and mornings and evenings can feel a bit cooler.
Many of the hotels and lodges are still closed, however a handful stay open and prices remain low. While diving is possible, the rain and storms mean that diving conditions are not at their best.
- Continuation of the long rains, with thunderstorms and lightning.
- Flooding common, but conditions becoming drier as the month progresses
- Drop in temperatures, with cooler mornings and evenings.
- Prices low, and many hotels remain closed.
Our view
A time to avoid if possible
Weather in May
Zanzibar in June
June marks the start of the long dry season in Zanzibar. While the island still gets rainfall, especially early in the month, it’s becomes less likely as the month progresses. Temperatures remain steady, with daytime highs averaging 25ºC, and it likely to be mostly dry. Any rain you do experience is likely to be in shorter bursts rather than heavy storms and hours of continuous rain, although conditions vary from year to year.
The wind direction switches to blow from the southeast, and the northeast coast is likely to be more sheltered at this time. Diving conditions can be variable, and while they are generally good there can be some rough days.
- Variable weather: mostly hot and dry, with some rainy showers.
- Wind from the southwest, and more sheltered in the north east.
- Diving conditions variable, dependent on the wind and rain.
- Lower prices and generally good weather can lead to great value.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in June
Zanzibar in July
July is a very popular time to go to Zanzibar, and this coincides with the long dry season. July and August are the school holidays throughout much of Europe, and Zanzibar can often be busy with families. Weather conditions are generally hot and dry and pretty ideal for a beach holiday, however there is still a chance of an occasional short shower. Conditions for diving are typically pretty good, however this will be dependent on recent weather conditions.
The Zanzibar International Film Festival takes place in July, with lots of people flocking to Stone Town to soak up the atmosphere. The dates for the festival change every year, so chat to Expert Africa for details.
- Typically hot and dry with clear skies, although showers are possible.
- Can become very busy, with many families traveling during holidays.
- Zanzibar International Film Festival takes place in Stone Town.
- Great beach weather result in high prices.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in July
Zanzibar in August
August is one of the most popular times of year to visit Zanzibar, and with good reason; this is one of the driest months and it is typically hot with clear skies – ideal for relaxing on the beach. Many families choose to visit during August, and the island can be busy, and this is particularly noticeable in Stone Town and around the more popular snorkelling sites.
High demand can mean that many of the more popular hotels and beach lodges can be booked up more than 6 months ahead, so advance booking is crucial. Due to the popularity and great beach weather prices are high.
- Hot and sunny, generally ideal for relaxing on the beach.
- Popular time for families and the island can be busy.
- High demand leads to higher prices, and advance booking is essential.
- With little rain falling and causing soil run-off, the sea is clear.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Zanzibar in September
September is an excellent time of year to visit Zanzibar. Weather conditions are typically very good, with clear skies and temperatures ranging from 20¬–30ºC. September is also one of the driest months, averaging 50mm of rain during the month, however rain showers are still possible. Due to the great beach conditions prices remain high, however with fewer families travelling in September the island can be a little quieter at this time.
September to December are often some of the calmest months at sea, which can result in superb conditions for diving. The wind typically blows from the southeast, and the northeast coast can often be a little more sheltered. You can find some beautiful snorkelling and diving spots around Mnemba Island.
- Warm temperatures and clear skies, with the off-chance of rain.
- Fewer families travelling, and the island can be a little quieter.
- Great beach weather means that prices remain high.
- Relatively calm seas result in good conditions for diving.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Zanzibar in October
October is the tail end of the dry season and you can generally expect hot, dry conditions. The short rains typically start in early November, and so this does mean that there is an increased likelihood of rainy spells as the month progresses. October remains a popular month to travel, particularly so during the European half-term school holidays, and advance booking is advised.
With high demand and great weather prices remain high, however there are some long-stay special offers to be found. South-easterly winds mean that the northeast coast can be more sheltered and conditions for diving can be good.
- End of the dry season, generally good beach weather.
- Increased chance of rain, particularly near the end of the month.
- Popular with families during the half-term school holiday.
- High demand means prices remain high.
- Northeast coast generally more sheltered.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Zanzibar in November
The short rains start during November, however their exact start varies year on year. You are likely to experience a mixture of hot, dry days with the occasional tropical shower, however we find that short showers can actually be quite refreshing. With the start of the rains the humidity can shoot up and while the coastal properties tend to receive a pleasant cooling breeze Stone Town and the island interior can feel quite hot and clammy.
Prices drop in November and there are some real bargains to be found. This time of year can be great value for money, especially near the start of the month when the weather conditions are very comparable to late October. The demand is generally lower, and the island starts to feel much quieter.
- Variable weather: mostly hot and dry but with some clouds and rain.
- Hot temperatures, with humidity on the rise.
- Less busy than October, and with lower prices it can be great value.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Zanzibar in December
December falls in to the short rainy season, and the weather can be variable. Days are likely to be hot and humid, with the occasional patch of rain, although showers can be a blessing in disguise as they help to lower the temperature. Early December is fairly quiet and prices are low, however this changes dramatically over Christmas and New Year.
The festive season, from around 20th December to 5th January, is arguably the most popular time to visit Zanzibar. Prices are at their highest, and long minimum stays are imposed. Due to the very high demand booking early is essential, especially if you’re a group or a large family. Book six months to a year in advance, or even more, if possible.
- Variable weather, with a mix of hot, sunny days and tropical showers.
- High humidity, which may be mitigated by the cool ocean breeze.
- Quiet with lower prices earlier in the month.
- Busy and exceptionally popular over Christmas and New Year.
- Advance booking over Christmas and New Year is essential.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
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