Fumba Beach Lodge

Press Reviews

The Guardian, May 2007
"On a stretch of coast facing the mainland which has not changed for a millennium apart from the arrival of a modest electricity plant, [lies] the wonderfully isolated Fumba Beach Lodge. It's a complex of separated, secluded little houses between sea and jungle, owned and run by an Africanized Dutchman, Edwin van Zwam, whose mantra is "I don't need neighbours". Here there is only you, the sea, the jungle's edge and the sails of fishing boats that have not changed since Phoenician times.

At dusk, geckos crawl over the white walls of the lodge and falling night brings a heart-stopping polyphony of three sounds: the whisper of the sea, the timeless muezzin from the fishing village minaret, and the spectral call of a kualtbundi bird from within the jungle. "

Travel + Leisure, March 2007
"Africa's Spice Island has lured travelers to its shores since the days of the earliest traders. Glorious white beaches and dazzling water have made Zanzibar a favorite among the backpacker set, but a recent infusion of stylish hotels signals the island's coming of age. One notable newcomer is Fumba Beach Lodge, a castaway-style property of 26 breezy rooms (all with private terraces) spread over 40 beachfront acres. Divers take note: the on-site PADI-licensed dive center guarantees easy access to the nearby coral reef. In the evening, guests congregate, sundowners in hand, under a sprawling baobab tree overlooking the sea at the lodge's Dhow Fum Bar."

Bradt Guide
"South of Stone-town airport is the Fumba Peninsula, Its probably the most relaxed and friendly corner of the Island, but until recently it has seen very few visitors, Built on 40 acre of private land including 3 separate sandy cove Fumba Beach Lodge opened its door in June 2005. It's just 30 minutes drive from the airport and at present the only lodge within the Menai Bay Conservation Area.

Fumba Beach Lodge was built and designed by Edwin & Annemarie, with an eye on feature found in safari lodge's and the have done an superb job. It's a fabulous, original place that oozes style and been beautifully crafted with clean crisp lines and colours- especially in the lodge's suites.

It has 20 deluxe rooms with canopied beds, mains electricity, en-suite showers, fan and a sea-view; some can become family rooms using inter-connecting doors. There are also 6 very special suites with huge double beds and a beautifully carved, built in wooden wardrobes. there is a stylish outside shower and a magnificent double bath with a view, and large terrace doors open onto a private deck and the beach beyond. Two of these suites are cleverly built around a baobab tree.

Besides the large infinity swimming pool is an open-air restaurant specialising in sea-food, and a nearby beach bar constructed from an old dhow - a stunning spot for sundowners. Activities include the highly recommended full-day safari blue trip which explores the nearby islands and lagoons."

Guest Reviews

Reviews are only from people who have stayed there and booked through i-escape.

• “Room was excellent, clean, spacious, lovely view, location amazing. Food was excellent again. Fresh lobster. Good quantities. Varied menu. Excellent, attentive and friendly staff. Good local knowledge and English spoken.
  Overall Value was great and we will return and recommend the hotel to friends.
  We had been looking forward to the Jacuzzi, but the water was uncomfortably cold – We pointed this out to the management who provided adequate response, and refund and I have no serious complaint.”
  Michael, United Kingdom (08.11.10)