Fanjove Island

Fanjove Island is off the Tanzanian coast, south of Dar es Salaam. It is a part of the Songo Songo Archipelago.

To reach Fanjove Island, guests first fly from Dar es Salaam to Songo Songo via Mafia Island. Coastal Aviation flies twice daily with a flight time of 50 minutes. From the airport of Songo Songo, there is a short vehicle ride to the coast followed by a 45-minute boat trip across to Fanjove Island.

Fanjove Island has high humidity and warm waters of 28°C with excellent visibility and incredible diving and snorkeling. The months from June to October tend to be hot and dry, with temperatures from 16˚C at night to 35˚C during the day.

In this part of Tanzania, the short rains occur during November and December, followed by springtime on the island. Plant life, flowers, insects, and colorful birdlife are present. Temperatures range between the high 20s and high 30s, sometimes even low 40s, from November to March. The lodge is closed during the season of the long rains, from mid-March to May.

The ten beach villas –bands - are positioned by the seashore, constructed with reverence for the fragile, beautiful environment. The A-framed bands are open at the front, with uninterrupted ocean views – even better enjoyed from the upstairs balcony.

Natural materials such as sustainable wood, Mukti (palm leaves), and thatch minimize the environmental impact. Simple, stylish, and comfortable, the accommodation provides the perfect base from which to explore the island, shores, and seas.

Fanjove Island accepts children six years and over (international bookings) and ten years and over (resident bookings). There is a limit of two children (between 6 and 11 years) at any time.

Yes, but it is essential to notify us when making your booking due to our remote island location.

No, the tap water is not safe for consumption at Fanjove Island. Bottled mineral water is safe for drinking and brushing your teeth.

No, the tap water is not safe for consumption at Fanjove Island. Bottled mineral water is safe for drinking and brushing your teeth.

Yes, Fanjove Island is a safe place to stay. All ‘bandhas’ are equipped with a wooden box/safe for keeping valuables.

Due to its island location, there are no ATMs or banks on Fanjove Island. You should bring some cash. Any bills/invoices can be paid in cash in US Dollars (only those printed from 2009,) Tanzanian Shillings, Euros, or Pounds Sterling. Bills can be settled by credit card (Mastercard, Visa, Amex, JCB) or Mobile Provider Payment Facilities such as Mpesa or Airtel Money. A 5% surcharge applies to any non-cash settlements.

Solar panels provide power at Fanjove Island. In each banda, guests have lighting, a fan, and wall sockets (British three-pin style) for charging small appliances. Please note that hairdryers and other high-consumption electrical appliances cannot be used. Please also note that there is minimal mobile phone signal (AIRTEL is the best network).

The island location activity means that any activities offered at Fanjove Island depend on the weather conditions.

The provision of first-aid kits and radios accompanies all activities. Life jackets are available for adults and mandatory for small children for water-based activities. Activities available include snorkeling (from shore or boat), kayaking, SUP, walking, sand bank trip, sunset dhow trip, and dolphin/whale watching excursion.

Other activities available (at extra cost) include scuba diving (note that a PADI certificate is required) and fishing. Please ask about the cost when you arrive. Please book on arrival; a level of ability is required for some activities. Guests can take the Fanjove nature trail.

The rates at the Fanjove Island include full room and board, filtered water, tea/coffee, and laundry service (please note that we cannot launder underwear, but we can provide guests with washing powder).

Excluded from the rates are: all drinks, conservation and concession fees, gratuities, and medivac insurance. Guests can choose an all-inclusive holiday for a drink supplement (currently US 40 per person per night). This includes all drinks except premium brands and champagne. Please ask your tour consultant to include this when booking (please note that this option is not available for residents or expat guests).

Light aircraft impose a very strict weight limit of 15kg/33lbs on all flights in Tanzania. Softshell bags are required on these flights. Suggested items to pack are:

• Casual beach wear, preferably cotton, because of the heat/humidity.
• Light shoes/flip-flops (the sand is often too hot for barefoot walking).
• Swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen with a high factor, wide-brimmed sunhat, binoculars, bird books, camera equipment with sufficient memory capacity, and the waterproof cover/ziplock bag.
• Perhaps an underwater camera, plug adaptors (a British three-pin plug is required), basic first aid kit.