Travel reviews by Mr & Mrs B from N Yorks

"Fumba Beach Lodge was simply entrancing. It was everything we hoped it would be – and more. It has a wonderful relaxed and tranquil atmosphere (indeed, at one point we could hear the unamplified muezzin coming from the nearby village), and some of the most glorious views in Zanzibar. Our room in particular (No.8) had a fabulous aspect, giving out onto a little bay. Our room was superbly appointed and there were many touches that made us think that a great deal of thought had gone into the design, for example having the overhead fan inside the capacious mosquito net.

We were made to feel very welcome by Natashja and all her staff, and we felt that in only a few short days they had become real friends. Nothing was too much trouble, and we enjoyed being taught various Swahili phrases by them. We were very impressed that Nataschja and Edwin have established a valuable relationship with the village, particularly their support of the school. The menu was varied, and the food delicious and well presented; we particularly liked the fact that the fish were bought from the local fishermen.

The grounds are beautifully laid out and it was delightful simply to wander along the white sandy paths enjoying the bougainvillaea and hibiscus in full flower, catching the lizards darting across our path and glimpsing some of the other wildlife, like an elephant shrew, a hornbill and the bushbabies that comes down from the baobab tree at night to get the fruit put out for them.

One of our main reasons for going to Zanzibar was for the marine life. Lauren and David at Blue World Dive Centre were excellent – patient with novices like us, but giving us great confidence – and their knowledge of underwater flora and fauna was encyclopaedic, which really added to the experience. We went out to the 5 mile long Ukombe reef in the Menai Bay Conservation Area (only Blue World is allowed to dive there, consequently it is very unspoiled) on their elegant dhows and enjoyed both diving and snorkelling.

So if you want a peaceful, relaxing holiday in lovely surroundings, you really can’t get better than Fumba Beach Lodge!"

"Lovely location, and we were made to feel very welcome by Thomas and Gloria. The grounds were delightful and it was a joy to see wildlife such as rollers, lots of wading birds (including whimbrels) and even some big golden globe spiders!

We felt that, while the food was good, too many dishes were accompanied by chips and the side salads were a bit disappointing.

The room was nice and spacious. However, we think that the loo needs some ventilation - there is a tendency for odours to linger in an unventilated space.

We went out diving and snorkelling with One Ocean from Matemwe at the Mnemba Atoll reef. Though the journey in the dala-dala (bus) was very bumpy, it was fun, and the marine life was spectacular and Saidi was an excellent divemaster. There were quite a lot of people snorkelling when we were there, but there was plenty enough room for all."