Reviews of Pongwe Beach Hotel

"We spent a lovely week at Pongwe with our family and friends, to celebrate my husbands 60th birthday.

This was our third stay here and once again we had a fantastic time. We spent our days relaxing on the beach and swimming in the sea and our evenings in the bar and restaurant enjoying the excellent food and drinks including the lovely cocktails.

We love everything about Pongwe, the lovely spacious rooms, the wonderful beach, the great food served in the restaurant, the lovely friendly staff who cannot do enough to make your stay special, and the lovely relaxed atmosphere of the place.

We had dinner on the beach on my husbands birthday which was very special and all the staff joined in the celebrations.

When I think of beach holidays I cannot think of anywhere else I would rather be than at Pongwe......we hope to be back again soon." See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania; 7n in Zanzibar

"We adored the picture perfect white sandy bay at Pongwe; swimming was limited to high tide only, but that meant there was a massive beach to explore by foot at low tide, where locals farm seaweed in tidal pools.

Pongwe is perfect for a few relaxed days after safari and/or a visit to Stonetown. It is unspoilt and has a laid back feel and isn't for people looking for lots of inclusive activities. We made use of the kayaks and swimming options, but were surprised that there was a charge associated with snorkelling, as some literature said that this was included.

The food at Pongwe was great - we ate all our evening meals there and indulged in a massive seafood feast on our final night." See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania; 6n in Zanzibar

"Our six night stay at Pongwe was paradise. I cannot imagine anywhere better to relax and chill out. Superb beach and wonderful sea which was enhanced by the huge tidal variation. This allowed us to swim and also to wander along the beach for as far as you could wish.

The hotel makes relaxing so easy..... beach chairs , hammocks, swimming pool, sea, white sand, the sound of waves, palm trees softly swaying in the breeze, drinks and food brought to wherever you happen to be, the list goes on.

The food was exceptionally good with well cooked fish always on the menu.

All staff were helpful, friendly, cheerful and very good at their jobs.Nothing seemed to be too much trouble.

We had a room with a plunge pool for five nights. This was very spacious and comfortable. The bathroom , while perfectly acceptable, could do with a refurbish. We moved to a newly refurbished beachfront room for our last night and I just loved it. Beautifully decorated and well appointed.

We really didn't want to drag ourselves away but did do a day trip to Stonetown which is very interesting and well worth visiting as was a spice tour on the day of our departure. There are options to participate in various water activities although we passed on them.

Cannot recommend this relaxing piece of paradise too highly, you will be well looked after." See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania; 6n in Zanzibar

"4 nights here at the end of our trip. All good and excellent staff. Well located for scuba diving and snorkelling too." See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania; 4n in Zanzibar

"A luxurious hotel, ideal to relax for a few days at the end of a safari. A beautiful beach, good food, good staff. Nowhere to go to from the hotel without a taxi, so probably best to restrict to a few days of chilling." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 4n in Zanzibar

"A great way to kick back after the safari. Like the safari, this somehow exceeded our expectations. A setting out of paradise with white sands, turquoise sea and palm trees. I spent hours lying in the hammocks, and there was never any space pressure on pool, for loungers or for drinks and food.

The staff were fantastically friendly and helpful, and really could not do enough for us. The food was great and we felt like we put on pounds!! Lovely atmosphere, and so quiet and relaxing.

We had one snorkeling trip to Mnemba island to see the coral which I would recommend. We didn't do anything else despite the temptations of the rest of Zanzibar because it was too easy to stay put! Easily the best beach resort I have ever been to." See all these reviews: 5n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar

"Pongwe Beach Hotel met all expectations and more. It was a terrific way to wash of the Serengetti dust.

The whole experience was perfect- we only wish we'd had longer. The rooms were beautiful, the view gorgeous and the food fabulous.

The only slight disappointment was the snorkelling- but we have been spoiled previously by seeing pristine coral elsewhere." See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania; 4n in Zanzibar

"Not much happening outside hotel grounds, Sea and Beach not particularly clean although hotel tried there best to keep beach clean, Breakfast and dinner were excellent." See all these reviews: 10n in Tanzania; 4n in Zanzibar

"Pongwe Beach Hotel was paradise! Loved the location, layout and beach. This place was perfect for my husband and I. Very charming, peaceful and low key. We stayed in a beach cottage and the view from our porch was gorgeous. Great room and the canopy bed that has a cooling remote was nice. We stayed cool and comfortable in our bed at night.

We throughly enjoyed the infinity pool, hammocks, swing bed, lounge chairs on our private porch, long walks exploring the beach at low tide and so much more. Very relaxing atmosphere! The staff was friendly and attentive. Moody was a riot. He kept us laughing. We were able to arrange activities through the front desk. Food was delicious and seating at dinning, bar and pool areas are lovely. Being that this is a smaller resort you also get to know other guests which we enjoyed. We even exchanged emails with new friends we met.

This hotel also allows you to hang out and enjoy facilities if your airport shuttle is after check out time on your last day. They even have a shower and changing room for you to use. We had an amazing time here! I’m still dreaming about the turquoise waters!" See all these reviews: 6n in Zanzibar; 1n in Tanzania

"This really was a little bit of paradise! Beautiful white sands, warm sea, palm trees, relaxed atmosphere and helpful staff who responded to all our needs with a smile on their face. We didn't want or need evening activities or any extra facilities.

The food was excellent, rooms totally satisfactory and all the staff friendly and helpful. It had a large inter tidal zone which was fascinating. It was possible to walk out a long way at low tide and spot star fish, sea urchins and other sea life as well as the sea weed beds which provide a living for the local women. Nothing seemed too much trouble for the staff. Each afternoon one of the boat crew would shin up a palm tree to cut down coconuts to give out to anyone who wanted a drink of fresh coconut milk. Staff also came round with trays of fresh fruit. Tea and coffee were available all day.

The rooms were provided with pretty beach robes so there was no need to change out of swim wear if you needed to get a cup of tea, or if you felt you had had enough sun. At high tide the beach was cut off and was private and at low tide, when you could walk along the beach to the nearby village, we were never bothered by locals selling their wares because Masai men patrolled the beach.

We went to Stone Town for a day because we felt we ought to, and although we enjoyed seeing people going about their daily business it was lovely to return for a refreshing swim in the warm sea at Pongwe. In hindsight we wished we had visited the Anglican Cathedral which now houses the Slave Trade Exhibit. We will have to return one day!" See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania; 4n in Zanzibar