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YOUR HOSTS
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Unguja Lodge has been lovingly built by Ralph Kruidering & Elies Hagedoorn. Together with their 2 kids they moved from the Netherlands to Zanzibar in 2005 with the dream of creating a special place offering adventurous visitors quality and comfort but in a place that makes the most of local materials and local people. The Lodge actively works with the local community. Their current project is to buy equipment for the science department laboratory of the school.
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THE HOTEL
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The Lodge is located at the southern end of Zanzibar in Kizimkazi. Kizimkazi consists of two different villages : Kizimkazi Dimbani to the north and Kizimkazi Mkunguni to the south. Unguja Lodge is situated in Kizimkazi Mkunguni where fishing and rope making are the main activities. The lodge was designed by Ivan Sutila, a recognised Tanzanian architect who has been influential in the design of many hotels in Zanzibar. All of the buildings are made out of coral stones and have makuti roofs woven from palm leaves. Inside the villas you will find traditional Zanzibarian features include a baraza and patio seats made from wood and rope. The lodge is elevated from the beach on a rocky outcrop and access to the beach is down a set of wooden stairs.
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THE SURROUNDINGS
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The flora and fauna of the site are beautiful including some very old mango trees and an impressive selection of baobab trees which are home to birds such as the weaverbird and animals including the very rare red colobus monkeys, black tail monkeys and dik-diks.
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THE FOOD
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Chef Cook Nyerere is in charge of the kitchen. Born in Zanzibar he is an expert on local cuisine...pepper crab is his favourite. Pastry chef Mahadia takes care of freshly baked bread in the morning and tasty deserts after lunch and dinner. They are ably assisted by Mwanaiha and Muntari. If you have any specific dietary requirements Nyerere will be delighted to help.
The Lodge generally has a fixed 3-course menu for the day featuring fresh fish and locally spices and vegetables alternatively served at the table, buffet style or BBQ. Most guests stay on a Half Board basis as there is nowhere to visit in the evenings for dinner. Lunches are very reasonably priced if you happen to stay in the hotel for the day. The Bar has an extensive selection of wines, beers and spirits and snacks are served with sundowners.
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THE BEACH
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It has to be said that the beach at Unguja Lodge is its only weakness when compared to some of the other resorts on the north-east coast. At high tide the water level is such that there is no beach at all. However at other times one can access the beach down the stairway and enjoy a long walk in a southerly direction.
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ACTIVITIES
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Unguja Lodge will appeal to you if you are looking for rest and relaxation. A selection of activities however can be arranged on request including excursions to other parts of the island, snorkelling and dolphin watching, guided tours through the village, etc.
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PADI DIVE CENTRE
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Diving at Unguja is run by the highly regard One Ocean. For full details on diving in Zanzibar please visit their website http://www.zanzibaroneocean.com
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INTERNET ACCESS
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Internet access is available for those who wish to keep in touch with folks back home.
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