Unguja Lodge

Unguja Lodge is a small owner run lodge near Kizimkazi village on the south west coast of Zanzibar. The lodge, set in mature gardens, overlooks the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean and a wonderful sandy beach at low tide. Children aged two years and above are welcome.

Accommodation & Facilities
The property has ten private villas and two family houses. Seven of the villas and both family houses overlook the sea and a private terrace whilst the three remaining villas are set in the garden beneath large baobab trees. The two family houses are air conditioned and built on two levels with the downstairs featuring an open plan sitting room, bedroom with double bed and en-suite bathroom and sea view terrace. Upstairs there are two twin bedded rooms with en-suite bathrooms and a shared balcony. The family houses sleep six.  The large swimming pool is the centrepiece of the main areas and is child-friendly, with steps and a shallow end. The main areas have thatched makuti roofs, coconut tree wood furniture and colourful material providing plenty of Zanzibari character. There is a bar and dining area where simple, fresh, food using mainly local ingredients is served.

Eating & Sleeping
Children can have separate meal times and the chef is happy to discuss the children’s preferences on your arrival and provide accordingly.  Specific dietary requests can be accommodated with advance  notice.  With advance warning it is possible to provide a local babysitter who can spend several hours with the children, during the day or part of the evening. Babysitting rates depend on the time of day and duration and typically costs between US$10 and US$20 per day.

Activities
There are a number of activities on offer at Unguja Lodge including scuba diving organised by the well-equipped PADI centre, exploring the house reef which is within swimming distance of the lodge,  snorkelling, taking a ‘Robinson Crusoe’ trip, sunset dhow cruises, guided village walks, spice tours and visits to Stone Town.  For guests just wishing to relax there’s also a lovely swimming pool.

Specifically for children …
The staff at the Unguja Divers – the in-house PADI centre are great with children and have ample experience in teaching and entertaining them. On offer are snorkelling excursions by boat, or classes for children in the swimming pool.