FANJOVE PRIVATE ISLAND LODGE

Location: Fanjove Private Island Lodge is part of the Songo Songo Archipelago, located 140km south of Dar es Salaam in the Indian Ocean, opposite Kilwa on Tanzania mainland. Flights are available from Dar es Salaam to Songosongo, the main Island of the archipelago, and from here some 45 minutes by dhow to Fanjove Island. The island is less than a kilometre long and was previously uninhabited, save for some local fishermen who used it as an occasional fishing base. Nobody lives on Fanjove except guests and the lodge staff. The lodge is open from June through March, and children are welcome from the age of 6 years and above.

Accommodation: There are only six Bandas (guest huts), each featuring an en-suite bathroom with a flushing toilet and solar-heated shower open to the sky under the stars. The bandas are furnished with big beds with mosquito netting, a chest with lock and key, and are all powered by solar energy for lighting and heating water to minimize environmental impact on the island. The individual Bandas are distributed along the main beach to guarantee privacy, each with a view of the ocean.  The dhow-shaped Bandas are all made of wood from planted wood and makuti (palm leaves), only the bathroom is built in concrete but fitted in harmony with the rest of the building. The Bandas are designed to be completely open at the front to make the best of the view, with doors and curtains in different combinations at guests’ convenience for protection from wind and sun. There is a balcony upstairs for guests wishing to enjoy the view from a higher point.

Facilities & Services: The lounge, bar and dining areas are almost invisible from the boat on arrival, shaded by the beach palms and built with natural materials blending with the island background. The lodge serves delicious meals of fusion cuisine reflecting the multicultural influence from the historical past of the area; dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice. Other facilities include charging point for electronic devices in dining area, laundry service, Various water activities are available at the island, including snorkeling and diving in the crystal blue waters – equipment for snorkeling and diving are available at the lodge. Other activities include kayak safari, dhow sailing, sand bank excursion, Fanjove Island Trail, bird watching, fishing, and dolphin excursion. On the island payment for extras may be made with cash only.