Qambani Luxury Resort is a small, boutique-scale lodge on Michamvi Beach, on the quiet south-east coast of Zanzibar, far from the busier resort strips of the north. It is the kind of place travellers choose when they want to switch off: a handful of individually decorated rooms and villas, a long beach with loungers and umbrellas, and a garden setting with a library and a terrace. The rooms have premium bedding, air conditioning, free wifi, a minibar with some complimentary items, an electric kettle and bathrooms with separate tubs and showers, and infant beds are provided at no charge. Dining is intimate and flexible. A restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, a full breakfast is included, and guests often mention that the chef will tailor meals to taste. A poolside bar sits beside the infinity pool, and the spa offers massages. Bicycles can be rented for exploring the villages, and diving, snorkelling, windsurfing and walking and cycling trails are all nearby. Supervised childcare is available for a charge, so families are welcome, though the mood is calm rather than child-centred. The resort is classed at the top of the scale, but check the room types and facilities when you book.
Location and getting around
Michamvi is the sandy peninsula at the south-east tip of Unguja, and the lodge is on the beach itself. Pingwe Beach and its famous restaurant on the rocks are a walk or short ride away, Michamvi Kae and the sunset viewpoint are just a few kilometres off, and Paje and Jambiani, the kitesurfing and village beaches, are a short drive.
The airport is roughly an hour and three-quarters by car, so this is a resort for guests who want to settle in rather than hop around. A round-trip airport shuttle can be arranged for a fee, and taxis can be hired for excursions to Stone Town, the Jozani Forest and the spice farms.
The rooms
With such a small number of rooms, the stay feels private. Each room or villa is individually decorated, so ask which one suits you best, whether you want to be close to the beach, the pool or the restaurant. Rooms are cooled by air conditioning and shaded by a garden, and the bathrooms are large. Wardrobes and a kettle make longer stays comfortable.
Tides and beaches
Like all of Zanzibar’s east coast, the water here is tidal. At low tide the sea retreats far across the lagoon, and at high tide the beach is excellent for swimming. Plan your swims, boat trips and snorkelling around the tide tables, and ask the staff for timings each morning. This is one of the reasons the pool matters so much on the east coast.
Who it suits and what to know: Qambani suits honeymooners, couples and quiet-seeking guests who value service and seclusion over a big resort offer. There is no children’s club, nightlife or large entertainment programme. Only breakfast is normally included, so check what your rate covers and plan dinners.
Pets are not allowed, and parking is free if you hire a car. The long, dry months of June to October and the short dry spell in January and February are the most reliable for sun and calm seas, while the long rains from March to May are quieter and cheaper.
Why stay here
- ✓Beachfront on Michamvi Beach
- ✓Individually decorated rooms and villas
- ✓Infinity pool and poolside bar
- ✓Spa with massages
- ✓Restaurant with free full breakfast
- ✓Bicycle rental
- ✓Garden, terrace and library
- ✓Airport shuttle for a fee
Good questions
Where is Qambani Luxury Resort?+
It is on Michamvi Beach on the south-east coast of Zanzibar, a long drive of around an hour and three-quarters from the airport. A shuttle can be arranged for a fee.
Is breakfast included?+
Yes, a full breakfast is normally included. Lunch and dinner are served in the restaurant, so check your rate and plan the rest of your meals.
Can I swim at any time?+
The east coast is tidal, so the sea retreats at low tide and returns at high tide. Plan swims around the tides, or use the infinity pool.
