About Unguja Lodge
Unguja Lodge is a small and friendly lodge, in a nice location, with great views of the sunset. It has an interesting design, and is rustic in appearance.
Unguja Lodge is a small and friendly lodge, in a nice location, with great views of the sunset. It has an interesting design, and is rustic in appearance. Although the villas can be quite dark, there is a great feeling of space and airiness about them. The pace here is slow and gentle, but the management style is not inefficient. It's one of our favourites in the area, good all year between June and April, but particularly nice in the calm Oct-Nov season.
Our view
In August 2023 we received very unwelcome reports of poor hygiene and dirty beds from a family of guests who had just arrived at Unguja Lodge. As a result we immediately moved them to another hotel and have cancelled all forward bookings with Unguja Lodge. Until we are reassured that the hotel is being properly managed we will not be making any further bookings here.
Zanzibar expert
Accommodation
12 detached villas
Children
Good for all ages.
Open
June to April
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports
Traveller reviews of Unguja Lodge
79 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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View galleryUnguja Lodge: Our full report
Unguja Lodge is a small, relaxed and rustic lodge in a lovely spot overlooking the picturesque Menai Bay ...
... Conservation area on Zanzibar's south-west coast. While there is coral in the bay, there is no coral reef to act as a barrier, so it's easy to walk out and swim here at low tide.
In August 2023 we received very unwelcome reports of poor hygiene and dirty beds from a family of guests who had just arrived at Unguja Lodge. As a result we immediately moved them to another hotel and have cancelled all forward bookings with Unguja Lodge. Until we are reassured that the hotel is being properly managed we will not be making any further bookings here.
Arriving at Unguja, the path to reception winds between big old baobabs. The design of the lodge is modern and quite unique - lots of large white curving walls and high thatched makuti roofs give a feeling of space to the central areas. The coconut tree wood furniture is locally sourced, and there are bits of African art spread around such as baskets, and colourful material, which mean that despite the modern design, the lodge retains plenty of Zanzibari character.
Leading down from the reception you come to the main, freeform swimming pool, surrounded by loungers and plenty of shade, and deep enough (2.3m, 7ft 6in) for dive-training. Behind the pool is the main dining area - where tables are separated by low walls to give them a bit more privacy, while still retaining a sociable atmosphere.
Behind the dining area is the bar - with lovely low hanging lanterns hanging down from the roof, and next to this just outside are plenty of comfortable wicker chairs, where people tend to gather for a drink before dinner.
The lush tropical gardens at Unguja Lodge are dotted with baobab trees. Don’t be surprised to see colobus monkeys in the trees and fascinating elephant shrews - like oversized mice on stilts with extended noses - foraging in the leaf litter. In these gardens you’ll find the PADI dive school and shop, run by One Ocean where you can organise dives and snorkelling to the nearby coral. This is the only PADI operation in the area, and there is no minimum number of peopled required for their dives, as can sometimes be the case at other centres. There is some good diving and snorkelling to be done in Menai Bay, with at least 20 recognised dive sites and some healthy coral formations.
The beach at Unguja is completely covered at high tide - with the sea coming right up and lapping at the steps. It is lovely to be able to walk straight down into the clear turquoise waters and bathe. At low tide the beach in front of the lodge is exposed and although the beach isn’t quite the perfect white sands of the east coast, it’s secluded with few people around. During the low tide sun loungers are placed out along the beach, and at high tide you can still walk 10 minutes to a nearby stretch of beach which is exposed throughout the day.
Linked by nicely shaded paths of coral gravel, there are three different types of rooms at Unguja - three Baobab Villas, seven Seaview Villas and two Seaview Family Villas. They are very similar in price and almost the same in design. The villas are very spacious, with whitewashed walls and high thatched roofs. Curved walls act as partition to create a toilet, which has a closed door for privacy, and an open-sided shower room and an open lounge with a long oval bench scattered with colourful cushions.
The bedrooms are large and simply furnished, with a large bed draped with mosquito nets, a separate luggage room with a safe, and a sink and a full length mirror behind the bed. Above the bedroom, reached by a flight of stairs, is a loft space with a day bed to relax on. This can be a very atmospheric place to sleep at night, or can alternatively be used for a third person.
The bathrooms are simple, elegant and sparse, and local toiletries, towels and kanga wraps are provided.
The key differences between the room types are their locations. The Seaview Villas and Seaview Family Villas sit on top of a small coral shelf about two metres above the beach and all face out over the sea. You can enjoy the view from your private stone veranda, furnished with a comfy sofa and an array of cushions. These rooms are bright and airy.
The Baobab Villas are set inland and face into a little small garden around a baobab tree. Each has a small private plunge pool in your central garden and the bedrooms here are also air-conditioned and have fans to make up for the reduced sea breeze.
The two Family Seaview Villas are similar in design to the other villas, but with a slightly different layout: we found the layout a little incoherent. Downstairs is the main bedroom with en-suite facilities and a small lounge and kitchenette. Upstairs is a small lounge area and two bedrooms, each with twin beds and en-suite facilities.
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports
Families & children
- Attitude towards children
- Children are welcome at Unguja Lodge.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no age restrictions at Unguja.
- Special activities & services
- Special meals and child-minding can be arranged.
- Equipment
- There are a few cots and highchairs at Unguja – however these are limited in number. It would be best to request these at the time of booking, to give you the best chance of getting them.
- Generally recommended for children
- Yes.
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Half Board
- Food quality
- We found the food at Unguja Lodge to be very good. Breakfast was a self service buffet with a large variety of fruits, cereals, juices, cold meats, cheese and spreads. Cooked breakfast, tea and coffee could be ordered from the waiter.
Lunch was an a la carte menu with a variety of light snacks and salads, as well as more substantial meals for those who wanted them.
Dinner usually consists of 3 courses, served to your table. We enjoyed prawn bisque to start, followed by tuna steak, then a delicious mango moose. The menu is written on the board at 6pm each evening, so if you have any issues or requests just let the team know and they will try their best to accommodate. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Unguja can offer room service on request.
- Drinks included
- Drinks are not included – you can expect to pay US$4 for a beer, US$5 for wine and around US$1 for a bottle of water (water is provided with dinner free of charge).
Getting there
- Location
- South-west Zanzibar, Zanzibar
- Ideal length of stay
- You could easily spend four days or more at Unguja Lodge, just relaxing. The owners tell us the average number of days spent there by guests is 4-5.
- Directions
- Unguja Lodge is 62km from the airport - about an hour's drive.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Special interests
- Family safaris
- With three separate bedrooms, the family villa at Unguja is a great choice for families with younger children, allowing you to all stay in the same space. The lodge is very laid back and unpretentious, with a wide stretch of beach and a pretty pool.
- See ideas for Family safaris in Zanzibar
- Honeymoons
- Unguja Lodge is a peaceful and romantic lodge for your honeymoon to Zanzibar. For those wanting to get away from it all this is a lovely choice. With an attentive team and thoughtful management, there’s no doubt you will be made to feel special.
- See ideas for Honeymoons in Zanzibar
- Beach holidays
- Unguja Lodge doesn’t have one of Zanzibar’s endless long white beaches, but it is in a quiet, secluded location. Dive or snorkel straight from the beach to explore the coral cliff for a special holiday experience in East Africa.
- See ideas for Beach holidays in Zanzibar
- Diving & snorkelling holidays
- Unguja Lodge has a PADI dive center on-site. Snorkellers and divers will enjoy the colourful coral in the protected Menai Bay area, whilst more experienced divers can even head out to new dive sites, identified only by a GPS.
- See ideas for Diving & snorkelling holidays in Zanzibar
- Cultural Experiences
- Unguja Lodge is only a short walk from the village of Kizimkazi, with many of the staff coming from the area. The lodge supports a number of community projects and guests are encouraged to go on a village walk to explore the area and meet the locals.
- See ideas for Cultural Experiences in Zanzibar
Communications
- Power supply notes
- There is 24hour power supply and guests can charge batteries in their rooms.
- Communications
- There is mobile phone reception at Unguja Lodge, and the lodge also has free WiFi, best in the public areas but also accessible in some rooms.
- TV & radio
- There is no TV or radio at Unguja Lodge.
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- Very good well water supplies the lodge and they use top quality purification to make it suitable for use, including UV osmosis for drinking water.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- There is a small first aid kit and four of the staff are first-aid trained. Unguja is also only a one-hour drive from Stone Town where there is a private hospital.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- There is a safe at reception for valuables and there are also security guards around the lodge: normally 3 during the day and 6 in the night.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in the communal areas and in all of the villas – there is also a mobile hose and pump for the villas.
Useful info
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is an extra charge - $1 – 4 depending on the item
- Money
- Travellers need to do currency exchange in Stone Town; there are no facilities for this at Unguja.
- Accepted payment on location
- At Unguja Lodge you can use US$, GB Pounds, Euros and Tshillings cash. You can also use Visa, Mastercard, however there is a 5% surcharge.
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Unguja Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Unguja Lodge.
Excursions from Unguja Lodge
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Unguja 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 Forest
Zanzibar Dhow Safari
Full day - approx. eight hours
Discover the coast and islands of the Menai Bay from a traditional Zanzibari dhow. Explore this beautiful marine conservation area with a local guide, snorkelling over coral reefs, swimming through mangrove lagoons and keeping an eye out for dolphins. To top it all, you’ll also be treated to a fabulous beach barbecue.
More about Zanzibar Dhow SafariOther lodges in South-west Zanzibar
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Chumbe Island Lodge
Situated on the tiny Chumbe Island, this lodge is an award-winning example of eco-tourism, with excellent snorkelling.
Fumba Beach Lodge
Fumba Beach Lodge is stylishly put together, with spacious, luxurious rooms, comfortable communal areas and a fantastic infinity pool.
The Residence
The Residence is a very large resort hotel in south-west Zanzibar. Each villa has its own 8-metre lap pool.
When to go to South-west Zanzibar
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Unguja Lodge in South-west 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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