Client Reviews
Client Reviews
Just what we were looking for. A true beach escape, with amazing fresh seafood and plenty of activities around the island like snorkeling, kayaking, and even a little scrabble. The bandas on the island were breathtaking.
One of the most beautiful place we have been in our life. Simply astonishing ! A secret place far away from anything you have already experienced in the past. A place where all lovers need to go.
Amazingly beautiful experience, lovely atmosphere, very kind staff. Wild and cozy island, dining under the moon, watching the old light house from the beach. Walking on a carpet of hermit crabs, exploring the inside pond and paths, watching the birds migration with the tide changes, swimming with the dolphins, snorkelling literally from the beach shore and enjoying colourful fishes and corals, kayaking. A gigantic pool of fun, fantastic for kids. Wonderful lodging too. Only the trip to get there is worth the experience.
Fanjove island was stunningly beautiful, as promised. For some of the time we were the only guests, and the maximum number of other guests was four, so for a real Robinson Crusoe feel, this place can’t be beaten. We’ll certainly see this as our regular beach destination for relaxing at the end of future safaris. It knocks any destination on Zanzibar, into a cocked hat.
We stayed at Fanjove at the end of our 2 week Honeymoon. We’d deliberated a lot with Africa Odyssey on where to stay. We knew we wanted a beach break, but we weren’t after 5 star luxury, air con, chandeliers or butler service. We wanted an authentic, bare foot luxury experience. And that’s truly what Fanjove is. A tiny island in the middle of the India Ocean with 6 Bandas, a lighthouse, and mile upon mile of the clearest sea you’ve ever seen. It’s a short plane ride from Dar, and as the only passengers on the flight the pilot kindly looped the island for us before landing. After that it’s a short boat ride to our desert island paradise. As the island is still relatively unknown we spent the first night there as the only guests! Hakim truly wowed us with his hospitality. We had an incredible morning dolphin and whale watching, another one kayaking the length of the island, and an incredible afternoon snorkelling just off of the island. The food was incredible, 3 courses at every meal. Each banda has it own stretch of beach, so even if there are more guests on the island, the only time you see them is at lunch time. In front of our Banda was a sand bank, where we’d spend afternoons reading until the tide again. A truly once in a life time experience that will be hard to beat.
What really impressed us was Fanjove island. First of all we would like to thank Scott for suggesting it. Without him we would have never found out about its existence. The hotel is just located in paradise, food was amazing and the staff made us feel very welcomed. We would definitely like to go back.so it's a 5/5 from us!
Then on to Fanjove! What a magical place! We stayed in Banda #1, which we would highly recommend! We felt like we had our own private infinity pool—the Indian Ocean with pure sand bottom right out front of our room! The managers, Laura and Johan, were so welcoming, and the entire staff were very friendly and efficient. The chefs prepared amazing gourmet meals, so pleasingly plated! and the wait-staff were very attentive! The water wasn’t the best-tasting, as it had to be brought in from Songo Songo, but it was filtered and they provided water flasks for excursions and a thermos in the room for us. The snorkeling was good—much better if you went out to the reef. We loved our sails on the dhou! And sun-downers up on the lighthouse was a treat! We didn’t want to leave! Definitely 5 star!!
We loved Fanjove, even though we had slightly dodgy weather. Again, pretty difficult to fault. The couple who ran it – from S Africa/Zimbabwe – were a bit over attentive for our taste – interrupting meals too frequently to ask how our day was etc – but I’m sure that is pretty subjective. I particularly liked the two men who ran the diving/snorkelling/paddle boarding unit.
