Getting away from it all

The top five most remote places to stay in the Zanzibar Archipelago

Coralie
Coralie
Travel Co-ordinator
Published on
02 Nov 2017
Updated on
28 Apr 2025
Chapwani Private Island Island

The Mafia Archipelago – Butiama Beach

Butiama Beach Beachfront
Butiama Beach beachfront

Mafia Island is a much-less visited area south of Zanzibar mainland. It has a variety of lodges, one of which is Butiama Beach based on the west coast near the town of Kilindoni.

Butiama Beach provides 13 homely bungalows which are suitable for individuals, couples and families. They have been built from reclaimed hardwood used for sailing dhows and are styled to provide a feeling of tropical island paradise.

Butiama Beach Bungalow
Butiama Beach bungalow

Prices start from £111 per person, per night and, though there is not as much to do on this more remote island than Zanzibar mainland, one of the biggest attractions at Butiama Beach is the opportunity to swim with whale sharks.

Chapwani Private Island

Chapwani Private Island Island
Chapwani Private Island aerial view

This small island of tropical wood and sandbanks can be accessed by a 15-minute boat ride from Stone Town on the western coast of Zanzibar. At just under 1km long, the island houses a surprising array of wildlife, including the rare Giant Crab.

Chapwani Private Island Bungalow
Chapwani Private Island bungalow

With just 10 rooms and one villa, Chapwani Island is ideal as a romantic break for couples and honeymooners. The homely décor is simple, befitting an island escape, and the beautiful beaches and warm seas will leave you feeling fully rejuvenated.

Rooms start at £100 per person, per night and each bungalow includes a four-poster bed, en-suite bathroom and terrace overlooking the beach.

Chumbe Private Island

Chumbe Private Island Aerial View
Chumbe Island Lodge aerial view

Chumbe Island is around 6km off the west coast of Zanzibar island. The island is home to a reef sanctuary, a forest reserve and even two monuments. It is described as a barefoot, eco-friendly paradise.

The importance of this island as a sanctuary is reflected in its accommodation which has been designed to blend in with the surroundings. Each bungalow is equipped to catch, filter and heat its own water supply and uses solar lights. One of the best parts of the design is that you can open the front wall at night so that you can look out at the stars.

Chumbe Private Island Lodge
Chumbe Island Lodge beach house

There are just seven bungalows starting from £191 per person per night. As well as being a relaxing island getaway, Chumbe Island has lots of opportunity to explore the native ecology and see their conservation efforts in action.

Mnemba Island

Mnemba Island Lodge Private Island
Mnemba Island Lodge beach

Based off the north-eastern tip of Zanzibar mainland, Mnemba Island is one of the more remote, and expensive island lodges. The island is just 1.5km in circumference and can be reached from Stone Town by a 90-minute drive followed by a 20-minute boat ride.

Mnemba Island Lodge Banda
Mnemba Island Lodge bungalow

The accommodation consists of 11 large bungalows which have been decorated with a combination of indigenous materials and modern luxury. Though they cater to varying group sizes, this lodge is aimed at couples and honeymooners and has been voted one of the top three ‘most romantic ocean destinations in the world’ by Conde Nast Traveller.

Per person, per night, a holiday here will cost from £940. Along with the idyllic beachfront which each bungalow has its own portion of, the island boasts its own PADI dive school which provides diving and snorkelling for varying skill levels.

Pemba Island – The Manta Resort

The Manta Resort Pemba Island Beach
Kwanini, The Manta Resort beach

Pemba Island is another island in the Zanzibar archipelago and offers a choice of resorts and lodges. One of the most iconic is Kwanini, The Manta Resort which sits on the northern tip of the island. The Manta Resort takes marine experiences to a whole new level with its Underwater Room which provides a bedroom four metres below the water level.

The Manta Resort Underwater Room
Kwanini, The Manta Resort underwater room

Prices start from £1100 and, back on the island, The Manta Resort offers a variety of accommodation for individuals, couples and families.

Speak to a Zanzibar expert today

and start planning your tailor-made holiday

Call 0203 111 1315
or
Our Zanzibar Experts
Ali 1

Alistair

Otti profile pic

Ottilie

Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. We stayed in four locations, firstly at the wonderful El Karama Lodge, Laikipia Wildlife Conservancy, where we even had a visit from Ruth from Far and Wild! Then, for a return visit, to Saruni Samburu, which is absolutely stunning and still one of our favourite places in the world. Next came Basecamp Mara Camp, where we saw our first Cheetah, the only animal we didn’t see on our first visit. After that, onto the wonderful Leopards Hill in the Naiboisho Conservancy, what a way to spend the last four days of this trip. Here we finally spent many hours with a beautiful leopard. Throughout our time in Kenya, we saw many lions, giraffes, elephants, ostriches, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, to name just a few. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. Since our return again Ben phoned to see how it went in addition to emails. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait.

16 Aug 2025
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

17 Sept 2025
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

31 Jul 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

3 Jul 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

28 Jun 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

5 Jun 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

5 Jun 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

5 Jun 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

5 Jun 2024