About Sunshine Marine Lodge
Opened in 2013, Sunshine Marine Lodge is to the north of Matemwe, on Zanzibar’s east coast.
Built on a cliff top, with stunning views across to Mnemba Island, the lodge has a lively, bright atmosphere that makes it popular with younger travellers and anyone who has an interest in diving.
True to its name, Sunshine Marine Lodge is a friendly, vibrant hotel. It offers great value and suits travellers who want a relaxed but lively beach experience. The best features are its location and excellent dive centre: they have access to some of the best diving in Zanzibar and magnificent views of Mnemba island.
Our view
True to its name, Sunshine Marine Lodge is a friendly, vibrant hotel. It offers great value and suits travellers who want a relaxed but lively beach experience. The best features are its location and excellent dive centre: they have access to some of the best diving in Zanzibar and magnificent views of Mnemba island.
Zanzibar expert
Accommodation
24 rooms
Children
Fine for all ages.
Open
All year
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Kayaking
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports
Traveller reviews of Sunshine Marine Lodge
6 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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View gallerySunshine Marine Lodge: Our full report
Opened in 2013, Sunshine Marine Lodge is to the north of Matemwe, on Zanzibar’s east coast.
Built on a cliff top, with stunning views across to Mnemba Island, the lodge has a lively, bright atmosphere that makes it popular with younger travellers and anyone who has an interest in diving.
Sunshine Marine Lodge is similar in style to its older, slightly smaller, sister Sunshine Hotel. There are 24 en-suite rooms all built under a high makuti thatch roofs. These are designed to make the most of the cool sea breeze that is blown across the Indian ocean, so there is no air conditioning - although there are three fans in each room. All the rooms contain: a queen-sized bed complete with a mosquito net, an electronic safe, an en-suite bathroom with a shower, basin and toilet, tea and coffee making facilities and either a veranda or a balcony. All the rooms have bright pastel colours, which are used throughout the lodge – light blues, oranges and sunny yellows.
There are four categories of rooms at Sunshine Marine Lodge:
- There are 15 Sunshine Suites in four bandas. These blocks spread down the hill, from the main reception area at the back of the property down to the main restaurant and pool area at the sea front. All these suites are connected by a path that runs through the rock garden – this has been left to look as wild and natural as possible. Three of these bandas have two rooms on the first floor, and two on the ground floor – and the fourth has three rooms. All the suites have a view of the ocean, although some views are better than others - the best views tend to be on the first floor.
- Also on the sea-ward side of the property, there are 4 Blue Wave Suites, which are identical in size and decor to the Sunshine Suites but they are located on the sea front and have better views as a result.
- The 2 Blue Breeze Suites are also located on the ocean front. These rooms are more spacious than the other suites, with larger bathrooms – otherwise all the amenities are the same.
- Finally there are 3 Panoramic Suites, each of which occupies the complete first floor of a banda (with two standard suites below). These Panoramic Suites are the most spacious rooms at Sunshine Marine Lodge and can happily accommodate families. They are set further back, but have breathtaking views across to the Mnemba Atoll.
Because Sunshine Marine Lodge is slightly raised on a cliff, it does not have direct beach access. To make up for this they have built a pier that extends into the Indian Ocean so that guests can swim during high tide. The 90-metre Muyuni Beach is a 15-minute walk or free boat ride from the lodge, with beautiful white sands. Sunshine Marine Lodge is one of the few properties in the area, and besides a few local fishermen guests are likely to have the beach more or less to themselves. The lodge have constructed a nice beach bar serving beers and cold drinks; currently there is no restaurant on the beach, however guests can order hot food from the main lodge which will then be brought over ether by vehicle or boat. The few people who go there can swim in the sea at any time of the day – almost unique on the east coast of Zanzibar.
Sunshine Marine Lodge offers many of the same activities as other lodges in Zanzibar: snorkelling, reef walks, sailing, fishing, complementary kayak and bicycle loan, and island excursions such as spice tours and Stone Town trips. But what sets it apart is its own dive centre located at the back of the property, called Dive Point, which is well stocked with dive equipment. There's a classroom with a TV and a specially designed training pool for refresher dives and PADI training. The Polish instructor speaks excellent English and is a very good photographer. Being the northern-most dive centre on the east coast and directly opposite the Mnemba Atoll means they have one of the best locations on Zanzibar for diving.
Geographics
- Location
- East Coast Zanzibar, Zanzibar
- Ideal length of stay
- We would recommend a stay of at least three nights.
- Directions
- It takes around 35 minutes to fly to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam, then it’s a further hour and a half by road to sunshine Marine Lodge.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Half Board
- Food quality
- Sunshine Marine Lodge is working hard to improve the standard of their food, and in recent years have bought in a European chef to revamp the menu. We look forward to trying their new dishes, as unfortunately on our latest visit in September 2019 we did not have time to eat here.
Breakfast is served between 7.30 and 10.00. There is a choice of bread, fruit, jams and spreads, as well as the option to have a cooked breakfast, with tea, coffee and a selection of juices.
Lunch, is very relaxed and usually served between 12.30 and 3.00 ordered from the poolside bar. There is a snack menu and a specials board, which is not to be missed – this usually depends on what the local fisherman have caught that morning. On a previous visit we enjoyed barracuda cooked in garlic butter and chips, followed by a passion fruit mouse – it was delicious. The pasta here is home-made, which is a treat.
Dinner, is served from 6.30-9pm, it is a set menu that changes daily (although this can be flexible), with a choice of main course which is usually either a seafood dish or a chicken dish as well as the chef's specials of the day. The lodge prides itself on having a very good pastry chef and so dessert is something to look forward to. The Italian restaurant manager is also experienced, having been on Zanzibar for ten years. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Drinks included
- Not included: Beers are around $3.50 and a glass of wine is roughly $4.00
Special interests
- Family holidays
- With a lively vibe and very relaxed atmosphere, Sunshine Marine Lodge is great for family beach holidays in Zanzibar. Teenagers can go mountain biking or participate in activities organised by the lodge’s state-of-the-art dive centre.
- See ideas for Family holidays in Zanzibar
- Diving & snorkelling
- Sunshine Marine Lodge is in a great location to explore the Mnemba Atoll. Whether it’s your first time diving or you’re very experienced, the brand new dive centre with their state of the art equipment will be able to accommodate you.
- See ideas for Diving & snorkelling in Zanzibar
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Sunshine Marine Lodge welcomes children of all ages. They have varied their policy on this since first opening in 2013, when they started with a no-under-10s policy.
- Property’s age restrictions
- None
- Special activities & services
- None
- Equipment
- None
- Generally recommended for children
- Sunshine Marine Lodge is a great place for family holidays with older children. Its excellent diving centre and vibrant atmosphere are really fun to most teenagers.
- Notes
- We always advise to keep children under constant supervision.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- There is also a back-up generator.
- Communications
- WiFi is available throughout the lodge and is free of charge. Cellphone signal can be intermittent.
- TV & radio
- There is a satellite TV in the dive centre.
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- The well water used for most purposes is very clean. Bottled drinking water is provided in the rooms.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- Three members of staff who have first aid training will be at the lodge at all times. The hotel also has affiliations with a local doctor and there is a decompression chamber 8km away at the Fairmont Resort.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- Sunshine Marine Lodge is gated and has guards. There are also Maasai guards on the beach.
- Fire safety
- Fire extinguishers are available in the main areas. The hotel also has a pump that takes water from the swimming pool that can be used in an emergency.
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Kayaking
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is available for an extra charge.
- Money
- The hotel accepts Tanzanian shillings, US dollars, GB pounds and euros, and will offer an exchange service if they have enough cash.
- Accepted payment on location
- MasterCard, Visa and American Express are accepted here but a 5% commission will be added. They also accept cash payments in either US dollars or Tanzanian shillings.
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Sunshine Marine Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Sunshine Marine Lodge.
Excursions from Sunshine Marine Lodge
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Sunshine Marine Lodge. 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.
Pongwe Beach Hotel
Pongwe Beach Hotel is comfortable, good-value, family-friendly beach lodge, with a lovely pool, secluded beach and good food.
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.
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 Sunshine Marine Lodge 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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