Overview
Castaway chic
Fundu Lagoon is a small lodge found at the edge of a beautiful mangrove-fringed beach on the southwestern shores of Pemba Island, Zanzibar’s smaller, wilder and even more laidback sister.
Accessible only by boat, Fundu has a selection of twelve private hillside and beachfront suites built from wood, canvas and thatch for a luxury take on the castaway look. All enjoy a tremendous sense of privacy along with stunning Indian Ocean views while the suites have private plunge pools, chill out areas and larger decks.
Communal spaces include four bars, a restaurant, jetty, spa, spectacular infinity pool and a dive centre. The island remains largely undeveloped and lives up to its ‘Spice Island’ nickname with the scent of cloves perfuming the air. Bushbabies, flying foxes and vervet monkeys all call Pemba home while in the ocean, dolphins abound and a magical underwater world of coral reefs and steep ocean drop-offs make for superb diving.
Facts
At a glance
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12 rooms and suites
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Restaurant and four bars
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Infinity pool and spa
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PADI dive centre
Experiences
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![Fundu Lagoon18]()
Diving and snorkelling
Fundu Lagoon is a diver’s paradise and hosts its own five-star PADI dive centre offering courses as well as everything that more experienced divers might need. The water around Pemba includes a stunning range of pristine sites, from turquoise shallows to 100m coral drop offs and the island's remote location means that you can have the entire ocean to yourself when you go out to explore Pemba’s hidden underwater treasures.
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![Fundu Lagoon12]()
Dolphin safaris
The best time to enjoy the energy and excitement of the resident dolphin pods is early in the morning when impressive spinner dolphins jump and display. Take the boat out and see who joins you on your trip before returning to the hotel for breakfast.
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![Fundu Lagoon14]()
Kayaking
Explore the best views of the local mangrove forests during the cooler moments of the day by kayak.
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![Fundu Lagoon22]()
Village visits
Within walking distance of the resort are three traditional local villages. Our staff can show you around the unique clay houses, banana and cassava plantations as well as the local fruit and vegetable plots farmed by families.
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![Abubakar burhan pemba unsplash]()
Explore Pemba
Pemba has a long history and its capital city Chake Chake includes a museum and an old Portuguese fort. Custom-made tours can be arranged to explore the city or alternatively tour across the island to discover the heady atmosphere of spice plantations, historic ruins and visit the diverse nature on the island.
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![Fundu Lagoon3]()
Dhow cruises
Relax with a glass of wine or cold beer and refreshments aboard our traditional dhow as we sail into the sunset. Private cruises offer a romantic touch, with a bottle of champagne and fresh canapés.
Community & Culture
Fundu Lagoon was built to have as little environmental impact as possible on its stunning location, working with local resources and local craftsmen as its founders shaped the sandy pathways, sheltering Makuti thatch roofs and jetty.
Since then, it has been at the forefront of developing a sustainable style of eco-tourism that works closely with local communities to promote the conservation and environmental management of Pemba Island’s magnificent island life.
Recognizing that the real hosts are the communities that have shaped Pemba for many centuries of years, it is important to the lodge that local communities will always benefit from Fundu Lagoon as well. They work closely with neighbouring villages, helping to improve facilities for education and health care, including water supply, and finding innovative and sustainable solutions to meet local energy needs to minimize the environmental impact of any development. As much food as possible is sourced locally to ensure freshness and minimize food miles while supporting local fishermen and farmers. Fundu Lagoon is especially proud to be providing the local communities with boat transport when medical emergencies arise.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
