Pongwe Beach Hotel & The Island at Pongwe
CEDARBERG RATING
Premier
Overview
Set on one of Zanzibar’s most naturally protected bays, Pongwe Beach Hotel offers a relaxed and welcoming beachfront escape with a strong sense of character. It lies on one of the best beaches on  Zanzibar island, about halfway up the east coast.
The atmosphere is informal and unpretentious, centred around a palm-lined beach where calm waters are ideal for swimming for much of the day. Thoughtfully run and quietly charming, the hotel is well suited to couples and friends seeking an easygoing Indian Ocean stay with attentive service, good food and a laid-back rhythm that encourages guests to slow down and unwind.
The food at Pongwe is very good but should you wish to venture further out, the closest place would be Kiwengwa (Blue Bay Beach Resort) - a ten minute taxi ride away. The palm fringed beach has lots of shady umbrellas, loungers and hammocks so it is a great place to retreat during the hottest part of the day.
Accommodation at Pongwe Beach Hotel
There are 22 rooms at Pongwe; thirteen beach front rooms, three garden view, four sea view suites and a two-bedroom beach front suite. Each room has an ensuite bathroom and are equipped with mosquito nets. Rooms have no air-conditioning but they do have ceiling and free standing fans. The sea view suites have a plunge pool. All rooms have a balcony or terrace where you can enjoy the sunrise and a leisurely breakfast.
Activities at Pongwe
There is a very pleasant infinity pool overlooking the ocean and Pongwe Beach Hotel has is own longboat to take guests out beyond the reef, which is welcome in the low low tides which characterise this side of the island.
The bay's clear blue waters - protected by the reef one kilometre from the shore - are ideal for swimming, kayaking, snorkelling and diving. The hotel can also organise a two day scuba diving course if you fancy being more adventurous. You can also enjoy land based activities including mountain biking and a range of ball games at the hotel.
The Island at Pongwe
Just offshore, The Island at Pongwe presents a completely different experience: an intimate, adults-only retreat perched on a small coral island surrounded by turquoise waters.
Staying on The Island or just enjoying few hours at lunch or dinner will be an unforgettable experience. Accessible only by boat, the emphasis here is on seclusion, simplicity and immersion in the natural environment, making it an ideal choice for honeymooners or travellers seeking a truly secluded Zanzibar hideaway.
With only a handful of rooms, it offers exceptional privacy and a distinctly romantic feel, enhanced by minimalist design, open-air spaces and uninterrupted ocean views. The Island offers 5 standard villas (35 sqm) and 1 luxury Sultan villa (70 sqm), all facing the ocean. Each room is hidden in the shadow of the trees and has its own veranda with a romantic seating outside to enjoy sunset, sunrise and Zanzibar starry sky. The unique feature of The Island guarantees a really exclusive stay with total privacy and relax.
At A Glance
Beach within easy walking distance
Mountain biking
Swimming pool
Beautiful Landscapes
Sea views
In Pictures
Pongwe Beach Hotel & The Island at Pongwe on the map
Rooms
Beach Front Room (Double)
The Beach Front Room captures the authentic charm of Zanzibar with its thoughtfully designed interiors. Guests can sink into a traditional Zanzibari double bed, with options for additional bedding to accommodate triple or quadruple occupancy. The room features a locally woven wardrobe that showcases local craftsmanship and an en-suite bathroom with a shower. Rest is assured under mosquito netting, complemented by a gentle fan or air conditioning. A private terrace with sun beds invites relaxation, and the beach is just a stone's throw away, providing easy access to the azure waters
Beachfront (Twin/Triple)
The Beach Front Room captures the authentic charm of Zanzibar with its thoughtfully designed interiors. Guests can sink into a traditional Zanzibari double bed, with options for additional bedding to accommodate triple or quadruple occupancy. The room features a locally woven wardrobe that showcases local craftsmanship and an en-suite bathroom with a shower. Rest is assured under mosquito netting, complemented by a gentle fan or air conditioning. A private terrace with sun beds invites relaxation, and the beach is just a stone's throw away, providing easy access to the azure waters.
Sea View Suite (Double)
The Sea View Suite offers a luxurious seaside retreat designed for comfort and style. It features a spacious double bed made from rich coconut wood, a roomy storage wardrobe, and an en-suite shower for a refreshing start to the day. Guests can enjoy restful slumber under mosquito netting, aided by a gentle fan breeze. The suite includes a private terrace with sun beds for soaking in the coastal ambiance and a private plunge pool for a refreshing dip. Located just a 30-second stroll from the beach, this suite provides easy access to the soothing embrace of the sea.
Garden View (Double/Twin/Triple2)
The Garden Room embodies the essence of Zanzibari charm with its locally woven wardrobe and comfortable double bed, reflecting the island's rich cultural heritage. For guests needing extra space, triple rooms are available with an additional bed, ensuring a cozy and memorable stay. Each room features an en-suite bathroom with a shower, mosquito netting, and a fan. A private terrace provides seating, and the beach is just a 30-second walk away, offering easy access to Zanzibar’s powdery white sands and crystal-clear waters.
Cliff Ocean Suite
The Cliff Ocean Suites provide an exclusive blend of luxury and comfort, featuring high-end amenities and stunning ocean views. Each suite includes a king-size bed, a day bed, a private plunge pool, a spacious en-suite bathroom with a shower, air conditioning, ceiling fans, a desk with coffee and tea amenities, a mini fridge, and sun beds on a wooden deck.
Cliff Ocean Superior Suite
The Cliff Ocean Superior Suite offers unparalleled relaxation and luxury. This elegant and spacious suite features a large wrap-around wooden deck that provides breathtaking, uninterrupted ocean views. The outdoor space is well-appointed with a dining table, sunbeds, a cozy lounge area, and a refreshing outdoor shower, along with a private infinity plunge pool. Accommodating up to four guests, the suite includes a king-size bed, day beds, a spacious en-suite bathroom with a shower, air conditioning, ceiling fans, a workspace, coffee and tea amenities, a mini fridge, and sunbeds on the wooden deck.
Two-Bedroom Beach Front Suite
The Two-Bedroom Beach Front Suite offers the ultimate family getaway at Pongwe Beach, surrounded by swaying palm trees. This villa-style suite features 120 m² of living space and an additional 80 m² terrace with a private plunge pool, providing mesmerizing sea views. One bedroom includes a king bed and the second bedroom has twin beds. Outside, guests can enjoy a private 16 m² pool with panoramic ocean vistas, along with an exclusive outdoor area for al fresco dining. The suite is equipped with beach beds, deck chairs, and a charming hanging chair.
The Island Rooms
The Island offers 5 standard villas (35sqm) and 1 luxury Sultan villa (70sqm), all facing the ocean. All rooms are eco-friendly with no television or music from electronic devices allowed. Note there is no A/C in the rooms. Every detail is aimed to put guests in contact with the nature.
