Extraordinary Africa>Tanzania>Zanzibar>Fumba Beach Lodge
Fumba Beach Lodge is a peaceful kinda place – a low key barefoot hideaway that spills onto one of Zanzibar’s most secluded stretches of coastline. Set on the Fumba Peninsula, within the protected Menai Bay Conservation Area, it offers a rare combination of tranquillity, natural beauty and the chance to watch the sun melt into the Indian Ocean – something few lodges on Zanzibar’s busier east coast can offer.
What’s Fumba Beach Lodge really like?
The lodge sits above a small, cove‑like beach with only 26 free‑standing ensuite cottages or ‘bandas’ scattered through its lush gardens of palms and baobabs. Designed to offer privacy, space and a gentle connection to nature, the thatched rooms are simple but well appointed, with all the necessities including tea/coffee-making facilities, mini-fridges, safes, desks, fans, mosquito nets and hairdryers. The majority of the accommodation is comprised of Deluxe Rooms; 8 Garden View and 12 Sea View, the latter coming with the added bonus of views over the ocean. Two Luxury Suites, meanwhile, have private decks and roof terraces. For honeymooners, or for those wanting something a little more special, there’s the two Baobab Suites cradled around a 900 year old baobab tree, with open air bathrooms and direct access to the beach. The style is characterful and rustic- this is not a spot for gold taps and iPad controlled rooms. In fact, Wi-Fi is only available in certain public areas of the lodge, giving guests a chance to totally switch off.
What can I do at Fumba Beach Lodge?
In front of the rooms, you’ll find a small stretch of beach with sun loungers and shade provided by the palm trees and umbrellas. The main areas include a breezy restaurant and bar serving simple, tasty food, a swimming pool tucked among the gardens, a small spa and a watersports centre (for days when you feel like swapping serenity for salt spray) with PADI diving, Dhow trips and kayak rentals on offer. You’re also only half an hour from Stone Town should you wish to explore…
Families at Fumba Beach Lodge:
Fumba Beach Lodge is ideal for kids (some of the rooms are interconnecting which is great for younger travellers and their parents), especially those who enjoy nature, swimming and spotting monkeys swinging in the trees. The beach is small and sheltered, making it a gentle introduction to Zanzibar’s coastline, though you’ll need to keep an eye on little ones at high tide.
Giving back at Fumba Beach Lodge:
The lodge’s setting within the Menai Bay Conservation Area is central to its identity and, as such, by staying at Fumba Beach Lodge, guests contribute directly to the protection of the island’s marine ecosystem and the livelihoods of the coastal communities who depend on them. Fumba Beach Lodge gives back specifically by providing support to local schools and small businesses in Fumba Village. In short, it’s a place where simple pleasures, natural beauty and responsible travel come together effortlessly.
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