After being partly kept awake by some very loud bushbabies during the night, and spending the morning recovering, we departed Pongwe after lunch for our final destination on Zanzibar - Fumba Beach Lodge, on the other side of the island, in fact at its southwest tip. Although somewhat larger than either Echo Beach or Pongwe, Fumba has three sandy beaches over which to spread its guests, together with its Siri beach, a perfect honeymoon hideaway, set on the edge of the resort and not found by most visitors.

The Lodge has 26 bandas set in beautiful gardens and shaded by baobab and palm trees. There are 20 deluxe rooms with en-suite bathrooms and private terraces, together with 4 luxury suites each with en-suite bath, open air shower, and a private roof terrace. For the ultimate in luxury there are the 2 'Baobab' suites. Surprise, surprise: this is where I was booked to stay! These beautifully furnished () suites are built into enormous old baobab trees () and have open air en-suite facilities with bath and walk-in shower (), plus private verandas with seating and hammocks, together with private steps down to the beach below (), below, although not to be attempted when the tide is in (), below.

     

Within the main communal area there is an infinity pool with sunbathing area (), and close by is the Dhow Bar which is constructed from an authentic Zanzibarian dhow.

In addition to its several beautiful beaches (), below, the Lodge's communal areas are plentiful and very nicely furnished (), below, altogether an excellent place to stay, albeit with much more going on than at our two previous stops.

     

Thus Fumba Beach Lodge also has its own spa centre offering massage and beauty treatments. The centre is built around a baobab tree and boasts a Jacuzzi on a platform in the tree overlooking the gardens and with views of the Indian Ocean. The lodge also has a fully equipped PADI dive centre run by qualified staff (). Diving trips are run daily to the surrounding reefs, and a full range of PADI diving courses is available.

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