Experiences

Beach & Islands

Rich culture and magnificent beaches

Many travelers love to combine their safari with a little bit of relaxation on a beautiful stretch of coastline. Places where palm trees sway gently, and cocktails and sunsets make a daily exchange. It’s pleasing to know that there are a few places that don’t immediately spring to mind – those which you wouldn’t otherwise consider unless you were ‘in the know’… For this reason, they are much less frequented and therefore perfect for those that are looking for more seclusion and a healthy dose of escapism, before heading back home to the reality of life and routine.

BEACH & ISLANDS HIGHLIGHTS

Our ‘not to be missed’ recommendations for your beach holiday

Zanzibar

The Spice Island of Zanzibar lies off the coast of Tanzania, a short flight from Dar es Salaam. Once the commercial center of East Africa, it has a fascinating history; it was also the last place on earth to abolish slavery. Ancient Islamic ruins and grand old merchant homes with the Indian Ocean as a backdrop – this beautiful little island offers far more than your average beach destination.

Zanzibar is an ideal spot to relax and unwind after all the excitement of a bush safari. It’s also perfect as a romantic honeymoon destination.

Zanzibar is a true treat for the senses.

Seychelles

Tropical forests, lined by white-sand beaches and fringed by intensely rich coral reefs. Located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, to the East of Africa, the Seychelles is an  archipelago of scattered islands and one of the world’s most breathtaking tropical paradises.

Especially the Outer Islands form an untouched paradise, and are home to an abundance of fauna and flora. Only a short flight from Mahé – the main island where also the international airport is situated – this remote island is covered in coconut palms and tropical flora. Alphonse Island truly is a paradise, with miles of lagoons, unblemished shorelines, and sea flats.

The Seychelles: Alphonse Island is the ultimate island getaway

Mozambique

One of the most unspoiled beach destinations in Africa. Mozambique’s pristine 2,500km coastline is scattered with stunning beaches and island archipelagos. Bazaruto and the Quirimbas are the setting for a handful of exclusive, high-end beach lodges – an idyllic way to end a safari.

Azura Quilalea, located in the Quirimbas Archipelago truly is heaven on earth

More things to do and see

Experiences for your beach & island getaway
SNORKELLING & DIVING

Explore diverse coral reefs or snorkel off deserted white sandbanks and into turquoise sea, and sleep in mobile eco flycamps on uninhabited tropical islands.

EXPLORE STONE TOWN, ZANZIBAR

We highly recommend spending a day in historic Stone Town, followed by a stay at one of the small, intimate, laidback places we love sending our guests to. Tranquility defined… Get lost in the narrow alleyways of spicy Stone Town, with a property to fit every travelers wish list, this is the easiest connection to a Kenya or Tanzania safari, and does not disappoint.

ISLAND HOPPING

Sail on an authentic dhow on the Indian Ocean by day, and camp on pristine remote islands by night. If you have always longed to feel the wind propelling you across the warm Indian Ocean, a dhow sailing adventure tops the memory bank.

Whether you go out to sea with the locals for an hour in Zanzibar or spend four days island hopping in Mozambique, it is iconic. In some places, you can even catch your dinner!

GO SEA KAYAKING

Combine sea kayaking with dhow sailing up wide coastal river mouths, teeming with red listed bird species and pristine mangrove forests.

OUR HAPPY CUSTOMERS

"From start to finish we were well looked after and made to feel like royalty with the attention to detail"

KAY (UK), TRAVELLED OCTOBER 2016

The perfect beach & islands stays

Some of our preferred beach lodges

Arrive on the airstrip and row across the lagoon towards the camp
Relax on a beach bed
Enjoy the incredible views towards the Indian Ocean from the beach cottages at Ras Kutani
Enjoy a private dinner while overlooking the Indian Ocean

Ras Kutani

Swahili Coast, Tanzania

Sitting in a cushion of tropical forest on the banks of a fresh water lagoon with a deserted beach, Ras Kutani is a beautiful Polynesian style hideaway. Its simple design blends in with the beautiful surroundings and consists of 12 private and well-spaced bandas – all with en-suite facilities, verandas and views out over the sea, gardens or lagoon – as well as three Upepo suites, a swimming pool and massage facilities.

Ras Kutani is located on the mainland coast and is just a 20 minute flight from Dar es Salaam. A stunning location!

Alphonse Island

Outer Islands, Seychelles

Situated an hour flight from the main island Mahé, the Outer Islands of the Seychelles are comprised of 72 remote coral islands. The islands comprise 9 important bird areas, the largest population of giant tortoises, nesting grounds for turtles and over 180 bird species.

Alphonse Island is a beautiful ocean wilderness, consisting of 30 beach bungalows, 5 beach suites – all with a private pool – and 2 beach villas. Truly a paradise on earth.

Vamizi Island

Vamizi Island, Mozambique

Vamizi Island is a sanctuary, small and intimate, offering the definitive barefoot luxury of your own private island. Just 12 kilometres long and 1 kilometre wide, it is fringed with gently-shelving beaches and calm waters and is a haven for adults and children alike, with miles of unpadded white sand waiting to be explored.

Six individually designed luxury villas are scattered along the edge of the idyllic Vamizi Island. We find this a very expensive option that will only work well for small groups or families looking for private beach luxury.

Spacious guest bedroom
Superb beachfront location
Enjoy the beautiful pool
Dining area

The Majlis Hotel

Lamu, Kenya

Situated on Manda Island in the Lamu archipelago, off Kenya’s Northern Coast, this privately owned luxury beach hotel offers a perfect blend of traditional Swahili culture, Western comforts and luxury. The superb beachfront location and breathtaking views over the bay and Lamu Island make the perfect setting and ideal accommodation for some barefoot luxury and informal pampering.

The Majlis offers 25 deluxe rooms and suites, with verandahs that open out to sun-drenched beaches. The spacious rooms are all decorated in timelessly elegant Lamu style, and are all well-appointed and fully air-conditioned. The facilities at this boutique hotel include two bars, two swimming pools and the Majlis restaurant where you can experience the finest cuisine while enjoying a panoramic view of the bay.

Rubondo Island Camp

Lake Victoria, Tanzania

In the south west corner of Africa’s largest lake, Lake Victoria, Rubondo Island has lain unexplored for decades. Africa’s largest island national park is home to wild chimpanzees, elephants, giraffe and the elusive sitatunga. At this time, you will not (yet) be able to see the actual chimps as researchers on the island are still habituating them to human interaction. However, you will have the opportunity to witness their natural habitats as well as speaking at length to the researchers in camp in the evenings.

The camp – the only lodging on this verdant island – immerses you in this lust and unspoilt eco-system. From its lakefront location to the ecofriendly design of the 8 cottages, the camp offers unrivalled access to this one-of-a-kind destination. With over 200 species of bird, this sub-tropical forest eco-system is pristine and is waiting to be explored; enjoy nature walks, boat excursions, swamp excursions, and fishing trips on this wild and off the beaten track island, where elephant roams wild, colourful birds and butterflies flit through the pristine indigenous rainforest and the waters teem with hippo, crocodile and the iconic Nile perch.

Watch over the Indian Ocean from your own hammock
Enjoy a sand bank picnic
Guest bedroom interior
Take a dip in the plunge pool

Matemwe Lodge

Zanzibar, Tanzania

An intimate lodge with just 12 luxury suites, each with views over the Indian Ocean. The relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff and excellent seafood, along with two swimming pools and lush gardens make it the ultimate, exclusive beach location. Its remoteness will make you feel like you’re on your own private beach.

Relax in beach paradise
A traditional Zanzibar feel
Enjoy ocean views from the pool
Guest bedroom interior

Pongwe Beach Hotel

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Set in a stunning location on top of rocks that tower above a small bay. Pongee Beach Hotel has a traditional Zanzibar feel: white-washed walls and thatched roofs, a lush garden with palm trees, friendly staff as well as a swimming pool. All rooms have private bathrooms and ceiling fans. This is the best mid-range option on Zanzibar in our opinion – very relaxed and intimate.

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