Pongwe Bay Resort

Property class: 4.5
Upscale beachfront hotel with 2 restaurants

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Pongwe Bay Resort

A wooden pier leading to a beach with lounge chairs and potted plants.
Creator video
A resort with a swimming pool, thatched-roof structures, palm trees, and a beach view.
A resort with a swimming pool, thatched-roof structures, palm trees, and a beach.
A beach with palm trees, a pier, and a thatched-roof structure.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • On private beach
  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

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

Room options

Junior Suite

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 484 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

Junior Suite, Beach View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 474 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Suite (Master)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Sea view
  • 645 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Family Suite, Garden View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Garden view
  • 915 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds

Family Suite, Beachfront

  • Beach view
  • 915 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 King Beds

You may also like

About the neighborhood

Pongwe

Beachside getaway.A stay at this hotel places you within half a mile (1 km) of Pongwe Beach and 6 miles (10 km) of Uroa Beach. Kiwengwa Beach is within 6 miles (10 km) and Marumbi Beach is within 9 miles (15 km).

What's nearby

  • Pongwe Beach - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Kiwengwa Beach - 8 min drive - 5.1 miles
  • Mapenzi Beach - 21 min drive - 11.3 miles
  • Muyuni Beach - 28 min drive - 14.1 miles
  • Shangani Beach - 55 min drive - 25.5 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪AVO Boutique Hotel - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪The Yoga Bar Zanzibar - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪pool bar @ blue bay - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪The Club at Pongwe Bay Resort - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Zanzibar Rock Resort Restaurant - ‬4 min walk

About this property

Pongwe Bay Resort

Upscale beachfront hotel with 2 restaurants
Some rates at Pongwe Bay Resort are all-inclusive. These rates include onsite meals and beverages, and may include taxes and gratuities. Additional charges may apply for meals at some restaurants, special dinners and dishes, certain beverages, and other amenities.

Step outside to unwind on the sand beach. Spend the day at the beach and work on your tan in the sun loungers (chaise longues) or kick back in the shade with free beach club on site and umbrellas. At Pongwe Bay Resort, pamper yourself with a treatment at the full-service spa or have fun in the sun with activities like snorkeling and kayaking.

A free manager's reception is offered daily. There are 2 restaurants and 2 coffee shops/cafes, as well as a snack bar/deli. You can enjoy a drink at one of the bars, which include 2 bars/lounges and a poolside bar. WiFi is free in public spaces. This luxury hotel also offers an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a garden. Self parking is free.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 4.5-star Pongwe hotel.

  • 26 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • 2 dining venues
  • 2 bars or lounges
  • 2 coffee shops
  • Manager's reception (free)
  • Deli
  • Beach lounge chairs
  • Towels for the beach
  • Umbrellas for the beach
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Umbrellas for the pool
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Dry cleaning
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Staff is multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Game room or arcade
  • Pool or billiards table
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Television in lobby
  • Bellhop
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Bar by the pool
Pongwe Bay Resort offers 26 air-conditioned accommodations with minibars and safes. Rooms open to balconies or patios. Beds feature premium bedding. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Bathrooms include complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Housekeeping is provided daily.
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

Property amenities

Family friendly

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

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

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Beach volleyball
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Canoeing
  • Cooking classes
  • Evening entertainment
  • Free beach club
  • Full-service spa
  • Games
  • Gym
  • Kayaking
  • Library
  • Outdoor pool
  • Snorkeling
  • TV in common areas
  • Water sports equipment

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)
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Well-lit path to entrance

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Limited room service
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Laptop workspace
  • Safe
  • Soundproofed rooms
  • Water-efficient showers

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in is available for a fee
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
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
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

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.

Property payment types

  • Mastercard
  • Visa

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • A tax is imposed by the city: USD 5.00 per person, per night

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

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

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

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

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    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. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, and cash. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a security system, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • Pool access available from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
  • Reservations are needed for massage services and spa treatments. For reservations, contact the hotel before arrival using the contact information on the booking confirmation.

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

How close is Pongwe Bay Resort to the airport?

Pongwe Bay Resort is 29.4 mi (76-min drive) away from the Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Pongwe Bay Resort?

As of Nov 3, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Pongwe Bay Resort on Nov 22, 2026 start from $118, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Pongwe Bay Resort have an airport shuttle?

Pongwe Bay Resort offers an airport shuttle.

How close is Pongwe Bay Resort to the beach?

This hotel is on a private beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Pongwe Bay Resort offer free breakfast?

Pongwe Bay Resort does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Pongwe Bay Resort?

No, there is no casino at this hotel.

What time is check-in at Pongwe Bay Resort?

Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM. A fee applies for early check-in.

Is there free parking at Pongwe Bay Resort?

This hotel offers free self parking.

Does Pongwe Bay Resort have a pool?

Pongwe Bay Resort features an outdoor pool. Guests can enjoy pool access from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Does Pongwe Bay Resort have a restaurant?

There are 2 onsite restaurants, offering options like local and international cuisine, a beachfront location, and ocean views.

Does Pongwe Bay Resort have a spa?

This hotel has a spa, which features mani/pedis, Swedish massages, and facials.

How close is Pongwe Bay Resort to downtown Pongwe?

Pongwe Bay Resort is 0.2 mi away from Pongwe.

Pongwe Bay Resort Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 70 out of 103 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 26 out of 103 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 103 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 103 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 103 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful clean resort with fantastic food and service
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2019
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The food was delicious and very nice staff and quiet environment suitable for complete relaxation
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Overall great experience, calm and quiet resort with excellent overall service, location and amenities
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
From beginning to end, they were most welcoming and hospitable. Fantastic hotel.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I particularly appreciated the friendliness of the staff and the food. The hotel is very quiet and the view is splendid.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wonderfull place ! Clean and quiet.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect holiday
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
good place to relex & have fun on the south east of the island
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect place for a short rest time. Very good food. Resort place there is nothing other - restaurants or village.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, clean and green resort, friendly staff. I only missed a TV in the room.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing staff who were so good. Made traveling with a baby easy.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was fabulous love every moment of it
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beatiful place. Nice and quietly. Kind and smoking staff.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was fabulous 👌 love it
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
A well run hotel in a traditional style with comfortable facilities and great staff. Excellent food. Quiet area near a local village with only a few other hotels and bars around. Nice bay with a walkable beach but limited for swimming due to the tides. Highly recommended for a relaxing quiet holiday. No TV's in room but some nice entertainment in the Restaurant on several evenings per week.
Stayed 13 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Beach is not worth it but property restaurant is very decent. It is meant for a quiet place, so no tv ...could get quite boring. Pool was nice ...for a couple days retreat it’s fine...for a week...not really
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2019
Verified review

8/10 Good

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A great resort. It's very, very beautiful. The architecture, the barefoot concept, the rooms, the beautiful sea view, all the friendly staff. I really liked everything. All the employees were always in a good mood, everyone tried to fulfill almost every wish of me and my daughter. Everyone was always nice, friendly, accommodating, funny, helpful. I really enjoyed it and had a wonderful holiday.
Stayed 13 nights in Oct 2023
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

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
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Worst Place for Family Getaway

The pictures will fool you! This place is filthy with cracked floors, overpriced room rates, beverages and zero customer care!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2021