Pemba Eco Lodge
Location: Shamiani Island, Kengeja, tz
Star Rating: 8.2 Stars
Property Type: Resorts
About this Property
Unique Accommodation Experience
Pemba Lodge offers a one-of-a-kind stay in bungalows crafted from recycled boats and local materials. Elevated on stilts for a cool sea breeze, each bungalow provides a cozy retreat with a touch of sustainability.
Farm-to-Table Dining
Indulge in fresh organic meals at the on-site restaurant, featuring wild seafood and garden-grown vegetables. Sip on a drink at the recycled-wood bar for a truly eco-friendly dining experience.
Adventure and Relaxation
Explore the vibrant marine life with snorkeling and kayaking facilities or unwind with a Swahili massage. With diving trips and mangrove tours available, there's no shortage of activities to enjoy at Pemba Lodge.
Ready to experience eco-luxury by the beach? Book your stay at Pemba Lodge now!
Important Information
The government of Zanzibar, introduce new government Tax, for small islands located within Zanzibar, the guest who book the hotel will be required to pay USD 10 or equivalent to Tanzania Shillings per person per day.
Policies
Check-in: 02:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Check-out: 10:30 AM
Amenities & Facilities
- Non-smoking rooms
- Restaurant
- Terrace
- Family rooms
- Luggage storage
- Express check-in/check-out
- Safety deposit box
- Tour desk
- Car hire
- Massage services
- Non-smoking throughout
- Private check-in/check-out
- Board games/puzzles
- Shuttle service (additional charge)
- Concierge service
- Outdoor furniture
- Fruits
- Staff adhere to local safety protocols
- Guest rooms disinfected between stays
- Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
- Physical distancing rules followed
- Hand sanitizer in guest room and key areas
- Fire extinguishers
- First aid kit available
- Sanitized tableware & silverware
- Guests can opt-out any cleaning services during stay
- Shared stationery like menus, pens are removed
- Guest room sealed after cleaning
- Physical distancing in dining areas
- Key access
- Process in place to check health of guests
- Face masks for guests available
- 24-hour security
- Delivered food - securely covered
- Express check-in
- Snorkeling on site
- Airport transportation - pickup (surcharge)
- Airport transportation - drop-off (surcharge)
- Beach umbrellas
- Pool sun loungers
- Games
- Housekeeping on request
- Wine release events
- Japanese garden
- Fishing nearby
- Water sports equipment
- Beach club nearby (surcharge)
- Bicycle-friendly property
- Beach toys
- Vegetarian menu options available
- Paddle boating nearby
- Accessible shuttle
- No accessible shuttle
- Accessible train station shuttle
- No accessible train station shuttle
Rooms Available
-
Family Bungalow
4 Queen Beds
1184-sq-foot room, located on the ground floor, beach views
Layout - 4 bedrooms
Sleep - Blackout drapes/curtains
Bathroom - Shared bathroom, bathrobes, and towels
Practical - Safe and laptop workspace; rollaway beds (surcharge) available on request
Comfort - Daily housekeeping and ceiling fan
Accessibility - Hardwood flooring in room
Need to Know - No cribs (infant beds) available, bed sheets not available, toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 12 (8 Adults)
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- Bathrobe
- Hardwood or parquet floors
- Daily housekeeping
- Ceiling fan
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Rainfall showerhead
- No cribs (infant beds)
- Laptop-friendly workspace
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
- Location - ground floor
- Bed sheets not available
-
Jahazi Family House
1 Double Bed OR 2 Twin Beds
Overlooking the beach
Layout - Bedroom and sitting area
Sleep - Blackout drapes/curtains
Bathroom - Shared bathroom, bathrobes, and towels
Practical - Safe and laptop workspace
Comfort - Daily housekeeping and ceiling fan
Accessibility - Hardwood flooring in room
Need to Know - Bed sheets not available, toothbrush and toothpaste not available, no cribs (infant beds) or rollaway/extra beds available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 4 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- Bathrobe
- Hardwood or parquet floors
- Daily housekeeping
- Ceiling fan
- Separate sitting area
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Rainfall showerhead
- No rollaway/extra beds
- No cribs (infant beds)
- Laptop-friendly workspace
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
- Bed sheets not available
-
Deluxe Room
The spacious double room provides a private entrance, a seating area, a terrace with sea views as well as a private bathroom featuring a shower. The unit offers 4 beds.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- Bathrobe
- Desk
- Seating Area
- Fan
- Private bathroom
- Shared toilet
- Private entrance
- Sofa
- Hardwood or parquet floors
- Mosquito net
- Wardrobe or closet
- Terrace
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Wine glasses
- Body soap
- Adapter
-
Bungalow (2 Adults)
This room features a private balcony overlooking the Indian Ocean.
It contains a four-poster bed with a mosquito net and a bathroom with a shower.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- Bathrobe
- Desk
- Seating Area
- Fan
- Private bathroom
- Private entrance
- Sofa
- Hardwood or parquet floors
- Mosquito net
- Wardrobe or closet
- Terrace
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Wine glasses
- Body soap
- Adapter
-
Budget double room in sharing Bungalow
The double room offers a private entrance, a seating area, a terrace with sea views as well as a private bathroom featuring a shower. The unit offers 4 beds.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- Bathrobe
- Seating Area
- Fan
- Private bathroom
- Shared toilet
- Private entrance
- Hardwood or parquet floors
- Mosquito net
- Wardrobe or closet
- Terrace
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Wine glasses
- Body soap
- Adapter
Guest Reviews
- Malte (10/5): - It was remote, far away from everything - that‘s what I like.
I like the idea of being Eco: no plastic, waterless toilets etc. Very good! The Pemba Eco Lodge organzes a pick up from the airport (or elswhere), this is more or less the only way to get to the property. Well organized - but you should know that. And it would be nicer if this pick up service would be a little cheaper…
- Britta (8/5): -
- Annette (9/5): Sehr empfehlenswerte Ökolodge. - Frühstück und Dinner waren lecker zubereitet, alles frisch aus der Region. Toller Koch.
Die Lage ist traumhaft, ein herrlicher Strand, weit und breit keine Autos o. ä., da auch nur Fusswege. Ein Strand, der ohne Watchmen auskommt.
Angenehm und sauber die Trockentoiletten.Geringer ökologischer Impact.
Die Bungalows sind grosszügig. Die Angestellten der Lodge sehr freundlich und hilfsbereit. Der einzige Wermutstropfen war, dass wir am Schluss die Tax nochmal zahlen mussten, obwohl wir sie auch mit der Buchung über booking schon gezahlt hatten.
Da man mit dem Boot übergesetzt wird, muss man je nach Gezeitenstand vom anderen Ende von Shamiani zur Lodge laufen. Man wird aber begleitet und es ist ein schöner Weg. Die Begleiter haben unser Gepäck getragen. Man sollte nicht wie wir mit Rollkoffer kommen, besser mit Rucksack. Das war hart für die Begleiter.
- nicola marco antonio (10/5): Just Fantastic! - Just Fantastic! Just Fantastic!
- Sergio (10/5): Per amanti della pace. - Pace e tranquillità Purtroppo durante il soggiorno abbiamo lasciato un paio di scarpe da ginnastica piuttosto care fuori dalla stanza e sono sparite. Avrebbero fatto meglio ad avvisarci di fare attenzione
- Matthias (7/5): - At first, we were a little disappointed by the dated simplicity and lack of style, the energy-saving lights with their harsh white glow, and the plastic washed up on the beach. However, we decided to stay and didn't regret it. The secluded, wonderful beach and Omar's personal and warm hospitality are unforgettable. We were treated to delicious meals and even had candlelight at our request. Omar was very empathetic and able to respond to our criticisms and special requests. We embraced a few days of genuine African hospitality. We met locals who came daily to collect shells and fish.
Instead of just loitering on the beach and complaining, we started collecting the plastic waste that washed up every day, with visible success. Eventually, even the village children helped us. The residents of this paradise are completely overwhelmed by the waste problem, ignoring, burying, or burning this foreign garbage as a makeshift solution. Neither the authorities nor the owners of Pemba Lodge seem to be offering any solutions. Furthermore, there are concerns that if the trash were collected regularly, it would simply end up back in the ocean.
Perhaps our initiative will inspire others, perhaps the local population will develop a greater awareness over time, and perhaps Adam, the manager on site, could organize trash collection days in conjunction with the local school, thereby raising awareness of this issue. Small, rewarding gestures could help win people over.
- Julie (6/5): Cadre magnifique mais prestations trop chères. Manque d’hygiène dans la salle de bains - Le cadre est magnifique, très calme et bien entretenu, avec une belle plage, une nourriture de qualité (notamment les poissons frais) et un personnel aimable et attentionné. Plusieurs points sont à améliorer : le matelas était beaucoup trop dur, il y avait une forte odeur d’humidité dans la salle de bain (dotées de toilettes sèches), et aucun gel douche ni shampoing n’était fourni. Le ménage n’est pas fait automatiquement chaque jour, même avec ce type de toilettes, ce qui est gênant.
Les repas ne peuvent se faire que sur place car nous sommes très isolés. Ils sont bons mais chers (20$/personne pour un menu unique donc 40$/personne/jour pour déjeuner & dîner) et cette information n’était pas précisée sur Booking, tout comme la taxe gouvernementale de 10$/nuit/personne et la majoration de 3 % pour les paiements par carte bancaire lors du checkout.
La sortie snorkeling (45$/pers) et le transfert vers l’aéroport (50$) nous ont également semblé onéreux.
- Marc (10/5): - We had a great stay at the eco lodge. Everyone was very nice and the lodge realy feels a bit like paradise on a remote island. Pick up and drop off by boat were smooth. It is best to arrive and leave at day time during high tide, which allows for landing on the beach by the lodge. The food was extraordinary. We had lunch and dinner every day, never the same food twice. For a few days you can do nice activities like snorkeling, kayaking and walks arround the island. We can only recommend going there. The bed's matrace was a a bit too hard. Besides that, everything was fine. From reading previous reviews we can add that that bins and hangers for clothing were added to the rooms.
- Julia (9/5): -
- ALI (10/5): -
- Evert (9/5): Heerlijk relaxed op een fantastische plek. heel vriendelijk personeel. - Fantastisch locatie, aan een hagelwit strand. Alleen met een bootje te bereiken. Vriendelijke medewerkers en heel goed eten. Wij zijn er 4 dagen met het gezin geweest (2 kinderen 18 en 16 jaar oud). Heerlijk relaxed. Als het vloed is kan je vanaf het strandje zwemmen. Het snorkelen op het rif is fantastisch mooi. Wat een diversiteit aan kleurrijke vissen. Lunch zat niet in de prijs. Dus deze moet je er bij kopen. Boodschappen doen of zelf klaar maken is geen optie.
- Claire (1/5): Surtout passer votre chemin ... - la vue sur la plage ce lieu de vacances n'en est pas un. Il s'agit d'un ilot éloigné de Pemba sur lequel il n'y a absolument rien a faire. Le confort est déplorable, les lits sont durs comme du bois, la douche a l'eau de pluie froide, les repas peu appétissants ect. Vous ne pouvez pas sortir de l'ile sauf a payer 50$ pour marcher 30 minutes pour rejoindre une barque, passer 25 minute dans la mangrove et finir a pied 15 minute dans la boue. Ensuite il faut encore 1h15 de taxi pour rejoindre un semblant de civilisation. Dans l'hôtel 1 seule prise disponible a la réception pour charger ses appareils. Pour la baignade celle ci est quasiment impossible car pas d'eau la moitié de la journée suite aux marées et rien a voir dans l'eau lorsque la marée est haute. Il est dit qu'une barrière de corail est accessible mais pas du tout. Il faut s'y rendre en bateau a 5 minute pour 50$ chacun. La barrière est cassée et seuls quelques pauvres poissons arrivent a survivre. Si vous voulez vous promener dans l'ile il faut payer un droit de passage aux habitants vivants sur les lieux. Vous voulez observer deux pauvres tortues dans la vase il faut payer 10$ si vous mettez les pieds dans l'eau il faut payer 20$ par personne. Une honte absolue. Vous ne pouvez pas vous rendre au village a coté car les gens sont tellement pauvre sur place que vous vous faites agresser. Du coup on vous propose d'aller découvrir la misère avec un guide pour 20$. L'hôtel vous met soit disant des kayak pour aller dans la mangrove. La aussi une bien belle arnaque. Il s'agit de Kayak de rivière qui sont percés. Donc vous payer 20$ pour vous renverser a 20 mètre du bord et ne rien pouvoir faire. il n'y a qu'un BED et 2 transats sur la plage tous cassés. Surtout passer votre chemin avant que le piège se referme sur vous.
- Andrew (10/5): A week in paradise! - Location is simply stunning - and beautifully quiet. Nature at its very best. The lodges were very simple and perfect for the location. We were supremely well looked after by Adam and his team. The food was all local, fresh and beautifully cooked. Pemba Lodge really is one of a kind if you are looking for a simple, natural getaway. A truly amazing place! Beds were a little hard.
- Jon (10/5): Outstanding and very good value for the money. - Beautiful and very relaxing. Extremely good value for money and especially in Pemba.
Very friendly and service oriented staff.
Thanks Omar Tours and excursions is probably a little over priced for the region.
- Lucie (10/5): Exceptional - Thank you so much for all. This place is a heaven on earth!
- Joar (10/5): Exceptional - I have now been to Misali sunset beach hotel and pemba paradise, for me the eco lodge was the best experience. So authentic!!!
The location is perfect for a exploring getaway! Friendly staff. Not crowded at all, at one of our nights we were the only guests at the resort. The beaches are so prestine and beautiful!
Snorkeling and turtle aquarium I recommend!
Food is excellent, super fresh tuna! The best I have ever tasted!!
- Barker (10/5): Exceptional -
- Ferdinand (10/5): Exceptional - everything, especially omar made our trip very easy and comfortable. nothing
- Ferdinand (10/5): Exceptional - amazing stay, omar made our kitesurf trip even more special. Thank you so muchmuch for we will definitely come back nothing to say
- Raquel (1/5): Un desastre - We reserved by Booking and then we exchanged some messages to access the hotel (by private boat), it was only when we were at the hotel almost with the sun down, that they told us that we had only paid for two people for one night. If we wanted to stay the night, we had to double the price and they kicked us out the next day, even if we had two nights reserved and even if Booking sent un email insisting in our rights. They refused to get in contact with Booking saying it was our obligation to contact them. The managers treated us really badly, we were defenseless. Even for this review, they told us they would delete it.
- Matias (10/5): Exceptional - The perfect place to relax in nature
- Siri (9/5): Peaceful - Beautiful location, stunning. Kayaking was a great experience. Can’t think of anything I disliked, but people who are not used to eco-toilets may not like that.
- Enrico (3/5): Poor - Amazing food, friendly and helpful staff, beach in front of the rooms. - TOILET: a hole without water with sawdust causing disgusting smell throughout the room. we tried to use the toilet as little as possible to limit the smell. A nightmare!
- WATER from the tank, little and brownish
- The lodge is completely ISOLATED, on a small island in a lagoon with nothing around. You depend on the lodge services to go anywhere. (ex 250 dollar to go to Misali Island!).
- TIDES: until 4 pm is low tide, there is no water, you can't swim and if you have to reach the hotel from Pemba or viceversa, you have to walk 20 minutes in the mud and then 20 minutes under the sun.
- Absolutely unfair PRICE for the quality of services
- Monika (9/5): Superb - Staff friendliness and location were both incredible. The experience was overall an unforgettable one, being at a completely secluded paradise island. The staff would always try to accommodate any requests. Room has impeccable views. Everything was overall good for us. However, if one expects luxury, then this is not the right hotel, given its rusty vibe. Also, there is no menu for dinner and it depends on the catch of the day. However, we personally loved this eco-side of the hotel.
- Jody (8/5): Beautiful, magical location if you are fine NOT swimming. - The food was excellent, even for us vegans! The location was very out of the way and tranquil; there was a couple of trails to walk but, for the most part, there was little else to do as the water out to the reef, which was very far, was too shallow for swimming or snorkeling. Also, the scuba diving was very far, so this is the perfect place to just veg and relax! The bed was very hard and uncomfortable.
- Fırat (2/5): I only recommend for nature. - nature was great There was no water, the toilet and bathroom were very bad. I stayed for 2 days and I couldn't take a shower
- Melanie (8/5): Very good - really private with beautiful hidden beaches Not so much light in the lodge (the bedroom and bathroom)
- Maria (10/5): Exceptional -
- Amélie (2/5): - Il n’y a aucune piscine contrairement à ce qui est indiqué dans la description!! Déception donc totale! En plus qu’en raison des marées, la mer disparaissait toute la journée.
Toilettes sèches, douches d’eau brune, des trappes à rats doivent être installées dans les chambres chaque soir, aucun choix de menu (vous mangez ce qui est préparé), aucun frigo sur le site, endroit très isolé, massages médiocres.
Nous étions les seuls clients du séjour et avons compris pourquoi!
A l’arrivée, nous avons marché dans la boue avec nos valises avant de prendre un bateau qui nous a menés à un sentier aride et une marche de 25 minutes sous Le Soleil ardent.
Point fort: personnel très serviable, gentil et disponible
- Reingard (9/5): Superb - Great Lodge, they really live the eco-aspect and service and food are marvellous. Just a tiny aspect: it is only possible to swim when there's the flood.
- Volker (9/5): Superb - nice hidden place off the beaten tracks
- Dejan (9/5): peaceful eco experience - seafood with the catch of the day and only fresh food
massoud and the whole team
the place very quite and peaceful maybe add more sunbeds and fix broken ones
- Mishl (8/5): Very good -
- fikret kerem (10/5): Unique experience on vast private beach - Side activities, while pricey, are highly recommended to make the best of this unparalleled journey away from civilisation.
- Harold Lavack (10/5): Expedia's webpage description of hotel is wrong - Expedia said flights included in the price, booked two flights, hotel from 12/26/17 to 1/02/2018, only trouble there was a third flight required at a cost of $360US not include in the price, yet it said flights included,. That is where the trouble began.
We couuld not get to the Hotel as booked, arrived at 7:10 at night, no transportation, no hotel that night, stayed at the Airport in Zanzibar overnight, yet booked/confirmation at Pemba Lodge for the 26th of December.
Lost days accomodation, third flight on the 27th eventually to Pemba Lodge.
- Sheila (8/5): Eco hotel-the best setting to enjoy the island - Pemba Lodge is an eco-hotel with composting toilets, fresh fish meals, and solar and wind power. It is great for those who wish to enjoy the incredible beauty of the island and seeing all the stars. The east facing beach is exquisite and there is a western beach to watch the sunset. Sleeping to the roar of the ocean is a not to be missed experience as is the massage lady who comes from the nearby village.
Visitors should know that the lodge is on an island and thus needs to be reached by a short boat ride, the boat picks up where the taxi from the airport stops. There is then a walk to lodge, not too far but must be factored in. The lodge staff are exceptional and lots to be learned from them. The food is five star and all meals provided.
- James (10/5): Island paradise - the best beach you'll ever see - Pemba lodge is a paradise dream. It's an eco lodge so existence is simple but beautiful. The beach and the bay is the most stunning you will ever see - and staying there you almost have a private island to yourself! Suleman the manager and his team are amazing - very attentive and knowledgeable and the food is a real gem. Simple and local but straight out the sea.
Massively recommend for anyone that wants to escape the world and be surrounded by beauty and nature
Photos