Reviews of Pongwe Beach Hotel
Wildlife sightings and reviews
96 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Pongwe Beach Hotel and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
"Pongwe Beach Hotel review"
A lot of thought has gone into the layout so there is plenty of privacy and it is very quiet even if all the rooms were full.
All the staff were very welcoming and we had a really nice stay." See all these reviews: 7n in Zanzibar; 5n in Tanzania
"Azure sea, powder white sand and cocktails"
We loved the personal plunge pool and day beds we had outside our villa; and the fact that it's a reasonably small place so doesn't feel 'resort-y'. There were always sunloungers to relax on by the pool and on the beach - and having a library is a nice touch, which we took advantage of.
Heidi the manageress was excellent and we really liked the rest of the staff ('hakuna matata' being the name of the game). The food was good and the service was pleasant if sometimes entertainingly idiosyncratic - the language barrier meant that it was necessary to point to things on menus otherwise random things turned up (e.g. ordering 1 x tea and 2 x coffees turning up). The cocktails were good - the fresh pineapple in the pina coladas was welcome!
We enjoyed a day's trip to Stonetown via the Spice Farm - but wouldn't have headed into town more than once because it was over 100 USD for the car alone. Also the massage facilities nextdoor seemed overpriced to me (140 USD for a massage... more than London!) but maybe that was because of the need for a car.
Overall we loved it - pure relaxation in an idyllic setting. The azure sea and powder white beach were spectacular - and the fact that you can get away without wearing shoes while you're there (the path to the bar is sand) means you can't help but kick back and relax. Brilliant spot to end our honeymoon." See all these reviews: 8n in Kenya; 5n in Zanzibar
"Pongwe Beach Hotel - Very nice!"
It is a nice simple resort on a beautiful, quiet beach. It also has a nice pool. The rooms were very clean, the staff very friendly and the food was very good.
It is a quiet place and there are not a lot of activities, but it is perfect if you are looking to relax.
I would absolutely recommend it if you are not looking for a party or too many activities." See all these reviews: 10n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar
"Another perfect post safari rest"
After the busy safari schedule, what we want is eating, sleeping, swimming, reading, walking along the beach, generally completely relaxing and Pongwe is ideal for it. A beautiful well tended beach with plenty of space to accommodate guests without feeling anywhere near crowded. The beach has Maasai guards so there is no interruption from hawkers. A book and a hammock between coconut palms is very acceptable.
Guest rooms with mesh covered windows open to the breeze that give you all of the comfort you need without anything excessive – providing a genuine feel. A lovely infinity pool as an alternative to the ocean. All of the staff are very friendly, helpful and welcoming. The food, especially if you like seafood, is excellent. Drinks and wines are reasonably priced as are lunches – you may not need it after a large breakfast but it was difficult to say no.
Yes, some of the things like bathroom fittings are getting a bit old and the brakish water takes a bit of getting used to but who cares – you are in a small piece of paradise which is very good value for what you get. Also, the management are working at improving things which is good to know. A future safari trip will undoubtedly lead to a stay at Pongwe afterwards – why would we go anywhere else." See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar
"Relaxing after safari at Pongwe beach"
Little touches such as providing sunhats, kikoys, a beach basket with flag to summon bar service on the beach, all day tea in the bar, were thoughtful additions. The dining room and bar were reached by a lovely walk under the coconut palms along the beach and were blessed with a lovely cooling breeze. The food was very good and the service fast.
The salt water swimming pool was very welcome to cool off, and swimming in the sea was also great at high tide. Water activities were provided straight from the beach." See all these reviews: 10n in Tanzania; 3n in Zanzibar
"Pongwe Beach Hotel review"
"Pongwe Beach Hotel Review"
The white sand and clear blue water makes for stunning scenery. The food is delicious and the staff are very friendly.
The only slight issue was that fish was the main meal every night, which my husband doesn't like, but the chef was accommodating enough to cook him something different." See all these reviews: 7n in Zanzibar; 3n in Tanzania
"Perfect post safari relaxation"
We had a superb five night break after a tiring safari – if we do another safari we will be back to Pongwe afterwards. (Worth taking a pair of aqua shoes if you want to walk out at low tide or do lots of sea swimming)" See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar
"Ponwe Beach is Paradise found"
The staff and food were perfect as well as the atmosphere in the bar (great music). This hotel experience alone is worth a trip to Zanzibar. The infinity pool was enjoyed daily as wee as walks in the ocean at low tide. The statfish became true stars as we photographed the many different types we saw while wading in the water. Starfish that looked like gingerbread with icing and navy blue sarfish and all the colorful sea urchins truly amazed us.
We also took a walk to the village when the tide was out. The local people were very friendly to us." See all these reviews: 5n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar
"Truly idyllic"
The rooms are nice and large, look out onto the beach and very very peaceful as the hotel is set away from all the large resorts found on that side of island - you really are secluded but can walk along the beach to Pongwe or cycle to the near by towns / attractions.
The food is modern / western and you get a nice range for breakfast and supper. The staff are very friendly and welcoming and provide honest advice on what to go and do / see." See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania; 3n in Zanzibar
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