Reviews of Unguja Lodge

"We had a great time - relaxing and reading and swimming. Just what we needed after our Safari. Dealing with the 'naughty monkeys' added entertainment. An experience with views to die for made it a memorable time." See all these reviews: 5n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar

"Wonderful lodge accommodation and fine dining.
They gave us a truly memorable New Year's Eve party!
Excellent access to the airport and Jozani forest minimizing transfer times.
Wonderful Sunset Dhow sail and excursion by dhow to sand bar for lunch via snorkeling site.
The only downside is that the fringing reef is so degraded by over fishing that the diving was disappointing. Not their fault, just how it is." See all these reviews: 5n in Zanzibar; 1n in Kenya

"I had a very enjoyable stay at Unguja Lodge. The grounds were good for watching birds, lizards, elephant shrews, monkeys, a red colobus monkey, and hearing rock hyraxes. I was accompanied on my walks round the grounds to watch birds by one of the security guards, who was a good spotter and charming companion. These included plenty of sparrows, some sunbirds, golden weavers, yellow-rumped tinkerbird, lilac-breasted roller, bulbuls, and a fabulous mangrove kingfisher which dived into the swimming pool and perched on a tree above.

On the beach wading in the pools at low tide were a whimbrel, crab plover, greater sandplovers, dimorphic egrets, sanderlings.

I had two snorkelling trips, one to Nici reef (excellent) and the other to Kizidi reef (good).

I also went on a Spice Tour, which was very interesting and informative." See all these reviews: 9n in Zanzibar

"I picked this resort because of it's small number of rooms and it's proximity to good snorkeling. I am not a diver but enjoy snorkeling. This was a very good choice.

The food was excellent right out of the ocean. The staff was friendly and helpful. The trip to the neighboring village was not to miss as it was extremely educational. We were warned about the monkey's stealth but didn't heed and therefore lost part of our morning snack.

We could watch the dolphins frolic from the resort's chaises while other vacationers had to come by boats from far away resorts. It was just beautiful and peaceful. I did suggest to the management though that they can the Mozart at breakfast and get some Tanzanian music for dinner....or better yet just listen to the waves." See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania; 2n in Zanzibar

"amazing location : nice landscape, well preserved environment
very nice set up
friendly staff
perfect location for a complete and relaxing break
nice dives to see pretty unique macro sea life" See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania; 7n in Zanzibar

"A breakdown in communication between you and us, as this is far too bigger drop from previous accommodation.
First impressions - damp smell, especially in luggage room.
Generally tired cushions and soft furnishings.
Garden outside seaview accommodation had not bee cleared and generally around rooms as cut back and left - loads of brown leaves and general tidy up not being done.
New manager, Martien apparently the Dutch couple mentioned again in your hotel information no longer go there- they've gone home to Netherlands, although one son was there as he's schooling in Arusha.
Far too remote, nowhere to walk to apart from a litter strewn village. Although I knew it was quiet, this was far to run down and alone - felt imprisoned. In the time we were there 4 people came for 2 nights - other than that it was empty. Taxi trips everywhere if you wanted trips. I don't think the windy weather helped, as it prevented snorkelling, but even so, we'd have not done that everyday." See all these reviews: 15n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar; 1n in Kenya

"Lovely peaceful and chilled out lodge. The location is stunning with views of the sea and beach. Our villa looked straight onto it. The villa was wonderful. Lots of space outside our room to sit and enjoy the scenery. As we noted in our feedback to Unguja, they could make the actual bedrooms a little more cozy with say rugs, pictures etc. It was a bit bare.

There were nice touches like lending us a beach bag and Khangas to wear.

Staff were friendly and helpful. Sophia was very organised and made sure all her guests were enjoying themselves. The boat and diving team were great too." See all these reviews: 5n in Zanzibar; 4n in Tanzania

"We found Unguja's location and ambiance to be absolutely charming. Our villa was spacious and accommodated our family very comfortably.

The staff was friendly and always helpful." See all these reviews: 7n in Zanzibar

"Landing at Zanzibar airport, we were driven south past the Jozani Forest, the endemic home to the red colobus monkey, and on to Kizimkazi, a fishing village near the tip of Zanzibar. The driver turned onto a dirt two track road and I could not help but to believe he was lost. Then shortly we pulled up to an unassuming gate and were allowed to pass onto the Unguja Lodge property. A beautiful, giant baobab tree guarded the views as we unloaded from the car, but our jaws dropped as we entered reception. The dining area and bar, a shaded patio lounge, a lovely swimming pool, and well-manicured landscaping were back dropped by the turquoise waters of Menai Bay Conservation Area. Absolutely stunning!

We took full advantage of the water based activities – a sunset sail aboard a dhow, diving in the nearby coral reefs, and snorkeling with the bottlenose dolphin. Some reviews have argued that the snorkelers are stressing the dolphins, but my observations did not support this. The dolphin we observed could easily swim off, which he eventually did, but only after hanging out for 30 minutes playing with a sea snake that he had caught.

The villas at Unguja Lodge are open with great views and well-spaced for privacy. The rooms are unconventional and simple, but a little dark for my taste. We opted to spend our downtime around the pool and the lounge rather than in our villas. The hospitality was wonderful, as was the food." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia; 7n in Tanzania; 6n in Botswana; 3n in Zanzibar; 2n in South Africa

"This lodge could be paradise, very difficult to draw a picture but just imagine what you think paradise could be like and it will fit that image. !" See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania; 7n in Zanzibar