Beautifully decorated in the traditional Zanzibari style
A friendly, laid-back lodge integrated into the natural surroundings
Location: Unguja Lodge is set in a quiet, unspoilt part of Zanzibar at the southern tip of the island in Kizimkazi. Perched above the Menai Bay Conservation Area, the lodge is surrounded by baobab and mango trees, with direct sea views and a peaceful, natural atmosphere.
Rooms: There are 12 self-contained villas, blending traditional Zanzibari design with comfort and privacy. Seven Sea View Villas overlook the ocean, while three Baobab Villas face the gardens and feature private plunge pools. Two larger Family Houses offer generous living space for small groups. Each villa includes a spacious bedroom, open-air bathroom, baraza-style lounge and a private terrace with views of the sea or gardens.
Amenities: The lodge has a relaxed atmosphere with a central restaurant and bar serving simple, fresh meals made from scratch. Dietary requirements such as gluten-free and dairy-free can be accommodated. There’s also a large swimming pool and cocktail bar, and the setting is designed to help guests unwind and reconnect with nature.
Activities: Unguja is ideal for those keen on marine life and coastal exploration. It’s home to One Ocean, a PADI 5-star dive centre offering diving and snorkelling trips in Menai Bay. Guests can also enjoy dhow cruises, guided walks to the nearby beach, village tours or private island barbecues.
Sustainability: Unguja Lodge is deeply committed to responsible tourism. It operates with minimal environmental impact, supports local community initiatives and works actively to protect the marine life of Menai Bay.
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Best places to stay in Zanzibar Beaches
Zanzibar Trip Inspiration
When to go to Zanzibar
Find out the best time to visit Zanzibar with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is dry season in Zanzibar, it is the best time to swim with whale sharks and exploring the isles corals reefs and exotic fish, with water clarity of 25 meters.
February
February is dry season in Zanzibar, it is the best time to swim with whale sharks and exploring the isles corals reefs and exotic fish, with water clarity of 25 meters.
March
In March Zanzibar experiences a period of long rains - showers become more frequent and it can be very wet from the middle of March.
April
The long rains make April a mixed month to travel, as beaches along the Indian Coastline become very hot and wet. Activities like scuba diving take a turn, with water clarity decreasing due to the weather. We would recommend not travelling during this time.
May
Temperatures during May are high, with strong winds and continual rainfall. If you travel during this time you won't witness the best of Zanzibar.
June
June, the wet season is finally over, temperatures are cooler making it a beautiful time to lounge on the beach or explore the culturally rich Stone Town. Sporadic rainfall may occur across the month.
July
Dry season is in full swing, with consistent weather over this period with little wind and low rainfall. Diving is good during July with clarity levels increasing.
August
Dry season is in full swing, with consistent weather over this period with little wind and low rainfall. Diving is good during August with clarity levels increasing as long as the weather remains temperate.
September
Dry season is in full swing, with consistent weather, the added bonus of September is the possibility of whale watching.
October
October is the ideal month for exploring coral reefs and exotic marine life, with water clarity of 25 meters or more it is perfect for any water lovers. The weather remains temperate, with little wind and rainfall.
November
November brings the arrival of the summer rains and winds, but if you're a keen fisherman, billfish season kicks off. Otherwise, it is the best time to swim with the mighty whale shark and to go coral reef diving.
December
The wet season continues in Zanzibar during December. However, it is the best time to swim with whale sharks. Diving is not at its best but visibility is good for exploring the isles corals reefs and exotic fish.
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