Just a short distance from the Serengeti, Rubondo Island is heralded as the largest island national park in Africa, totally remote and highly suited to the African enthusiast looking for another perspective.
Situated in the southwestern corner of Lake Victoria and still within the borders of Tanzania, Rubondo is home to a pristine equatorial forest.
The 8 rooms include one family room and a Tarzan-like treehouse. A pool offers respite from the tropical heat and the large dining and lounge area has space for everyone.
The charm of the island lies in the discovery of it. Whether you prefer to view the chimpanzees, the resident elephants and giraffes, the resident bird species or you prefer to actively fish for tilapia and Nile perch. The papyrus swamps are home to the mysterious sitatunga antelope, rare orchids, butterflies and frogs.
Have you been everywhere in Africa? Rubondo is for those who want to get under the skin of the remote places in Africa, see the unusual species and experience an island in one of Africa’s most iconic lakes.
Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.
Pole Pole is located in the Chole Bay area, near Utende village on the southeast coast of Mafia Island overlooking the Mafia Marine Park. Directly on the beach, set in tropical gardens, Pole Pole offers spectacular views of the Mafia Archipelago and the Indian Ocean. Seven spacious en suite bungalows are set among coconut palms overlooking the bay. Two Family bungalows are larger with two rooms separated by the bathroom and a small corridor for privacy. All have large verandas furnished with Zanzibari beds, chairs, tables and armchairs.
Situated on a private island, a short boat ride from the main island of Zanzibar, Mnemba Island Lodge offers sheer unpretentious paradise. If you have ever dreamt of being marooned on an island with white beaches overlooking azure seas whilst luxuriating in fine linen and dining on a world-class fare, then Mnemba is for you. Each of the ten traditionally sculptured, luxurious bandas has direct access onto the beach and the water beyond. The very comfortable bar and romantically lit dining room tempt you in after a sunset dhow cruise where the bartender knows just how to mix the perfect Dawa cocktail.
The Aiyana is nestled on the northern edge of Pemba Island, only a 30-minute mini-plane ride from Zanzibar. Designed and built with the area’s natural beauty in mind, traditional materials were sourced from the island, creating a simplistic finish to the hotel. The Aiyana has 30 villas, consisting of four categories of rooms from a junior suite to a presidential villa, offering views out over the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean. The waters that surround the island feature some of the best snorkelling and diving sites, with spectacular coral reefs and a vast range of marine life.
Fundu Lagoon is located on the west coast of Pemba Island, immediately north of Zanzibar. The surrounding coral shores of the Indian Ocean represent a unique environment that is listed among the very top dive locations in the world. This discrete hideaway has 18 bungalows, including six suites. Luxury tents with traditional Zanzibari roofing, handcrafted local hardwoods and furniture all have glorious ocean views. The food is excellent and draws on fresh, locally caught fish, traditional Swahili flavours and classic European favourites. Other facilities here include an infinity pool and spa area, three bars and Dive 710 – a fully equipped dive centre with a fleet of boats for divers of all capabilities, snorkellers and water sport enthusiasts.
This tiny, tropical island lies off the coast off Mafia Island, midway down the Tanzanian Coast. An airy, spacious villa sits in front of the coralline white beach, whilst lush forest fills the interior of the island. Secluded and exclusive, this tranquil island is just 350 metres wide, surrounded by a subaquatic network of unspoilt coral reefs.
Ras Kutani lies on an undeveloped Indian Ocean beach, a four-kilometre crescent of white sand and gentle surf. Cooled by the trade winds and surrounded by tropical forest, it is adjacent to a freshwater lagoon.
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
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