Lazy Lagoon

Lazy Lagoon lies in the Zanzibar Channel, offshore from mainland Bagamoyo, the capital of German East Africa and the "Gateway to the Dark Continent". An idyllic Robinson Crusoe Island, the perfect way to start or end a safari. The hotel is built at the tip of the 9 km-long private island of sand, bush and mangrove, still inhabited by wildlife. With airy rooms and wide shaded verandahs furnished with hammocks and deck chairs, the rooms offer beautiful views of the beach.

The 12 self-contained beach bandas feature twin or double beds, with en-suite showers, and the upper loft can be used as a lounge area or a bedroom for children. Room service and complimentary laundry service is available and tea and coffee is provided, as well as towels. A generator is used for electricity until 11 pm.

The swimming pool, bar, restaurant and sundowner lounge are located on the tip of the island, and from a hammock it is the ideal position for watching the sun rise over Zanzibar and set across the sea over the palm trees on the mainland. If sun worshipping, swimming and snorkelling isn't enough, guests can try kayaking to explore the lagoon and mangrove forest, a sunset dhow safari to nearby sand islands and the coral reef, or a visit to the nearby historical town of Bagamoyo. Diving can also be arranged with the nearby diving centre and rates are available on request. Mobile phone reception is available on the island for some networks for guests who want to keep in contact with the outside world.

Lazy Lagoon can be reached by road from Dar Es Salaam, a trip of just under an hour, traffic permitting, and this is followed by a short motor boat trip across the 2 km stretch of sea to reach the island. Traditional boarding methods and an element of shallow paddling may be required to get to the boat. Secure parking is available at the Mbegani Fisheries boat building yard and boat transfers from the mainland are included.

Watch the local fishing fleet move slowly out to sea while waking up to another day of snorkelling over coral reefs, sailing on the Indian Ocean breezes, visiting historical sites, or just soaking up the sun. Wind down to the sight of the returning fleet bringing in the catch for dinner. Just another blissful day at Lazy Lagoon.