Pongwe Bay Resort

4.5 star property
Upscale beachfront hotel with 2 restaurants

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Photo gallery for Pongwe Bay Resort

Beach/ocean view
2 restaurants, breakfast, lunch served; local and international cuisine
Junior Suite | Terrace/patio
Junior Suite, Garden View, Courtyard Area
Private beach, sun loungers, beach umbrellas, beach towels

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • On private beach
  • Bar
  • Gym
  • Pool
  • Room service
  • Spa

Explore the area

Map
10 Pongwe Road, Pongwe, Unguja North Region, 0581
  • Pongwe Beach
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Uroa Beach
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Kiwengwa Beach
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Zanzibar (ZNZ-Zanzibar Intl.)
    ‪76 min drive‬

Room options

Junior Suite

  • 40 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

Family Room, Garden View, Courtyard Area

  • 92 sq m
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 King Beds and 2 Twin Beds

Bungalow

  • 45 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bed

Junior Room, Sea Facing

  • 40 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Junior Suite, Garden View, Courtyard Area

  • 85 sq m
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed and 3 Twin Beds

Suite, Sea View (Master)

  • 60 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

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About the area

Pongwe

Beachside getaway.A stay at this hotel places you within half a mile (1 km) of Pongwe Beach and 6 miles (10 km) of Uroa Beach. Kiwengwa Beach is within 6 miles (10 km) and Marumbi Beach is within 9 miles (15 km).

What's nearby

  • Pongwe Beach - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Uroa Beach - 6 min drive - 6.0 km
  • Kiwengwa Beach - 7 min drive - 6.4 km
  • Marumbi Beach - 17 min drive - 10.7 km
  • Michamvi Kae Beach - 91 min drive - 87.5 km

Getting around

  • Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ) - 76 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Sai marce - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Obama Beach Bar - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Sipano Reastaurant - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪The Island - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Tartaruga - ‬7 min drive

About this property

Pongwe Bay Resort

Upscale beachfront hotel with 2 restaurants
Step outside to unwind on the sand beach. Spend the day at the beach and work on your tan in the sun loungers (chaise longues) or kick back in the shade with free beach club on site and umbrellas. At Pongwe Bay Resort, pamper yourself with a treatment at the full-service spa or have fun in the sun with activities like snorkeling and kayaking.

A free manager's reception is offered daily. There are 2 restaurants and 2 coffee shops/cafes, as well as a snack bar/deli. You can enjoy a drink at one of the bars, which include 2 bars/lounges and a poolside bar. WiFi is free in public spaces. This luxury hotel also offers an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a garden. Self parking is free.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 4.5-star Pongwe hotel.

  • 26 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • 2 dining venues
  • 2 bars or lounges
  • 2 coffee shops
  • Manager's reception (free)
  • Deli
  • Beach lounge chairs
  • Towels for the beach
  • Umbrellas for the beach
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Umbrellas for the pool
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Dry cleaning
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Staff is multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Game room or arcade
  • Pool or billiards table
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Television in lobby
  • Bellhop
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Bar by the pool
Pongwe Bay Resort offers 26 air-conditioned accommodations with safes and hair dryers. Rooms open to balconies or patios. Beds feature premium bedding. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Cribs/infant beds (complimentary) are also available. Housekeeping is provided daily.
Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the hotel's full-service spa. Massages are available on the beach and in the spa; other services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, and sports massages. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy, Ayurvedic, and reflexology.

The spa is open select days. Guests under 16 years old are not allowed in the spa.

Languages

English, French, Italian, Swahili

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Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • Baby toys
  • Children's games
  • Highchair
  • In-room crib
  • Outdoor pool
  • Snack bar/deli
  • Soundproofed rooms

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • 2 bars/lounges
  • 2 coffee shops/cafes
  • 2 restaurants
  • A poolside bar
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Free daily manager's reception
  • Snack bar/deli

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Beach volleyball
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Books
  • Canoeing
  • Free beach club
  • Full-service spa
  • Games
  • Gym
  • Kayaking
  • Library
  • Outdoor pool
  • Snorkeling
  • TV in common areas
  • Water sports equipment

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Handrails in stairways (39 inches high)
  • No elevator
  • Well-lit path to entrance

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Free crib
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Limited room service

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Laptop workspace
  • LED lighting
  • Safe
  • Soundproofed rooms
  • Water-efficient showers

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 5 percent for credit card payments
The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 48 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 5:30 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Free cribs (infant beds)!

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Christmas Eve (24 December) Gala Dinner per adult: USD 80
  • Christmas Eve (24 December) Gala Dinner per child: USD 40 (from 6 to 10 years old)
  • New Year's Eve (31 December) Gala Dinner per adult: USD 100
  • New Year's Eve (31 December) Gala Dinner per child: USD 50 (from 6 to 10 years old)
  • A tax is imposed by the city: USD 5.00 per person, per night

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 5 percent

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a security system, and a first aid kit
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, and cash. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a security system, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • Pool access available from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
  • Reservations are needed for massage services and spa treatments. For reservations, contact the hotel before arrival using the contact information on the booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Pongwe Bay Resort
Pongwe Bay Resort Zanzibar Island
Pongwe Bay Resort Hotel
Pongwe Bay Resort Pongwe
Pongwe Bay Resort Hotel Pongwe

Pongwe Bay Resort Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 61 out of 89 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 23 out of 89 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 89 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 89 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 89 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Margaret

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
Disliked: Room comfort
Finns mer prisvärda
Boendet var okej, väldigt lyhört och otroligt hårda sängar. Förutom de så sprang de runt katter på hotellområdet, de satt vid borden i restaurangen och även på ens grejer runt solstolarna. Skulle jag rekommendera det till vänner och familj? Mest troligt inte, då vi besökt bättre hotell under resan. Däremot var piren väldigt uppskattat av vårt sällskap och vi hängde där mest hela tiden.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Genci

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 10 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Emily

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a great stay at Pongwe Bay Resort! As soon as we arrived we felt taken care of and comfortable. We got to Zanzibar quite late but when we arrived we were welcomed with cool hand towels, our luggage was carried to our room for us, and our bed had beautiful hibiscus flowers laid on it. It was the perfect relaxing getaway! Prices were really reasonable, AC in the room was strong, and they arranged airport transfers for us which was convenient. WiFi was a bit of an issue- we had to go to the front desk in the morning most days and ask for the new password as they had to keep resetting it due to poor connection. The WiFi didn't seem to work in our room either so when we sent messages we had to go the main communal areas. Another small concern was when we wanted to explore the beach during low tide, as there were quite a few locals who would come up to us and try to take us on "tours" to find sea creatures or monkeys etc. They were always friendly and listened once we said we were not interested, but we felt bad always turning them all down. I didn't think it would be an issue since the resort has a "private beach," but we didn't like being followed around so it kept us close to the resort pool most days. Other than that though, we had an excellent time and would be back! :)
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ed

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved our stay at Pongwe Bay Resort. The beach is beautiful, the gardens are so beautiful and the staff is amazing. The east side of the island is so calm and quite which was exactly what we needed.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Hanif

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was our first experience staying on Pongwe beach. The beach isn't comparable to what one gets at Nungwi or similar. It is quite rocky and the tide stays receeded most of the day. The resort was sparsely occupied and therefore very quiet and peaceful apart from Wednesday night when there was loud music until past 3AM at an adjacent property. The service staff were terrrific and catered for every need of ours without complaint or delay. Upendo, Abdallah, Leila and their teams were excellent with their service. The spa on the site is middling and could be much better in terms of the setup, ambiance and hygiene. One peculiar annoyance was that the resort leaves ALL their outdoor lights on at night including the half a kilometre long pier which causes unnecessary light polution which totally washes out the otherwise spectacular skies of East Coast Zanzibar. Even The Club, which is the restaurant on the pier, keeps all its inside lights on all night! That is a waste of power for an island that struggles with its power supply. Food was OK at the resort and we mostly ate at a local shack called Shashas Restaurant a kilometre down the beach. They were reasonably priced but be prepared to pay tourist prices for all food and drinks on this coast.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Pole pole
The atmosphere was grear and all the staff was friedly, excellent. 👍👍👍👍👍
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Simon

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My wife and I spent eight nights in August and enjoyed our stay at the resort. Our bungalow was very comfortable, and if you're looking for a quiet location where you can walk without sandals directly onto the beach, this is the place. The resort does not have fridges or TVs in the rooms to add to the laidback experience. The staff was very professional and assisted us with offsite trips, shopping areas, and arranging transportation. There are two restaurants; both are very good, but our favorite was the one situated on a pier overlooking the water.  Located on the east side of the island, low tide occurs every six hours, meaning you can't swim but can safely walk out almost a mile. The resort has sunbeds on the beach and next to the beautiful pool.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alfred

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was fabulous love every moment of it
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alfred

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was fabulous 👌 love it
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

nadia

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wonderfull place ! Clean and quiet.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect holiday
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ryan

Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anne

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Gorgeous hotel, super relaxing, delicious pool. Staff super nice and helpful. Activities on certain days. Be aware of tide changes but that's across all the island.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Miriam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent
It was excellent vacation, the staff was very friendly and helpful. Everything was good, the room was very clean. Be sure we will return
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Andrea

Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Maricela

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I enjoyed my stay. The staff were courteous and professional. Attentive and were approachable. I enjoyed the atmosphere. The bed was uncomfortable but everything else was wonderful
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Vilde

Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

Viljar

Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

Paseka

Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nanna

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lubomira, San Francisco

Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2021

8/10 Good

Hamza

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

2/10 Terrible

Hasina

Travelled with family
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Worst Place for Family Getaway
The pictures will fool you! This place is filthy with cracked floors, overpriced room rates, beverages and zero customer care!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2021