To celebrate newly married life, I was lucky enough to embark on an island-hopping honeymoon, combining two islands off the east coast of Tanzania. My first stop was the idyllic jungle retreat of Fundu Lagoon on Pemba Island. A common misunderstanding is the geography of these Indian Ocean isles, with most people thinking that Zanzibar is a one-island wonder. Zanzibar is in fact an archipelago of islands, the two largest being Unguja (most commonly known as Zanzibar, home to UNESCO World Heritage site Stone Town) and Pemba. In order to get to Fundu Lagoon, we flew to the main airport in Zanzibar, located on Unguja. We had a few hours to kill between flights, so hopped in a car to Stone Town where we enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Beach House restaurant, before our onward 30-minute light aircraft flight to Pemba. From the airport, it’s a 50-minute drive south west to Mkoani port, followed by a 15-minute speedboat journey. This might seem like quite a trek, but the journey really completes the Fundu story. Driving through villages and towns, you’ll catch a glimpse of Pemba Island life; cloves and spices drying on the roadside, fruit stands laden with freshly fallen goods and families going about their daily routine. Once on the water, you’ll speed past dense mangrove forests tumbling down into the ocean, perfectly setting the truly tropical scene in which Fundu lies. Beyond the sun-soaked loungers, infinity swimming pool and sumptuous spa menu, there are so many things to see and do at Fundu. Here are a few of my honeymoon highlights…

Misali Island

Misali Island is a protected marine park, just off the coast of Pemba, 15 minutes by boat from Fundu Lagoon. The reef surrounding Misali is sought after by divers worldwide, offering an abundance of marine life, vibrant corals and warm waters. Snorkelling is also fantastic here and can be enjoyed straight from the beach at high tide. Keep an eye out for pods of spinner dolphins as they pass by feeding and playing amidst the ocean current, feel the warmth of the Tanzanian sunshine and enjoy a delicious picnic lunch served by the Fundu team.

Sundowners at the jetty bar

It’s no coincidence that happy hour at Fundu’s jetty bar runs from 6-8pm. Boasting one of the best sundowner spots I’ve ever seen, these magical hours should be spent side by side with your loved ones, cocktail in hand. There is simply nowhere better to be. My personal top tipple was the Dawa cocktail. Dawa means medicine in Swahili, which to me seemed an ironic namesake as it was so delicious – unlike any medicine I’ve ever had! A truly heavenly mix of local Pemba honey, fresh lime and spiced rum.

Starlit nights and sunrise delights

You’ll be staying under canvas at Fundu Lagoon, as each room is a beautifully structured, spacious and comfortable tented room, complete with a private en-suite bathroom and large driftwood deck. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, book into an oceanfront villa or room 11, the beach suite, and leave the front curtain open at night. You’ll drift off to sleep with the view of a star-studded sky and wake to a dazzling crimson sun, rising directly in front of your villa.

Low tide beach walks

As the tide gently rolls out twice a day, take to Fundu’s sparkling white beach which runs for nearly two miles at low tide. Grab a pair of binoculars to spot egrets, rollers, swifts, stalks and herons – to name just a few! Mangroves spill out of the jungle for as far as the eye can see. Monkeys play in the canopies above and scan the shoreline for fallen nuts and seeds. Crabs scuttle back and forward in sync with the lapping water and frangipani, hibiscus and wildflowers bloom amidst the lush tropical backdrop.

 

For more information on the fabulous Fundu Lagoon, I’d be delighted to share more about my stay, or you can speak to one of our Africa experts. We combined Fundu Lagoon with Fanjove Island in the southern Songo Songo archipelago. The combination of these two rustic outposts made for the perfect Robinson Crusoe inspired island-hopping honeymoon.

Share

Find your truly unique honeymoon


let our experienced team help create your perfect trip

Love where you go

"Travel is all about experience. It’s the people, places, locals and landscapes which inspire us every day"

Love where you go

"Turquoise is all about putting the passion and glamour back into the travel experience. Love where you go"

Love where you go

"Holidays to Jamaica give you everything you could possibly wish for. Perfect beaches, crystal clear waters, relaxation and thrill seeking day trips.’"

Love where you go

"Vietnam is such a diverse country: from its vibrant cities and fantastic food scene to its iridescent beaches."