Jan
GoodHot weather, mostly sunny days and warm water.
Pongwe Beach Hotel
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Lodge's own rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Self-declared by the lodge, not an official grade.Hotel
Value · How we rate: Explore Africa level, based on the typical lowest nightly rate per person sharing: Value under A$400, Mid-range A$400 to A$899, Luxury A$900 to A$1,799, Ultra-luxury A$1,800 or more.
How we rate
Explore Africa level, based on the typical lowest nightly rate per person sharing: Value under A$400, Mid-range A$400 to A$899, Luxury A$900 to A$1,799, Ultra-luxury A$1,800 or more.
Illustrative image
Breakfast (BB)
Breakfast
23 rooms
Cliff Ocean Suites, Cliff Ocean Superior Suite, 2-Bedroom Beachfront Suite and 3 more
All ages welcome
Family rooms available
By air
via Abeid Amani Karume International Airport
Wi-Fi in rooms
Solar power
From about A$390
per room / night
Overview
About Pongwe Beach Hotel
Pongwe Beach Hotel sits beside a sheltered cove on Zanzibar's east coast, with 23 rooms and suites spread between tropical gardens, the beachfront and raised coral cliffs. Room choices range from garden rooms for up to three guests to two-bedroom family suites and cliff suites with private pools. A shared infinity pool overlooks the ocean, while the restaurant and bar keep meals close to the beach. Breakfast is included in the standard plan, and guests can use kayaks, paddleboards and mountain bikes without an extra charge. Families stay in the child-friendly room categories.
“A good fit for a quiet beach break, with a small room count and free kayaks, paddleboards and bikes; couples have private-pool suites, while families can choose garden rooms or two-bedroom suites.”
Best for
HoneymoonersLeisureFamilies
Known for
What you can expect to see
A sheltered beach cove, an oceanfront infinity pool and a choice of garden rooms, beachfront rooms and private-pool suites.
Your stay
What's included
Board: Breakfast (BB)
Included
- Breakfast
Not included
For the selected booking-engine rate, USD 1 per person per night of infrastructure tax is included and a further USD 3 per person per night is payable at checkout.
Optional extras (at a cost)
- Transfers
- Drinks
Airport transfers, drinks, lunch and dinner cost extra. Paid boat excursions are arranged through reception.
Facilities
Comforts and facilities
At the property
- Swimming pool
- Spa
- Restaurant
- Bar
In your room
- Wi-Fi in your room
- En-suite bathroom
- In-room WiFi
Rooms
Where you sleep
- Cliff Ocean Suites2 at the property · sleeps 2 adults · Private plunge pool, Air-conditioning, Private deck
- Cliff Ocean Superior Suite1 at the property · Indian Ocean views, Private plunge pool, Private deck
- 2-Bedroom Beachfront Suite2 at the property · sleeps 4 adults · Two bedrooms, Separate living area, Private pool, Air-conditioning
- Sea View Suites4 at the property · sleeps 2 adults · Private plunge pool, Air-conditioning
- Beachfront Roomssleeps 4 adults · Direct beach access, Air-conditioning, Private patio
- Garden Rooms3 at the property · sleeps 3 adults · Double and single bed configuration available. · Tropical garden setting, Ceiling fan, Private patio
Activities
Things to do
At extra cost
Getting there
How you'll arrive
- Abeid Amani Karume International Airport
- Transfer
- Pongwe Beach Hotel
- How you arrive
- By air · via Abeid Amani Karume International Airport
- Transfers
- The road journey from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport typically takes 45 to 60 minutes.
Good to know
Before you book
- Check-in
- From 14:00
- Children
- All ages welcome. Family rooms available
- Accepted currencies
- USD, TZS, EUR, GBP
- Dietary needs
- Special diets catered for
- Power
- Solar power
- Malaria
- Malaria area. Ask your doctor about prevention.
When to go
Best time to visit
- January: Good
- February: Best time to visit
- March: Green season
- April: Green season
- May: Closed
- June: Good
- July: Best time to visit
- August: Best time to visit
- September: Best time to visit
- October: Good
- November: Green season
- December: Good
- Best time to visit
- Good
- Green season
- Closed
Month-by-month notes
Feb
Best time to visitDry hot-season conditions and warm water.
Mar
Green seasonWarm water; long rains build as the month progresses.
Apr
Green seasonHeavy long rains. The hotel closes from 17 April.
May
ClosedThe annual closure continues through 31 May.
Jun
GoodThe main dry season begins, with cooler and less humid weather.
Jul
Best time to visitDry weather, low humidity and reliable sunshine.
Aug
Best time to visitConsistently dry conditions and cooler sea temperatures.
Sep
Best time to visitDry weather, clear water and fewer visitors than midsummer.
Oct
GoodGenerally good beach weather, with rain increasing later in the month.
Nov
Green seasonShort rains bring passing showers and greener scenery.
Dec
GoodWarm weather; short rains ease towards the end of the month.
How we judge each month
- Best time to visitAmong this property's strongest months for conditions, access and key experiences.
- GoodVery favourable conditions for this property and its key experiences.A generally good time to stay, with some normal seasonal compromises.
- Green seasonWorkable for specific priorities, with notable seasonal compromises.The property operates, but seasonal conditions bring substantial trade-offs.
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Details checked November 2026. Rates and availability are confirmed when you enquire.