Fundu Lagoon Lodge: Our View

Fundu Lagoon is a remote and peaceful high end luxury lodge set on a quiet beach on a remote peninsula in the southwestern area of Pemba Island. Pemba is one of the islands that makes up the world-renowned Zanzibar Archipelago, and is accessible by aeroplane or boat, usually from Zanzibar Main Island (Unguja) or Dar es Salaam. Fundu Lagoon is a privately owned lodge, managed with sensitivity for the natural environment that surrounds it. Wooden walkways and sandy paths lead to eighteen luxury Makuti thatched tented rooms and suites. The atmosphere here is tranquil, and the cuisine and service is excellent!

When we arrived at Fundu Lagoon by speedboat after flying into Pemba Airport and taking a road transfer to Mkoani Port (45 min), we were welcomed by their charming manager, Ramon. He and his staff carried our luggage down their very long wooden jetty to the lodge. The reason that the Fundu lagoon jetty is so long is that the lagoon upon which it is built is tidal, leading to very shallow water when the tide is out.

Ramon was the most charming and capable manager from the moment we arrived. Nothing was too much for him in satisfying his guests. Everything works like clockwork at Fundu Lagoon, yet the overriding impression here is one of calm, relaxation, and luxury. The staff are friendly and competent too, but in no way intrusive.

Fundu Lagoon is an idyllic place to unwind and enjoy total peace and relaxation. Whether it be lingering by the poolside or enjoying their spectacular views over the Indian Ocean at their large outdoor bar. Set on a pristine beach, fringed by natural forest, Fundu Lagoon offers complete privacy. It is an ideal place to visit whether you are an independent traveller or looking for a honeymoon beach destination. Fundu Lagoon is also a favourite to consider for a well-deserved break after a busy safari in Kenya or Tanzania.

Fundu Lagoon Lodge: Quick Facts

• 18 luxury thatched tented rooms and suites (suites with private plunge pools)
• En suite bathrooms
• Swimming pool/water sports
• Beach/diving (onsite dive centre)
• On site restaurant, bars, and spa
• Free Wi-FI in lounge and bar area only
• Sunset cruises
• Canoeing/kayaking
• Windsurfing
• Village visits
• Closed during the rainy season

Fundu Lagoon Lodge: The Details

There are 18 luxury rooms at Fundu Lagoon, consisting of canvas tents set under Makuti (thatch) roofs on wooden decks, all with views over the sea. The rooms are equipped with large double or twin beds, mosquito nets, ceiling and standing fans, and indoor and outdoor seating areas. Each has an en suite bathroom with fresh hot water shower, toilet, and basin. Two of the rooms are suites, with their own private chill out deck and plunge pool, and four are superior suites which also have an extensive indoor and outdoor lounge space and mezzanine platform. All the rooms are connected to the main buildings by wooden walkways or paths through indigenous forest. Some rooms are situated along the beachfront and the remaining rooms are set up on the hillside. All the rooms have amazing views, especially the ones on the hillside. Each beachfront room has its own private beach area with loungers.

Fundu Lagoon’s main lodge is also built under thatch and is large and airy, overlooking the ocean. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the main dining area or at the jetty bar (one of three bars). The coffee at Fundu Lagoon is really excellent!

The cuisine at Fundu Lagoon is a fusion of Swahili and international, with a choice of dishes. Each week there is a beach BBQ, with a bonfire under the stars and seafood cooked to order, as well as a Swahili-themed dinner on the jetty with a buffet and convivial atmosphere. All meals are on a private dining basis although it was not unusual for invitations to join tables to be offered as guests made friends.

Pemba Island is well known for its excellent scuba diving. They have a fully equipped dive centre, ‘Dive 7/10’. It was immediately apparent to us that the dive center operators were capable and professional. The diving gear was relatively new and in good condition. Diving excursions are available to nearby Misali Island with its pristine beach and snorkelling, while scuba diving is offered at various locations and distances by boat from the lodge. To reach the best scuba diving spots near Fundu Lagoon requires a full day excursion and double dive. The snorkelling off Misali island was pretty good with excellent visibility, large, multi-coloured shoals of fish, and good soft coral. Unfortunately, we did notice that the hard coral off Misali Island was degraded to an extent, a greyish colour. This is not unusual in the Zanzibar Archipelago where dynamite fishing has occurred. Now that the area around Misali Island is protected, the hard coral will hopefully recover eventually.

Dhow sunset cruises and canoe safaris through the mangroves are also available.

Excursions around Pemba Island can be organised with some advanced notice. Exploring the nearby local villages and historical sites around Fundu Lagoon was one of the highlights of our stay there. Our guide from Fundu Lagoon took us through everything from the history of the area while visiting the nearby ruins, to the medicinal use for local trees – and a lot more. We were also able to interact with the local people who spoke no English - but the guide was able to translate for us.

Fundu Lagoon Lodge has a stunning infinity hillside swimming pool with a cocktail and snack bar overlooking the ocean! The Fundu Fusion Spa here offers a wide range of pampering treatments.

The main means of visiting Pemba Island are by light aircraft charter or scheduled flight. There is also a ferry service, but this is not always reliable.

The best weather for Pemba Island is between December and March, and again from July to early November, with the optimum months being July through to September.