Unguja Lodge

Nice if you like solitude and being in nature, and don't mind "rustic". Big open air villas surrounded by trees (even a few baobabs), which are frequent by monkeys (including red colobus). Not so nice if you are used to excellence and attention to detail in everything. Resort is in need of TLC at a minimum or renovation at a maximum to make it worth the price. All of the cushions are either worn out or torn with the cotton pocking out or zippers not closing... I would not recommend booking any trips with them either, as all we had were mediocre at best. Not sure about diving, but would not recommend snorkeling unless you have your own equipment. My snorkel had to be cleared every 2 minutes. Our snorkel guide could barely swim, and the boat we were on had no basic safety equipment. The coral was nice but fish population is almost all gone due to overfishing. There was a fish trap on the bottom of our snorkeling area. Lots of trash along the shore. Our boat caught a fish line in the engine, and almost got into the exposed rocks during cleanup...Everyone working there was nice and trying to please us. Overall, wish we had better memories of the Zanzibar island.

The place is great for a retreat. The lodges are spaceful, with air and view, very unique. In addition, I especially enjoyed the service from the Manager Martin: I had told him I was arriving late and couple sandwiches were waiting at my room so that I wouldn't go to bed with an empty stomach. And I asked him to organize for me a fishing party which he did fantastically and for a very reasonable price. I went early morning an hour out from the coast fishing Tuna with good and experienced guys. We caught 2 big ones which was memorable for me. In two nights I felt I had a week break. Wonderful experience. And the double floor lodge would allow a good stay for a small family.

Setting was perfect. My room overlooked a pristine turquoise sea. Fisherman's boats drifted by. Dolphins on the horizon. Beautiful sunsets. Also it is located in a lovely jungle area with lots of wildlife so it felt rural and unspoiled. Food was great with lots of options catering to all sorts of diets.

we spend 4 nights at the Unguja lodge at the beginning of jan. 2020 and hardly have been at a more beautiful, well kept and spectacular place in this world, although we traveled widely. this spot on cliffs above a sandy beach with turquoise waters in front of you, offers excellent cuisine, extremely friendly service. the outstanding architecture of the individual villas sets them so cleverly apart, that you have your own, completely undisturbed sunset and are surrounded by untouched jungles. the utmost experience you have dreamed about. we can highly recommend it.

Les (+) : - hôtel très bien intégré à son environnement - des animaux sauvages en liberté : singes (curieux & joueurs) & hirax & dik dik … - possibilité de visiter Kizimkazi avec l’ancien responsable de la sécurité de l’hôtel - un staff souriant et aux petits soins – mentions spéciales pour le Centre de Plongée et (2) la cuisinière Les (-) : - villa bruyante (n°1) : appel & prière du Muezzin (5h du matin) et restaurant (bruit de vaisselles le soir) - un robinet d’arrivée d’eau de douche qui conduit l’électricité : problème de sécurité (risque d’électrocution) + une journée pour la réparation (4 relances et 1 fausse réparation) + 1 journée sans douche pour éviter un accident : notre décision et non celle du staff - sortie dauphins organisée par le Centre de plongée : une trentaine de bateaux tournants autour d’un groupe de dauphins. Indigne du positionnement de l’hôtel. - Un manque de communication. Ex :participation à la caisse du village pour la visite à régler à l’hôtel (et non au guide => double paiement), demandes de taxi renouvelée à 3 reprises… Ces remarques (en dehors de la communication) ont été partagées avec le manageur hollandais qui nous a expliqué comment cela aurait dû se passer : (1) absence de bruit dans notre villa, (2) réparation rapide et (3) briefing avant départ de la sortie dauphins et retour immédiat en cas d’affluence trop importante.