Reviews of Pongwe Beach Hotel

"Pongwe has good management and is in a great location with fab pool, but was probably always going to be a bit of an anti-climax after all our experiences on safari! However, we did have a good time just doing nothing - food was really tasty and varied, and there was a friendly, if somewhat unatmostpheric feel.

We did a spice tour en-route to Stowntown with Fisherman tours, and although it was interesting, we couldn't help but feel this tour didn't take place in a 'proper' spice farm, and we were unsure where our money had actually gone. We bought spices as had been told it was the best and cheapest place to get them, but found we'd had the wool pulled over our eyes a little when we found the same spices in Stowntown for about a quarter of the price! Although this is probably all part of the experience, we felt a little disappointed as also found when we got home our 'ginger' tea was not ginger, just tea!!

I suppose it's important to remember that Zanzibar is much more geared up to tourists than the remote camps we stayed in on the mainland, so just doesn't feel as authentic an experience." See all these reviews: 6n in Tanzania; 6n in Zanzibar

"Pongwe has a vey nice feel to it - a very lovely and friendly place.

The service it outstanding - very attentive but relaxed and not in your face, which is just what you want if you are on your honeymoon as we were.

The beach is I think one of the very best on the Island." See all these reviews: 8n in Zanzibar

"If you can draw in your mind an imaginary tropical beach with fine white sand, warm water, an offshore reef and shallow blue and turquoise water in which you can wade fro miles at low tide then you can imagine Pongwe. With a seascape like this you don't notice the shore very much - but we were provided with comfort and attention throughout our stay. I am a bit worried that i have never been able to do so little for so long before, but the relaxation gets into the bones.

Some nice touches, the kimonos and wraps add a bit of pampering and set the tone for your stay, and the Zanzibar beds with sheets turned back and mosquito nets set up whilst you are dining add a touch of the exotic.. Food was excellent and well presented at all times. Eating on the beach is a further magical experience.

Didn't really get to see much of Zanzibar from here, although we had an enthusiastic response when we wandered through the local village - take supplies of pens if you really want to do this and you will be rewarded with the greatest smiles.

Snorkelling was interesting but not spectacular; lots of zebra fish and a small turtle being the highlights. As there is not much else to do in the area one or two more activities organised at the resort would have been nice and broken up the indulgence but if you are after an all action stay you probably wouldn't choose this resort." See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania; 7n in Zanzibar

"The setting of the hotel is superb and the bungalows and other facilities are excellent.

It is a very romantic setting and ideal for a lazy beach end to a busy holiday.

Service was excellent and the staff most friendly and helpful. The food was great and the management outstanding." See all these reviews: 8n in Zanzibar; 5n in Tanzania

"Possibly one of the most beautiful stretches of beach in the world.
Very efficient transfer from Impala.
Very friendly staff at pongwe - very keen to please.

Accommodation was very well located and thre separate beds in the childrens room was much appreciated by them.
Good hot water but bathrooms got a bit damp - not helped by some unseasonal rain showers in the first three days.

The lodge is understandably insulated from the surrounding environment and this gave the resort a slightly surreal air, which was reinforced by the fact that we were the only family in a sea of honeymoon couples. This was fine for 5 days but could have grated after a while!" See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania; 7n in Zanzibar