Fanjove - Private IslandThis wonderful private island with a Robinson Crusoe feel to it is one of our favourite beach destinations in East Africa. Compared to other island alternatives it offers excellent value for money and provides beautiful white sand beaches with an abundance of wildlife. It is one of the few lodges from which you can snorkel directly off the beach and encounter an incredible diversity of marine life. Located about 200km south of Dar Es Salaam and 20km off the mainland coast this island really does have a remote feel. Owned and run by the reputable Selous Safari Company, the standards of service and food are extremely high. This is not a place for people who want an overly refined beach resort but rather for nature lovers who are looking to experience a stunning, unspoiled island escape. The island is uninhabited apart from the staff and guests.
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Highlights
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The LodgeThe property comprises of the main lodge and 6 spacious eco-bandas (meaning ‘hut’ in Swahili) spread out along the beach, allowing guests to enjoy a sensation of being alone on a deserted tropical island. The main lodge area is simple but in keeping with the eco friendly low impact approach of the owners, with an open style ‘makuti’, or palm leaf thatched roof, sand floors and a small bar with a separate raised dining area. The service here is wonderful and as expected the fresh seafood on offer is spectacular. Dining here centers upon fusion cuisine which reflects the multicultural heritage of the region and its numerous influences. Wherever possible, food is sourced locally, enhancing the authenticity of the experience. The simple but welcoming communal area provides the perfect location, after a day of leisure, to enjoy the company of fellow guests if desired and to watch the stunning sunsets while sipping a cocktail or local beer.
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AccommodationThe 6 open style bandas are situated along the beach and strategically placed so guests have exclusive views of the glorious lush vegetation, pristine beach and crystal-clear ocean. While rustic and simple, the bandas are spacious with a four-poster bed, sun chairs on the deck and an ensuite, open-air bathroom discreetly situated in the back. There is a ladder up to the second floor of the bandas which boasts a wonderful day bed, perfect for relaxation and afternoon siestas. The bandas are created with locally sourced material and designed in the likeness of a ‘Dhow boat’, a traditional boat ever present in the local waters. The huts are open to the ocean with makuti roofs and fit seamlessly into their surroundings. Each banda enjoys solar powered lighting and heated water and has a private pathway back to the main area.
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Activities and AdventuresFanjove strikes a wonderful balance between adventure and leisure activities. For the more adventurous it offers scuba diving trips or simply snorkelling off the beach – a stunning experience with 20+ metres of visibility. The white sands also provide the perfect spot for kite surfers depending on the time of year. Kayaks are offered free of charge for guests to explore the island surroundings; try a relaxing sail on a dhow or chance your arm on a fishing trip. For the simple pleasures why not try a picnic on the sand banks at low tide. Above all, Fanjove is the ideal place to relax and enjoy the beach or read a book on the balcony day beds guilt free. Nearly all of the island can be explored on foot and if you’re lucky you might spot an enormous coconut crab climbing a palm tree. Depending on the season one might see humpback whales passing by, dolphins frolicking in the ocean, sea turtles hatching on the beach and any of the thousands of migratory birds resting and feeding on the island before continuing on their onward odyssey. The waters are inhabited by an enormous diversity of marine creatures and due to their eco-friendly approach, the lodge contributes to the conservation of this remarkable and pristine marine environment.
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