Pemba Eco Lodge Hotel

The setting is stunning and quiet, with white sand right outside the door, and the staff were consistently friendly and ready to help. It was a pleasant stay, though there’s room to improve the lodge and food. At meals, I was surprised not to get rice at lunch or dinner, even at such an isolated lodge. Fruit appeared at only one of our three breakfasts. Portions were so large we often shared or wasted food, and meals used mostly the same ingredients without much variation in preparation. Smaller portions or portion choices would help. The dining chairs could use comfortable pillows, and we only got napkins once. Fresh coconuts had to be requested. The rooms are spacious but feel a little empty. A washing line for wet clothes, eco-friendly hand soap, bathroom hooks for towels or clothes, and a rubbish bin would be useful. My room’s main window had no rod or curtain, which should be provided. The pillows were quite puffy for my taste, but the staff found flatter, softer ones when I asked. Everyone was helpful.

Omar, the assistant manager, made sure we were well looked after from the moment we arrived. He left us tea flasks for the morning, arranged the trips and activities we wanted, and was friendly and professional throughout. Masoud, the manager, was also easy to reach and very helpful whenever we had a question. Thanks to both of them and the team for a wonderful stay. We were three friends and the only guests there at the time. The location is breathtaking, with bright white beaches and vivid blue sea, one of the most naturally beautiful places I’ve seen. The lodge had comfortable beds, a good shower, and was well stocked. The food was fresh, tasty, and excellent at every meal. The eco toilets and rather dim lighting may not suit everyone, though they’re understandable given the rural setting and eco approach. Pemba Eco Lodge is a place I’d recommend to anyone visiting Tanzania or Zanzibar.

I enjoyed it so much that I added five more days to my stay. It’s an ideal quiet place to unwind, with friendly staff, comfortable spacious cabin rooms, and a balcony for each one. The restaurant serves nice local food, and we tried some of the activities, including kayaking and snorkeling. Pemba Lodge is the only accommodation on this long, clean stretch of natural white sand. Swimming is only possible at high tide.

The beach is absolutely stunning, and the staff were very nice, but the lodge still has a long way to go. Our cabin had a beautiful beach view, though it needed a lot of maintenance, and the sheets had stains. Getting information before our stay was difficult. I asked the reservations agent how to travel from the lodge to the main island because we planned to drive around, but what we were told before arrival was completely different from the answers we got after we arrived. It made planning hard. I also think the food could be better. I understand supplies are harder to bring in because the lodge is isolated, but the menu could include more vegetables. Local beans and greens from the village could be used for different dishes and give guests more variety. The place has potential, but it needs a lot of improvement.