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Bokokata
Budapest, Hungary

Barefoot in Pemba

Review of Fundu Lagoon
5.0 of 5 bubblesReviewed 26 Sept 2024
Our arrival at Fundu Lagoon was the most scenic we have ever had. I will not spoiler, go and see it for yourself 😊
We felt truly welcome from the first moment and until our departure.
This was indeed Robinson Crusoe experience mixed with barefoot luxury. We walked for kilometers on the white-sandy beach without being disturbed. At every meter, a beautiful seashell was waiting for us to pick it up (or rather to leave it there for the crabs to claim it as their home).
We would not have missed one single sundowner, since the sunset was a ‘wow’ experience every evening.
Date of stay: September 2024
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ellis flyte, Owner at Fundu Lagoon, responded to this review
Responded 4 weeks ago
I just loved reading your review of your recent stay with us at Fundu Lagoon, as you wrote it in such a way that one could easily imagine everything that you described, so thank you for that.

I particularly appreciated the reference of not taking the beautiful seashells home with you too. As you saw, we are in a very privileged position of having some fantastic wildlife in our midst, and the crabs play an important role in our environment. When I was staying at the hotel myself, I wondered what a constant ‘thud’ sound that I could hear was and discovered a hermit crab doing his/her best to drag its new home along the decking of my tented accommodation, so these shells really do have an important role to play in the everyday life of crabs at Fundu.

I am delighted that you had such a wonderful holiday with us. Thank you again for taking the time to write your review. It is very much valued.

Ellis Flyte (Creator Director)

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The listings of booking offers for each property take into account the compensation paid to us by our partners. Prices shown may be for varying room types. Prices displayed are the lowest available, corresponding to the least expensive room type available, as provided from our partners as of the time of the user’s search.
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      Reviewed 26 September 2024

      We started our 2 week tour of Zanzibar in Stone Town and Fundu Lagoon was our second stop.
      We set off from Stone Town after an early breakfast and were taken to the Zanzibar airport domestic terminal to catch our short flight to Pemba island. The plane was a 12 seater Cessna and a fantastic experience - proper flying! The views were incredible and after around half an hour we touched down in Chake Chake. We had to sign a Pemba visitor register and then were met by the Fundu Lagoon driver who drove us (just over an hour) to Mkoani port.
      We then had to take a speed boat to the resort. This is the bit I was dreading - I hate boats. I explained this to the driver and he let me sit at the back with him (less bumpy) and said he would take it gently ("pole pole"). Everyone else sat astride a central seat, with luggage at the front of the boat. The ride took around 25 minutes (as we were going pole pole!)
      On arrival the the Fundu jetty we were met by the manager and after registering at reception were shown to the restaurant for lunch (it was around 1pm). We had a 3 course lunch and wine (all inclusive) while our luggage was taken to our "room".
      Our room was a fabulous thatched tent set on the edge of the beach with a balcony and steps down to loungers on our own section of beach. This is glamping in paradise!
      There is no air conditioning but several fans and a lovely sea breeze meant it just wasn't necessary.
      Each day there were 3 course lunches and dinners served in the restaurant, delicious breakfasts and cocktails in the Jetty bar while watching the sun set. One night there was a beach BBQ which was amazing.
      We didn't wear any footwear the whole time we were there - there really is such a thing as barefoot luxury!
      One day my partner did a snorkelling trip on nearby Misali island while I lounged by the pool. We also did a tour of the local village (right next door) to understand the local culture and see some spices being grown (modest clothing is a must).
      Most of the staff are from local settlements and some stay in a staff compound behind the hotel. They all said it was a good place to work and the service was impeccable. All the staff here ensure that everyone has a wonderful time and makes the most of their stay. As (almost) everything is all inclusive it's a very relaxed environment. Hakuna matata :)
      The best thing here (as far as we were concerned) was the wildlife. We saw giant millipedes, snakes, land crabs, hermit crabs, monkeys, flying foxes and bush babies.
      Top tip - put some banana on the railing outside your tent. The bush babies will smell it and come by after dark to eat it - right in front of your tent! Be sure to stay up to see them munching away!

      On our way back the speed boat driver remembered me and made sure we went "pole pole" back to port. We were very sad to leave.

      Room tip: kick off your shoes and relax!
      Date of stay: September 2024
      • Trip type: Travelled as a couple
        • Value
        • Location
        • Sleep Quality
        • Rooms
        • Cleanliness
        • Service
      Thank Chocgirl
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      ellis flyte, Owner at Fundu Lagoon, responded to this reviewResponded 4 weeks ago

      Your description of Fundu Lagoon as a “distant paradise” is an excellent choice of words, and I’m so pleased that given your extreme fear of boats, you found the courage to endure the boat ride to the hotel and that it didn’t put you off the rest of your holiday. As you saw for yourself, all our staff ensure that the comfort of our guests is their top priority, so I’m delighted that the “pole pole” approach worked well for you.

      I’m so pleased that you both enjoyed the daily variety of menus that we have on offer to our guests at Fundu Lagoon, and thank you for your kind comments about the impeccable standard of service you received from them, which will be much appreciated. I was also delighted to read that you enjoyed your tented accommodation with your own steps down to your area of the beach. “Glamping in paradise” made me smile – another top phrase of yours!

      It's also wonderful that you had an opportunity to do a village walk. You are correct in that 75% of our staff come from the villages which surround us, and their welfare is an important part of Fundu Lagoon. As I’m sure you saw, we have been instrumental in building a village school and contributing to all sorts of other elements that benefit their everyday lives.

      Whilst it is indeed wonderful that you got to see so much of the local wildlife which surrounds us, we do actively encourage our guests not to feed any of the animals, crabs and birds. Admittedly the bushbabies are very enchanting, but they have been known to whizz in and raid the canape trays during cocktail parties for our guests, so I’m sure that you understand my logic here!

      Thank you so much for taking the time to write your review. I’m thrilled that you and your partner had such a fabulous holiday at Fundu Lagoon.


      Ellis Flyte (Creator Director)

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      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
      Reviewed 12 January 2024

      A little luxury paradise! Fell in love from the moment we arrived - personal service (Hannes the manager is lovely!), great food, fantastic diving…and all on the most incredible eco friendly private oasis. Couldn’t recommend more!!

      Date of stay: January 2024
      • Trip type: Travelled as a couple
        • Value
        • Location
        • Service
      Thank SaraBaker99
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      ellis flyte, Owner at Fundu Lagoon, responded to this reviewResponded 12 January 2024



      Thank you very much for your wonderful review of your very recent stay with us at Fundu Lagoon. I’m delighted that you think it is the best place that you have every stayed and that you appreciated the eco friendly efforts that we do to the best of our abilities on our splendid oasis.

      Hannes will be so pleased that you think he is lovely, and I totally agree!

      With all good wishes to you both for the coming year and thank you again for your recommendation to others who might be considering staying with us – it is very much appreciated.

      Ellis Flyte (Creator Director)
      Hannes Wolters (General Manager)

      Report response as inappropriate
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
      Reviewed 8 December 2023 via mobile

      Fantastic breathtaking diving, brilliant food and excellent spa. A wonderful barefoot luxury experience with wonderful beaches. One of the highlights was the beach barbecue and the private dinner at our rooms. The staff is very professional and personal.

      Date of stay: December 2023
      Trip type: Travelled with friends
      Thank O1263EPwolfgangs
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      ellis flyte, Owner at Fundu Lagoon, responded to this reviewResponded 23 December 2023

      Thank you for your recent review of your holiday at Fundu Lagoon. “Fantastic African barefoot luxury” is spot on, and I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the variety of menu choices on offer to our guests (especially the beach barbeque), along with our wonderful diving opportunities and also our spa.

      How superb that you had a private dinner at your room – that really is special with the stunning beach view right in front of you. An unforgettable moment.

      Hannes and his team will be thrilled to read your kind comments about their professional and personal service.

      Feedback from our clients is genuinely appreciated, so thank you again for taking the time to write your review.




      Ellis Flyte (Creator Director)
      Hannes Wolters (General Manager)

      Report response as inappropriate
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
      Reviewed 3 December 2023

      A beautifully secluded and relaxed resort - we loved the safari style tented accommodation which was in keeping with the rest of our safari. Very friendly and relaxed - partly to do with the fact there are only a small number or rooms, partly the general vibe and partly the style of the resort and the great team hosting there. Great diving school onsite with great dive masters and quality and quantity of sealife to see was also fantastic. A place you definitely want to return to!

      Date of stay: November 2023
      • Trip type: Travelled with family
        • Value
        • Location
        • Service
      Thank jennydaviesswindon
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      ellis flyte, Owner at Fundu Lagoon, responded to this reviewResponded 22 December 2023

      Thank you very much for your kind review of your recent stay with us at Fundu Lagoon. I’m delighted that you enjoyed your tented accommodation and that you had a great time exploring our local sea life with our dive masters.

      It is very kind of you to recommend that Fundu Lagoon is a place where one needs to return to – I agree! Hannes and all of the team will very much look forward to welcoming you back to the resort at a future date.

      Thank you again for taking the time to write your review. It is very much appreciated.



      Ellis Flyte (Creator Director)
      Hannes Wolters (General Manager)

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      Reviewed 24 November 2023

      Where do I start! I've been lucky enough to travel the world since a young age, and stay in some wonderful, luxurious places, but this went above and beyond any previous travel destinations I've been to. I could write pages about this place but don't want to spoil it for those who are yet to go....the care and attention paid to guests by Hannes is second to none and the team he has there with him is fantastic. We were lucky to be staying at Fundu Lagoon during a relatively quiet week, so it really did feel like we were celebrities, with the place to ourselves! The accommodation is stunning, we went on a magical snorkelling trip to Misali Island (you can easily go Scuba Diving too but we were happy with snorkelling) and the food and drinks are delicious. We do have to apologise to the chef and the restaurant team for appearing like we didn't like the food, but we were on anti malaria tablets for the week (worst decision ever) and they made us feel really 'bleugh' so we struggled to eat or drink much the whole time we were at Fundu Lagoon. Such a shame as the daily menus available were amazing. The team were so thoughtful, as they clearly picked up that we weren't feeling well, with ginger being offered to us at every opportunity! Breakfast juice with ginger and carrot (delicious!), ginger tea, even ginger in our cocktails ha ha! The daily sundowners with a perfect sunset every night were a great treat, and you wouldn't believe how much nature there is. Stepping over millipedes, seeing dolphins out to sea, regular visits from the velvet monkeys, and teasing the bush babies out in the evenings with fruit - the cutest visitors ever! Unfortunately the weather didn't behave itself, with more rain than was expected, but it didn't matter. When you're staying at Fundu Lagoon, you really do feel like you've landed on a deserted island and with a good book and a cocktail, you don't even notice it's raining!
      A huge thank you to Hannes and the team at Fundu Lagoon, if ever anyone mentions looking to go to Zanzibar (where we went on honeymoon) we shall certainly say no, you HAVE to visit Pemba Island and Fundu Lagoon.

      Date of stay: October 2023
      • Trip type: Travelled as a couple
        • Value
        • Location
        • Service
      Thank josephineo883
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      ellis flyte, Owner at Fundu Lagoon, responded to this reviewResponded 22 December 2023

      What an incredible review to read of your recent stay with us at Fundu Lagoon – I’m totally blown away by it. Hannes will be particularly thrilled to read your kind words, and I’m delighted that you felt that you were treated like celebrities. Every guest is special to all of us at Fundu Lagoon, and we like to make sure that we look after each person in as special a way as we can.

      Ah yes, the dreaded anti-maleria tablets. Such a shame that you couldn’t indulge in the food menus and just had to admire them from afar, but the same thing has happened to other guests. Some people sail through it, and others unfortunately like yourselves, get a bit of a reaction to the tablets. I’m glad that the team did their best to look after you until you felt better, and a decent set of cocktails always seems to help the situation!

      Thank you for your wonderful recommendation to others who might be thinking of visiting us – it is very much appreciated.

      With all good wishes for Christmas and 2024.





      Ellis Flyte (Creator Director)
      Hannes Wolters (General Manager)

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      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
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