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Pongwe Bay Resort

4.5 star property
Luxury hotel on the beach, with outdoor pool

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Photo gallery for Pongwe Bay Resort

Beach/ocean view
Junior Suite, Garden View, Courtyard Area | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk
Junior Suite | Terrace/patio
Exterior
2 bars/lounges, poolside bar

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View in a map
10 Pongwe Road, Pongwe, Unguja North Region, 0581
  • Place, Pongwe Beach
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Nungwi Beach
  • Place, Kiwengwa Beach
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Airport, Zanzibar (ZNZ-Zanzibar Intl.)
    ‪59 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Bungalow

Bungalow | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Bungalow

  • 484 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Junior Suite

Junior Suite | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Junior Suite

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 431 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Junior Suite, Garden View, Courtyard Area

Junior Suite, Garden View, Courtyard Area | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Junior Suite, Garden View, Courtyard Area

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 915 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed and 3 Twin Beds

View all photos for Suite, Sea View (Master)

Suite, Sea View (Master) | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Suite, Sea View (Master)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 645 sq ft
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

View all photos for Family Room, Garden View, Courtyard Area

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Family Room, Garden View, Courtyard Area

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 990 sq ft
  • 3 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 King Beds and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Junior Room, Sea Facing

Junior Room, Sea Facing | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Junior Room, Sea Facing

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 431 sq ft
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Family Suite, Beachfront

Family Suite, Beachfront | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Family Suite, Beachfront

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 King Beds

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About the neighborhood

Pongwe

Located within a leisurely stroll of Pongwe Beach, Pongwe Bay Resort is within a 10-minute drive of Kiwengwa Beach. This 26-room, 4.5-star hotel has a private beach, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants.

What's nearby

  • Pongwe Beach - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Kiwengwa Beach - 8 min drive - 5.1 miles
  • Mapenzi Beach - 21 min drive - 10.9 miles
  • Muyuni Beach - 27 min drive - 13.9 miles
  • Nakupenda Beach - 54 min drive - 25.3 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪The Wok - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Gabi Beach - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪z-lodge zanzibar - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪The Yoga Bar Zanzibar - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Sea Bar @ Uroa Bay Beach Resort - ‬7 min drive

About this property

Pongwe Bay Resort

Luxury hotel on the beach, with outdoor pool
Guests of Pongwe Bay Resort have access to a private beach, a full-service spa, and an outdoor pool. There's free parking and an airport shuttle for a fee. The front desk has multilingual staff that can help with dry cleaning/laundry, tours or tickets, and securing valuables. Other amenities at this beach hotel include a gym, free WiFi in public areas, and coffee/tea in a common area.
Guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Beds are dressed in premium bedding and bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries. Balconies or patios, minibars, and electric kettles are other standard amenities.
Recreational amenities at the hotel include a private beach, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

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.

Similar properties

Exterior
White Paradise Zanzibar
  • On private beach
  • Pool
  • All inclusive
  • Spa
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, 40 reviews
$59 nightly
The price is $77
Dec 6 - Dec 7
Total with taxes and fees
White Paradise Zanzibar

Property amenities

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

Restaurants on site

  • The Club
  • The Club

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

Family friendly

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

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Outdoors

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Garden
  • On a private beach
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • Aromatherapy
  • Ayurvedic treatments
  • Body scrubs
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Detox wraps
  • Facials
  • Hot stone massages
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Reflexology
  • Spa open select days
  • Sports massages
  • Swedish massages
  • Thai massages

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

More

  • 2 floors
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • At least 80% organic food
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
  • Mosquito nets
  • Traditional architecture
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Free crib
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Limited room service
  • Minibar

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

  • Free cribs/infant beds are available

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • Christmas Eve (December 24) Gala Dinner per adult: USD 80
  • Christmas Eve (December 24) Gala Dinner per child: USD 40 (from 6 to 10 years old)
  • New Year's Eve (December 31) Gala Dinner per adult: USD 100
  • New Year's Eve (December 31) 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

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

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

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

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

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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (fees apply). Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards and cash.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a security system, and a first aid kit.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Pool access available from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
  • Reservations need to be made in advance for massage services and spa treatments. Contact the hotel at the phone number listed on your booking confirmation.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

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

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at Pongwe Bay Resort?

Pongwe Bay Resort offers free cancellation on certain room rates. For additional details, look at the cancellation policy on our site.

What's there to see near Pongwe Bay Resort?

This hotel is located in Pongwe within a short 4-minute walk of Pongwe Beach. You'll also find Kiwengwa Beach and Uroa Beach within a short drive.

Is there parking available at Pongwe Bay Resort?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hotel.

Is there a spa at Pongwe Bay Resort?

There is a full-service spa available for guests to enjoy and services include Thai massages, sports massages, Ayurvedic treatments, and reflexology. The spa is not open daily but only on select days.

Does Pongwe Bay Resort feature a casino at the property?

No, Pongwe Bay Resort doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Pongwe Bay Resort?

No, this hotel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool. Guests have pool access between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM.

What amenities will couples enjoy at Pongwe Bay Resort?

There are plenty of amenities for couples at this hotel, including a private beach, an outdoor pool, and a poolside bar.

Does Pongwe Bay Resort have a hot tub?

No, this hotel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Pongwe Bay Resort feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, Pongwe Bay Resort has 2 restaurants, and serves breakfast for a surcharge.

Will Pongwe Bay Resort allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Pongwe Bay Resort.

Are there connecting rooms at Pongwe Bay Resort?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

How far is the airport from Pongwe Bay Resort?

The closest major airport to Pongwe Bay Resort is Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ), which is 29.4 mi away (76 minutes by car).

Can I book a room with a balcony at Pongwe Bay Resort?

Yes, every guestroom at Pongwe Bay Resort comes with a balcony with some featuring ocean or garden views.

Does Pongwe Bay Resort have a wedding venue?

Take advantage of the wedding venue at Pongwe Bay Resort if you plan to say "I do" during your trip.

Reviews

Pongwe Bay Resort Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 64 out of 96 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 26 out of 96 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 96 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 96 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 96 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Saleem

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

waleed

Traveled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Worst hotel i have seen in zanzibar Not clean Very old No water in the room Extremely expensive pricses
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marquisette

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The resort is quiet and an escape to relax and renew.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hitendra

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Margaret

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

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Traveled 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

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

10/10 Excellent

Emily

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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 traveler

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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

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